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Reviews
The Rookie: The List (2023)
Not Bad, but Not Great Either...
This wasn't a bad episode but it definitely wasn't best either. If I thought that the double-date with Ashley and Chris was awkward, that was nothing compared to the beginning of Lucy and Tim's first date.
I don't love the direction the Chenford relationship is going in. I didn't expect them to get together in the way they did (him asking her out like a normal person lol); I thought it'd be more dramatic. The way it's progressing is really sweet, but just not the way I expected.
Best part of the episode?
- The contrast between Bradford's method and Nolan's of asking Juarez and Thorsen if they were dating. Thorsen's reaction and his spiel about the inappropriateness of the relationship if he was her superior office. That was hilarious.
Worst part of the episode?
- The bank robbery case wasn't very creative nor interesting. It was a nice touch that they couldn't identify all of the robbery suspects, but the way it was executed wasn't riveting.
The Rookie: The Collar (2022)
This episode was worth waiting a month for.
Let me first just say that I hated the other episodes that were filmed using cellphone cams, dash cams and security cameras only, but I loved this one. A lot. Something about this episode felt different to those ones but also different to a regular episode (in a good way). This episode was so good that I - a Chenford stan from the first episode - didn't think that their scene was the best part of the episode. Don't get me wrong - it had me cheesing like a love-sick idiot, but the case of the week was so captivating that if that scene at the end wasn't there, the rating wouldn't have gone down for me.
Also, the fact that Celina is staying at Nolan and Bailey's house is a bit weird, but I think it was a necessary storyline for us to fall in love with her character. I'm really loving the Nolan-Juarez relationship. They work together exceptionally well.
Best parts of the episode?
- The case this week was captivating. From the reveal of the first bombing victim to the reveal that there was a second, to seeing everyone work on one case together (which doesn't happen too often), it was remarkable.
- The Chenford scene, of course. I wanted the Tim-Lucy tension to build more before they got together (maybe at the end of season 5) but I'm not going to complain at them getting together within the next few weeks. It was also beautifully filmed. After all of the dash cams, I almost forgot how much I love the usual visuals of The Rookie.
Worst part of the episode?
- I can't really think of a bad part of this episode. It was incredible.
The Rookie: Crossfire (2022)
More Tabin Cordon Please!!
This was such a good episode! I really enjoyed seeing Chen undercover. She's so good at the specific type of character she seems to always has to play.
On the other hand, I don't like how Tabin's storyline ended. I hope we see more of him and that things turn around for the better. It doesn't have to be as big as the Lucy-Tamara storyline, but I'd really appreciate if he and Thorsen make up and have some kind of relationship. I like that duo. He's such an interesting character.
Like last week, I'm loving the Bradford-Thorsen duo. I'm a massive Chenford stan, but I don't miss them riding together at all. I prefer seeing Chen work with Lopez and Harper.
Best parts of the episode?
- Lucy being undercover, of course.
- For some strange reason, I like Elijah Stone (not as a person, but I love his character), so I loved the press conference scene. It was so funny.
Worst part of the episode?
- The wrap-up of the Thorsen-Tabin storyline. That ended in a way I didn't at all imagine. I hope they find a way to turn things around in future episodes (granted that he's not a one-episode character). He and Thorsen have great platonic chemistry and I want to see more of it for sure!
The Rookie: The Reckoning (2022)
Loving the Bradford-Thorsen Duo
I wasn't a huge fan of Celina during her first two episodes, but this one was greatt. I love the dynamic she, Nolan and Bailey have.
I thought I was going to miss Bradford and Chen riding together but he and Thorsen are an ✨elite✨ combination. I want this partnership to continue for a little while because I'm really, really liking it.
Also, I thought that this Elijah Stone storyline would be over. It makes me so nervous for no reason lol.
Best part of the episode?
- The Bradford-Chen storyline. I wish the treasure hunt part went on for longer than two clues, but it was fun while it lasted.
- The Bradford-Thorsen duo. I hope that continues.
Worst part of the episode?
- I hate that they made Wesley a cheater (not on Angela, but still). I loathe that writing choice.
The Rookie: Labor Day (2022)
Missing Chenford, Loving Harper and James
The writers really had THE AUDACITY to give us one 71-second Chenford scene after the banger that was last week's episode? Wowwwwww. I understand that every episode can't be heavy on the interpersonal drama and character/relationship development, but I was a bit disappointed. Not gonna lie.
Also, I was really nervous that Harper's baby would end up being Donavon's since they slept together 6 episodes before she said she was 6 weeks pregnant. I was lookinggggg to see what colour it would be and I'm happy with the results lol. That would've been drama!!!!
It was really nice to see Nolan being able to practice being a training officer. I love Officer Thorsen so I really, really liked that partnership. I'd never even considered what would happen to his training when Harper went on maternity leave.
Best part of the episode?
- "It's a girl." Period. Harper is amazing.
Worst part of the episode?
- Was definitely missing the Chenford action.
