The Rookie: Who's Coming Back? Who Should Stay Gone?!
The Rookie has captivated audiences with its fresh take on the police procedural genre. Following rookie cops as they navigate the challenges of law enforcement has proven to be a winning formula, especially with a strong ensemble cast. Characters like John Nolan, Angela Lopez, Wade Grey, Lucy Chen, Tim Bradford, and Nyla Harper have become fan favorites.
However, with seven seasons under its belt, The Rookie has seen its fair share of characters come and go. While some departures were amicable, others were shrouded in controversy. This raises the question: Which past characters deserve a return, and which ones are better left in the rearview mirror?
Characters We Want to See Back
One character whose return would be particularly welcome is Talia Bishop. Bishop, played by Afton Williamson, was a significant presence in the first season. Her sudden departure, following allegations of bullying and racial discrimination on set, left a void in the show. If Williamson were willing to return and could be assured of a respectful and supportive environment, bringing Bishop back would be a powerful move.
Characters That Overstayed Their Welcome
On the other hand, some characters' returns felt forced and ultimately detracted from the show's overall quality. Rachel Hall, Tim Bradford's former love interest, is a prime example. Her reappearance in season 7 felt random and irrelevant, adding little to the existing storylines and failing to reignite any meaningful connection with Tim or Lucy. Some fans also feel the attention to the 'Chenford' relationship overshadows other interesting characters, such as Angela Lopez and Wesley Evers.
As The Rookie heads into its eighth season, the writers face the challenge of balancing nostalgia with the need to move forward. Bringing back beloved characters can be a great way to reward loyal viewers, but it's crucial to ensure that their return serves a purpose and doesn't come at the expense of the show's overall narrative.
Ultimately, the success of The Rookie lies in its ability to create compelling characters and storylines. Whether it's introducing new faces or revisiting old ones, the show must continue to prioritize quality and authenticity to keep audiences engaged.