Embedded Files
April 23, 2025
Jan. 7, 2025, fans of the 2018 TV show “The Rookie” watched as the premiere episode of Season 7 was released. After Season 6 was cut short to only 10 episodes because of the writer’s strike in 2023, many fans became cautious of the quality and timeline of the Season 7. However, when it was announced that the new season would contain 18 episodes, fans’ expectations grew immensely for the quality of the new season.
Behind the scenes shot from Season 7 Episode 5 "Till Death" featuring Officers Celina Juarez (Lisseth Chavez), John Nolan (Nathan Fillion), and Firefighter Bailey Nune (Jenna Dewan) (Photo Credit: @therookieabc on Instagram)
The last episode of Season 6 left viewers longing for more, with unexpected plot twists and turns that, when left on a cliffhanger, made viewers desperate for the seventh season to come out. Season 6 leaves off on a major recurring plot, in which LAFD firefighter Bailey Nune is recovering from her abusive ex-husband, Jason Wyler. Wyler had previously been arrested and sent to prison in the middle of Season 4, but the last episode of Season 6 revealed that he had escaped from prison with the intentions of killing Bailey. The first five episodes are filled with moments of despair from both Bailey and her husband, Los Angeles Police Department officer John Nolan, the official star of “The Rookie.”
Viewers watched as the tensions grew in anticipation of Jason’s appearance, and the ultimate reveal of his motivations and goals did not come as a surprise to most fans. After a thrilling scene where Bailey fought for her life against Jason, his character ultimately came to an end at the hands of a sniper, opening up the show to another vital plotline. The show’s depiction of abuse, both physical and mental, is incredibly sensitive and respectful to victims of domestic violence and abuse. Throughout Bailey’s fight against Jason, she meets people that allow her to be comfortable opening up about her experiences while married to Jason, even meeting Diana, a woman who runs a shelter for previously abused women. Her brief conversations with Diana influence Bailey to be vulnerable with John, showing how they grew from the situation.
Intertwined in the emotional plot with Bailey and Jason’s conflict, a longer lasting storyline emerged. Two new rookies were introduced at the beginning of Season 6; Miles Penn, an ex-football star from Texas, and Seth Ridley, a seemingly innocent trainee with a history of pathological lying. The introduction of both characters at once felt a little bit crowded, as this was the first time since the pilot episode that more than one main character was introduced at once. However, after viewers began to analyze the new characters, it was clear that their parts in the show were going to be incredibly interesting and attention grabbing.
The casting of both Deric Augustine as Miles and Patrick Keleher as Seth was an incredible choice - so much so that fans struggle to separate their characters from the actors. In Episode 10, titled “Chaos Agent,” fan-hated Seth Ridley’s pathological lying caught up to him, and he was officially fired from the LAPD. His final few lines caused fans to believe that Seth will be making another appearance in a later episode, threatening to sue the LAPD for medical discrimination. As of episode 14, “Mad About Murder,” Seth has not reappeared.
Between the major storylines and thrilling aspects in “The Rookie” are many plotlines that address major issues in society today. From Detective Nyla Harper’s goals to create a police reform organization, to the depictions of the LA wildfires in Episode 8, “The Rookie” has progressed along with modern society in its issues and political concerns. “The Rookie” is no stranger to keeping its episodes up to date with modern societal issues - in Season 3, retired character Jackson West faced an incredibly racist training officer, leading to his near-death and the continued addressing of racial discrimination in law enforcement scattered across episodes.
Season 7 Episode 8 "Wildfire"; Detective Nyla Harper (Mekia Cox) and Officers Lucy Chen (Melissa O'Neil) and Celina Juarez (Lisseth Chavez) on a hike that ends in trouble (Photo Credit: @therookieabc on Instagram)
“The Rookie” Season 7 has been an incredible experience to watch so far. Between the depictions of real-world issues that bring awareness to such problems, to the enthralling plot twists and heartbreaking scenes, this season has been a huge step up from the last season. Fans around the world are excited to see how the rest of this season will progress, as well as seasons to come.
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