After much anticipation, The Rookie finally returned last night for its seventh season. It felt like years (it’s only been two hundred and thirty one days, but who’s really counting?), but we’re back and if last night’s premiere is any indication of how this season is going to play out then we are in for a wild ride.
Overall, this was a great season opening episode, but I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t run my mouth about things that irked me, right? I promise there’s more good than bad, but we’ve got to talk about some things.
First, the explanation we got for Aaron Thorsen’s absence was extremely weak. You’re telling me someone who had the entire world believing he murdered his best friend and still went through the Police Academy and made it through working with Training Officers who doubted him couldn’t handle a few cops knowing that he was one of Blair’s patients? Really? What I do like about this approach is that it leaves room for the character to make a possible return (Aaron Thorsen, we miss you already).
Second, Monica evading authorities means she’s going to be back at some point in the series again. I was hoping we could’ve wrapped that storyline up by the end of last season (Bridget Regan, I love you, but it’s time), guess we can’t all win, right?
Lastly, the “Oscar and Jason escaped prison” storyline is already boring me and I know it won’t be over for another few episodes. Now, to be fair, I could be unfairly judging this one but what’s the real solution for this one when they catch them? Back to prison so they could get another chance? Wrap this one up by episode four, I beg.
Now, enough of the negatives for now (I could say more, but the good outweighs the bad with this one).
FINALLY! The Rookie is going back to its roots with this season premiere. By this I mean they’re back to having three Rookies in the roll call room. Seth Ridley and Miles Penn are introduced as Lucy Chen and Tim Bradford’s new rookies, respectively. This pairing is perfection: Seth is a very “textbook” cop which means how handles situations in the field has to fit what he’s learned from the academy rather than applying what he’s learned to best handle situations. He’s also sensitive (I do mean this in the nicest way possible). The way he explained why he threw up at a crime scene would only get a pass from Lucy Chen. Not because she’s not good at punishment, but she’s more empathetic and could teach him in a way that doesn’t make him feel like a complete screw up. Miles is the opposite – he’s very confident that he knows what he’s doing and completely disregards the handbook. Though technically he’s no rookie to policing (he transferred from Texas PD), he will learn quickly that LAPD is nothing like what he’s used to. This makes Tim Bradford the perfect TO for him. He will correct that behavior in no time and if I’m being honest, I hope Miles keeps testing him because having season one TO Bradford back is heaven.
Oh, another reason to love about Tim and Lucy being training officers together? The banter. I’ve missed the Chenford (Chen and Bradford just in case you’re new here) banter. This bet they have going on to see who could train the better rookie has me seated. I’ll admit I didn’t want Lucy to be a TO because I knew it wasn’t what she wanted for herself, but from what I see so far, I’m going to trust the writers here. It’s giving me season four level of Tim and Lucy banter and trust me when I say she was missed. It was an element they were missing after they got together (argue with a wall on this one) and I love that it’s back. I could only imagine how much better things are going to be between them now that they’re broken up (the tension will be at an all time high ladies and gentlemen).
I did not expect to see a jealous Wesley, but man oh man am I loving it. Angela never gave him a reason to make him feel like he should worry, yet after hearing that one of the detectives has a thing for his wife, Wesley can’t help but obsess over it. Besides Chenford, Wopez (Wesley and Lopez if you’re new here) is one of my favorite couples on the show. They’ve been through a lot these past seasons, and I’m hoping we give them a little peace this season and only enjoy some spice for them. They deserve it!
This episode had just enough going on to keep me wanting more. I loved the pacing throughout the episode – while on shift, things were happening pretty quickly, but then you have the after shift scene where things move a little slower. We see how Tim is tough on the rookies in the locker room, but that tough exterior completely melts when he finds Lucy in the parking lot (the lingering looks they gave each other though?). Then there’s Wesley still thinking about what he discovered earlier in the day and shows a vulnerable side to him when he asks Angela if she's happy (the “with me” was silent). Miles living in his car? I can’t wait to see how he found himself in that situation (man, I really thought I was going to dislike him, but I don’t). Also, Nolan going home and we don’t see Bailey? FANTASTIC! (come on, I had to). We just might be getting the best season yet.
What’d you think of the season premiere of The Rookie? Let me know!
What did you think?
Loved it
Hated it
So/So
Commenti