An Unwanted Homecoming

As the sun shines brightly on the Peach State, we’re back on the busy streets of Atlanta following the GBI as they solve crime and examine their traumas.

Picking up from the aftermath of the second season’s cliffhangers, the third season premiere, “I’m a Guest Here,” finds the GBI adjusting to investigations without the help of Will Trent. Difficult at first, everything has started to fit into place–that is, until the team is called in to search for suspects when one of their own is murdered.

The story starts by focusing on how things have moved on in Will Trent’s absence. His sudden disappearance has caused ripples everywhere you look, but most notably at the GBI. Their ability to function at full capacity appears to only work on the surface, and it is quickly noticeable how Trent’s unique capabilities were the glue that held them together. All is not lost, however, as series stable Faith has stepped up to the plate.

Unlike everyone else at the GBI, who seem to be tripping over their own feet, Faith has shown herself to be every bit as capable as Will, despite the chaos surrounding her. She also has a new partner, Ormwood. While they shared a case last season, this episode brings their partnership to a whole new level.

Surprisingly, Ormwood is a good fit for Faith. During the episode, it becomes obvious that they have great, instantaneous chemistry together. In opposition to her partnership with Will, the two have quickly established a dialogue, with scenes showcasing Faith helping Ormwood with his family troubles. Moreover, Ormwood’s fatherly side is helping Faith manage her diabetes whilst on duty.

Away from the GBI, Polaski is also dealing with the aftereffects of Will’s departure. Since her arrest, life hasn’t been easy for her as she’s had to take a job as a gated community security guard.

Hitting a career rock bottom, she’s looking to work her way back up, and through the episode, it’s clear she still has friends in the force. She and Ormwood are still friends, and they share a touching moment where she reveals that Crystal’s death has stopped her from falling off the waggon.

While Faith, Ormwood and Polaski have seen major changes in their lives, they pale in comparison to Will’s, who is most affected by his own departure.

Hiding out in Tennessee, it is Amanda who eventually convinces him to come in from the cold. Their less-than-pleasant reunion reveals what many might have suspected about Will’s quick getaway. Staying to see the love of his life arrested would’ve broken him, and he needed to leave to save himself. His choosing of a remote location is an obvious subtext to his need to figure things out by himself.

I didn’t run from anything. I did what I had to do.

Will Trent

As he makes his way back to Atlanta and his old life, after some less-than-subtle prodding from Amanda, his unpleasant reunions continue throughout the episode. Nobody is pleased to see him, not even Nico, and it’s going to take more than a halfhearted apology to get back into everyone’s good graces.

What does seem to be treating him well still is case solving and investigating. His personal connection to the case’s main suspect has re-energised his abilities, ultimately throwing a curveball to the case in the closing minutes.

Fast-paced and character-focused, season three’s opener is a story that aims and succeeds in drawing the audience back and engaging with the cast of Will Trent. Starting out with an investigation into a possible cop killer, the premise holds the necessary gravitas to create chaos and new plot lines for the cast as well as give a suitable reason for Will Trent’s return.

I Give I’m a Guest Here: 8/10