Let's Talk About Will Trent
With Nikki Payne!
Hey all!
This week we have a special guest. One of my favorite people in the world, romance author and professional remix artist of all things Jane Austen, Nikki Payne, is dropping by the Substack.
If you don’t know Nikki, you’re gonna need to fix that. Nikki and I originally met when I was selecting a mentee for Pitch Wars, a writing competition that, like many other things, used to exist. When I read her submission I knew right then and there I would be asking her to blurb my books before long because her writing was just that good. On top of remixing Jane Austen, she’s a PhD in anthropology who works at the White House. She’s keeping her kids and Joe Biden alive. Find her at nikkipaynebedoingtoomuch.com. Her joke, not mine. I am in the market for the t-shirt, though.
Here are her books: Pride and Protest and Sex, Lies, and Sensibility.
But enough about how great she is. Onto the man we both love. And I’m not talking about either of our husbands. Sorry Terrell and Heath. You’re cute and all, but . . .
Lately, Nikki and I have been late-night texting about our love for Will Trent, the hottest detective currently on TV, not including Jessica Fletcher. I’m going to give her a lifetime achievement award. Will, played by Ramon Rodriguez, gets the Oscar this year.
Here is my hard-hitting interview with Nikki.
How do you feel about Will Trent?
SIS....Sis, Will Trent. He's this incredible mix of vulnerability and intelligence that you don't often see in TV detectives. His character feels so real, especially with his struggles with dyslexia. It's refreshing to see a character who's not just another tough cop but someone with depth and a heart you can't help but root for.
Why is Will Trent the hottest man on TV? Or is he?
He👏🏾 is! Will Trent dresses for a New England winter, even in the deep South, and that just adds to his charm. There's something so endearing about his vulnerability and intelligence. He sounds like a hug and probably makes pancakes for you in the morning.
Are you taking any romance lessons? Mystery lessons? Sweater lessons?
I'm definitely taking some romance and mystery lessons from "Will Trent." The way the show balances the romantic subplots with the overarching mysteries is masterful. And those sweater lessons? For sure! Will Trent's sweater game is strong, and it's something to aspire to.
Has dyslexia ever been hotter?
No, it hasn’t! Will's dyslexia adds such a hot layer to his character, making him even more ingenious. It's a vulnerability that's relatable, and it makes him all the more endearing. I want to hold him to my bosom.
What’s your favorite subplot?
All things Amanda! Amanda Wagner is such a compelling character. Her no-nonsense attitude combined with her deep compassion makes every scene she's in shine. I love watching her navigate her relationships and professional challenges.
Who are you shipping?
I know I'm often alone in my ships, but I love shipping Will with his partner, Faith Mitchell. They have such an intriguing dynamic. And Amanda? I ship her with anyone who can keep up with her brilliance, whether it’s that woman in records or someone new. Amanda deserves someone amazing! I'm shipping Will and his high school sweetheart, too. And somehow Ormewood and her as well. I'm sick.
Nikki is not kidding. See text conversation from 4/19/2024 as evidence.
A brief intermission from Nikki’s interview while we’re on the topic of Faith Mitchell. Pausing to suggest that someone cast the actress who plays Faith, Iantha Richardson, as Nora for the movie version of Sex, Lies, and Sensibility. Hollywood, get on this please—a movie, Iantha starring. Go!
Now, back to the interview…
How much do you love/hate Amanda?
I absolutely love Amanda! She's tough, smart, and has this no-nonsense compassion that makes her so compelling. There's nothing to hate about her; she's a strong female character who commands respect and admiration.
How have your feelings about Michael Ormewood changed since his wife left him?
Okay, Dead Wife, Black Wife, Missing wife. As always, the wives are doing character work. Ormewoods's wife is doing some heavy lifting because now I care about whether he can French braid. Michael Ormewood has definitely become more complex now that his wife has left him. We see different sides of him, and it's interesting to watch him strive and grow through his struggles. He’s become a more layered character, and it’s made him more compelling to watch.
Once again, Substack is telling me that my post is too long so I’m gonna wrap this up.
Nikki, thank you very much for stopping by and talking Will Trent! Remember that my only resolution for 2024 was to meet you in person. Prepare yourself to be mildly bored. My middle daughter recently informed me that I’m not that fun.
Everyone reading this, watch Will Trent. According to my middle child, the final episode of the third season is airing today. Also, don’t be stupid. Go buy Nikki’s books.
xoxo
Sam
"I want to hold him to my bosom" IM CRYING