Some characters take seasons to leave an impression, and others manage to do it in a single hour.
This week’s television delivered a powerful mix of breakout performances, emotionally devastating losses, and long-overdue character growth.
From Marshals to Will Trent, dive into our Characters of the Week.
Garrett – Marshals
Do you know what’s fascinating about Marshals? Somehow, a character who comes out of nowhere manages to resonate more in a single episode than others have since the premiere.
That’s not a slight against the rest of the cast, but rather a testament to how layered Garrett is right out of the gate.
It’s also high praise for Riley Green, who makes his acting debut during Marshals Season 1 Episode 8 with a gripping, nuanced, and quietly powerful performance that proves he has more than one talent in his arsenal.
Garrett appears as this embattled veteran haunted by some shared experience he, Kacey, and Pete have undergone, and it’s Garrett who is truly wrecked with PTSD so severe that it feels palpable even for viewers.
One of the most powerful moments comes from his conversation with Kacey about mental health. It feels raw and authentic, especially for two men who embody a kind of stoic masculinity that rarely allows space for vulnerability.
Garrett outlining so much of his journey as a man truly struggling with his memories, a sense of displacement, an inability to feel connected or grounded, or even reach a baseline of happiness anymore, is riveting.
His self-awareness of just how destructive he can be to himself and those around him because of his battles is, too.
Garrett is a walking open wound in many ways, a bit broken, but he seemingly has a resilient spirit that lures you in, and, of course, leaves you wanting more.
The GBI & APD – Will Trent
There wasn’t a way to select one character because Amanda touched everyone’s lives, and each character grieved her differently, making us cry on Will Trent Season 4 Episode 16.
The captain rarely stands out, but leading that prayer while everyone carried Amanda’s body reminded me of a respectful, formal funeral. They came through the ranks together, and it was a beautiful tribute.
Our hearts broke for Evelyn Mitchell because her grief was so emotional. We’ve laughed and cried with her and Amanda over the years, and it hurt in that final goodbye.
We weren’t surprised, but it still stung that Faith and Will didn’t grieve together. Will felt like he had lost the only mom he’d ever had.
Amanda’s death only cemented his dark path and need for revenge since she’s no longer here to center him. It gives Ramón Rodríguez Emmy material, but is it really necessary?
I’m unsure if Ormewood’s advice that Will stay true to himself will be enough. Almost everyone was more concerned about Faith, since Amanda was basically her aunt.
Faith tried to be strong, but her best scene was breaking down and telling her son that she needed him.
Amanda’s Legacy lives on in this team and family.
Sam Maroun – Law & Order
Sam finally got her chance to shine when she prosecuted a case on her own. It’s a shame it only happened since Nolan was gone. I’d like the team to always trust Sam.
Sam dealt with her hardest case when she went up against her mentor, Abigail. The case was messy and complicated, but that’s the way we like them.
Sam tried to prove that Ann Merrick (Kelli Williams) killed her protege, who had been given her job, and Ann killed her in an angry rage with scissors.
Abigail tried to convince Sam to plead the case down to manslaughter, calling it a case of Extreme Emotional Disturbance.
She implied that Sam owed her this win, and their toxic mentorship paralleled the case. It troubled Sam how many similarities there were, and that she had to stand up to someone she once trusted.
I loved that Baxter encouraged Sam to use the witnesses and evidence she acquired and reminded her that real mentors would never harass her.
Sam truly showed her strength, and hopefully, we’ll see more of this growth.
Greg – Boston Blue
There is nothing more dangerous than a parent attempting to save their child.
And Greg is emblematic of that during Boston Blue Season 1 Episode 16. Jefferson White is a great actor, and anytime he guest stars in something, it’s a guaranteed strong performance.
This was no exception, because Greg was a character whom you truly sympathized with, despite the circumstances he put himself in by holding a hospital hostage in a desperate attempt to save his daughter.
The storyline itself was as redundant as it could be, but Greg was such a layered character.
One moment, your heart ached for him, and the next, he was utterly terrifying and infuriating. A bomb potentially taking everyone out because of his daughter? How horrific!
But it was the range of emotions he exuded throughout the hour that made him such a compelling character on the series, even if he wasn’t always a likable one.
The dichotomy of him desperately trying to save a life, and recognizing that losing his daughter would be irreparably damaging to his mental health and will to live, all the while effectively traumatizing and posing a threat to other lives, made him interesting to watch.
Over to you, TV Fanatics! Did your faves make the list? Do you have any suggestions? Sound off below!
High Potential Season 3 theories unpack Roman, Morgan, Karadec, Nick Wagner, Willa, and Lucia twists with shocking unanswered mysteries.
Emotional payoff, growth, compelling arcs, our Characters of the Week delivered. From Doc and CIA to NCIS: Sydney and The Pitt, check it out!
If Martin loses his license on Best Medicine Season 2, Port Wenn has seven chaotic career alternatives ready and waiting. Let’s discuss!
Seven Apple TV shows that prove limited series can hit hard fast, delivering powerful stories without needing multiple seasons to shine.
We have a full list that needs reading because our Characters of the Week span broadcast, streaming, and cable, from Outlander and Shrinking to NCIS: Origins!
TV Fanatic is searching for passionate contributors to share their voices across various article types. Think you have what it takes to be a TV Fanatic? Click here for more information and next steps.