Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from The Rookie season 7, episode 16, “The Return.“Unfortunately,The Rookieseason 7 is falling back into a downward trend, as"The Return” is certainly among the show’s bottom-tier episodes.Towards the middle of season 7, it seemed like ABC’s police procedural was getting back on track and reminding us what made it so special in the first place. AsThe Rookieseason 7 nears its end, though, the episodes aren’t getting better; they’re only getting worse.
ABC renewedThe Rookiefor season 8 ahead of its season 7 finale.
The Rookieseason 7,episode 16 is full of cringeworthy moments.From the over-the-top influencers to Lucy and Seth’s interactions, I was consistently tempted to turn away from the screen to avoid secondhand embarrassment (and don’t get me started on every officer “shunning” Seth by standing up and turning their backs on him all at once). Of course, not all of “The Return” is bad. It contains some memorable moments, like Miles' reaction to Seth’s return and how Nolan handles his new rookie. However,whenThe Rookieairsafter the much-superiorWill Trent, it’s difficult not to compare the two and notice the former’s shortcomings.
The Rookie Brings Seth Back Just To Send Him Right Back Out The Door
The Ending Of Seth’s Story Isn’t Satisfying
Seth’s return inThe Rookieseason 7, episode 16,could’ve been handled much better.It previously felt like the show was setting Seth up to be a villain,and instead, the writers brought him back for one episode to “redeem” his character and then senthim right back out the door. Seth could still return in the future, and he should just soThe Rookiecan fix his storyline. After “The Return,” though, Seth can’t be an antagonist.
Meanwhile, Nolan’s scenes with Seth prove why he was meant to be a TO (and why he needs a permanent new rookie).
If the writers want to give his character full redemption, he needs to earn it, andone episode doesn’t give us enough time to soften towards Seth.Yes, he saves Nolan’s life in season 7’s antepenultimate episode. But that makes us briefly feel bad for him; it doesn’t make us want to see more ofThe Rookiecharacter.
Two good things arise from Seth’s return inThe Rookieseason 7, episode 16— it ignites growth in Miles' character (who viewers will see more of in season 8 afterThe Rookiepromoted Deric Augustine to series regular) and demonstrates Nolan’s strengths as a TO. Miles is torn about his former friend coming back. One of the interactions between Miles and Seth even results in a physical fight, but with Tim’s help, Miles comes to terms with his mixed feelings. Meanwhile, Nolan’s scenes with Seth prove why he was meant to be a TO (and why he needs a permanent new rookie).
The Rookie Season 7 Continues Ignoring Chenford’s Real Issues In Episode 16
Tim & Lucy’s Difference In Rank Isn’t What’s Keeping Them Apart
Seth’s return isn’t the only thing thatThe Rookieseason 7, episode 16 gets wrong; it also botches Tim and Lucy’s storyline. Since the couple’s breakup in season 6, the show has been working towards them rekindling their romance. However,as of “The Return,” Chenford hasn’t earned their reunion.They need to discuss their real problems and why they broke up in the first place (whichTim and Lucy sort of did inThe Rookieseason 7, episode 15, but that conversation mostly happened offscreen and while they were both high on drugs).
Tim and Lucy keep saying she isn’t taking the sergeant’s exam to get back together with him. They claim it’s good for her career, but the sergeant’s exam is only mentioned when someone implies it’ll helpTim and Lucy’s reunion inThe Rookieseason 7. Episode 16 continues this trend, with Lucy taking the test and Tim wanting to “celebrate.“They never confront the reasons why they broke upthroughout the hour. Hopefully, this (sober) discussion will come beforeThe Rookieseason 7 ends, but based on precedent, we shouldn’t expect much on this front.
New episodes ofThe Rookieseason 7 air Tuesdays at 9pm ET on ABC.
The Rookie Season 7, Episode 16
The Rookie follows John Nolan, a small-town man who embarks on a new career as an LAPD officer after a life-changing event. As the force’s oldest rookie, Nolan faces skepticism from superiors who view his pursuit as a midlife crisis.
