The Rookie’s Secret Weapon: 7 Bold Plot Choices That Worked

The Rookie Key Art

ABC’s The Rookie, created by Alexi Hawley, which first appeared on screens in 2018, isn’t just another police procedural; it’s a series that has consistently managed to surprise viewers with its sharp writing, engaging characters, and most importantly, some genuinely surprising plot developments. While the premise centers around Nathan Fillion as John Nolan, a man who joins the LAPD in his 40s, the show has skillfully weaved together a number of storylines that keep us invested. Let’s look at some of the key plot points that have defined the series.

Nolan’s Struggles

The first major plot point is Nolan’s initial struggle to be taken seriously as a rookie. He’s not the fresh out of the academy type. He has to work doubly hard to prove himself to his training officer, Sergeant Wade Grey, played by Richard T. Jones, and to the rest of the police force. The series isn’t scared of showing the challenges he faces, from his own self-doubt to dealing with the perception that he’s too old. This constant struggle provides a solid base to the initial seasons.

Chenford

Another key arc involves the bond between Lucy Chen, portrayed by Melissa O’Neil, and her training officer, Tim Bradford, played by Eric Winter. What begins as a rigid and professional dynamic evolves over time, moving into a deeply personal bond. The slow burn of their developing feelings has been a core element of the show and kept many viewers engaged as it ebbs and flows over the course of the series. This is more than a simple “will they/won’t they” scenario as the writers have created a realistic and nuanced relationship that continues to shift and develop. Season 7 is expected to see some serious changes

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Rosalind Dyer

The ongoing threat of Rosalind Dyer, played with chilling precision by Annie Wersching (in her final ever performance on TV before she passed), is another notable development. Dyer, a serial killer, is a recurring antagonist who repeatedly manages to outwit the police, and creates a sense of unease and constant danger throughout. Her presence creates a dark undercurrent, and her story arc stands as a reminder that not all battles are easily won.

Nolan and Russo

The relationship between Nolan and Jessica Russo, a relatively short-lived storyline played by Sarah Shahi, is a good example of how the series manages to inject a sense of realism into relationships. Russo is a federal agent that Nolan becomes involved with but their romance hits a major roadblock when it’s discovered that she is under investigation. This storyline doesn’t have a happy ending, as she ultimately has to leave, showing that not all relationships last, and providing the character with further depth.

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The Kidnapping of Lopez

Another key storyline is when Officer Angela Lopez, played by Alyssa Diaz, is kidnapped in season three. Lopez, who has always been a strong character, is put in an extremely vulnerable position, forcing the rest of the characters to work together to rescue her. This was a pivotal moment that showed how much each character relies on one another. It also displayed how far they have come as a unit as they worked as a team to bring her home.

Nolan’s son Henry

The story arc surrounding Nolan’s son, Henry, as he navigates health problems, adds another layer of humanity to Nolan’s character. It forces Nolan to balance his high-pressure job with his family responsibilities. It reinforces his humanity and the reality of what all those working within law enforcement face in real life. It’s not all chases and criminals, it’s real people with real lives.

Finally the show doesn’t just stick to one set of characters. The integration of new characters like Celina Juarez, portrayed by Lisseth Chavez, creates new dynamics. These additions and the changes that come with them are always important for long running series and The Rookie has handled it well.

The Rookie airs on ABC on Tuesday nights.

Alastair James is the editor-in-chief of Memorable TV, leading the charge in covering today's must-see television. A lifelong television enthusiast, his passion began with a deep dive into the world of classic sci-fi, culminating in his role as editor of "Beyond the Static," a publication devoted to celebrating iconic sci-fi series. While his love for classic television remains, Alastair's focus at Memorable TV is firmly on the present, analyzing the latest trends in the television landscape, from gripping crime dramas to the ever-evolving strategies of Survivor. His insights have been featured in numerous publications. At Memorable TV, Alastair's goal is to provide readers with sharp commentary, engaging reviews, and in-depth analysis of the shows dominating the current conversation.