The Rookie: Double Down (2022)
My Chenford-Loving Heart is so Full
CHENFORDDDDDD!! What a greattttt episode for Tim and Lucy. I loved every moment of them undercover. I also loved seeing Thorsen again. Seeing a rich Black boy on television makes my heart way too happy lol.
Rosalind is my favourite serial killer ever written on television (and I've watched a tonnnnn of crime shows) so I was so so happy to see her back!! Annie Wersching plays this role so well.
Best parts of the episode?
- Ummm... obviously every scene with Chen and Bradford. No spoilers buttttt... whew. They have so much chemistry it's not even funny.
- The Bradford-Lopez friendship. It feels like they got so much closer after Angela's wedding and I love the fact that the relationship is developing.
- Tamara is easily one of my favourite non-cop characters.
Worst part of the episode?
- I literally can't find a single thing wrong. Everything was amazing. I watched it once, then again right after, took a shower, then came back and watched it again. It was that good.
The Rookie: Long Shot (2022)
Not the Most Interesting, but Not Bad
This wasn't the most interesting episode, but it was still pretty good. We finally get to put a face to the name of Skip Tracer Randy, so that was fun.
Best parts of the episode?
- I love how they didn't make a big deal out of the fact that Chen's father wasn't her biological one. She said it best - "The man who raised me is my dad."
- This Wesley handyman storyline was so funny. I especially loved when he and Sabrina went up to Curtis.
Worst parts of the episode?
- The cases just weren't the most interesting or memorable.
The Rookie: Fight or Flight (2022)
Little Unrealistic, but a Whole Lot of Fun
This was a great episode. The only thing that would've made it better is if Chen and Bradford were working together but I understand why they weren't.
Best parts of the episode?
- I love Leo! I hate that they had to arrest him at the end (although it's obvious why they had to). He was so fun to have in this episode. Was it unrealistic that he learned how to fly a helicopter using a video game? Sure. Was it fun? Hell yes!
- The added pressure of having a time constraint made this a great episode. I loved the whole quest concept.
- This assistant character was great. I kinda wish that we got to see him in at least one more episode. "...and look, I couldn't be any less Hollywood." "Mr. Thorsen. Good morning, sir. I got you your breakfast."
- I love how they use Thorsen's character to empathise with wrongfully-convicted criminals but not in a way that he automatically believes everyone who says they're innocent.
- The James-Wesley pairing is always my favourite. What a treat!
- Cupcake's owner, Murray! He was such a fun character.
- I feel as though we don't get to see Bradford being a sergeant since he's so involved with everything, but him being a leader in this episode was really nice to see.
The Rookie: The Knock (2022)
Awkward but Lovely Double Date
The Chen-Bradford storyline was such a treatttt. Also, I need to make a list of Bones characters who are also on The Rookie. In this episode, we have Gil Bates from Boy in a Time Capsule. I got so excited when I saw him.
Best parts of the episode?
- Bradford and Chen... obviously. The dinner scene was a awkward for everyone else, but for the two of them it was great. I love how well they know each other. Alsooo, did we notice how close they were in that scene where they were deciding what to do? Yes please.
- The case was actually fascinating. I really enjoyed everything about it. The severed hand, Chen and Bradford going up against Chester and ___
- ADA Chris is so cuteee. At first I was annoyed at the fact that they keep giving Bradford and Chen different love interests since they obviously have so much chemistry, but I love both Ashley and Chris, so it's fine.
- Positive Nyla was hilarious. It feels like a version of the storyline they did with Talia but in a better way. That scene when she called him the best cop in the city was hilarious.
- It's always a treat to have Sergeant Grey in the field.
Worst parts of the episode?
- Something is stopping me from giving this 10 stars but I'm not sure what. It was really, really good.
The Rookie: End Game (2022)
Please Get Rid of Jason
I'm so happy that this Jason-Bailey storyline isn't (hopefully) a season-long situation. And this Harper-James bomb? I almost choked when they revealed what was happening. It felt so out of the blue. I most definitely calculated how many episodes were between this one and Halloween and it's exactly six weeks so... whew. Also, they're basically recycling Lopez and Wesley's meet-cute for Chen and this ADA. It's not at all original, but it's cute, not gonna lie.
Best parts of the episode?
- Any episode with Tamara is going to be a good one. I loved how she's been used in these episodes recently.
- Maddox from How to Get Away with Murderrr. Aside from Chen's firefighter ex, he's easily one of the most attractive people I've seen.
Worst parts of the episode?
- I wish the writers would just kill off Jason and get rid of his character for good. I get so annoyed when I see him in an episode.
The Rookie: Heart Beat (2022)
More Wesley-Jason Storylines Please
I got so excited to see Boom Boom from NCIS: Hawai'i!!
I thought they were going to make Chris and Chen a Wesley-Lopez situation. That took an unexpected turn.
Also, there's absolutely no way that is Tim's house lol. Absolutely noooo way lol.
Best parts of the episode?
- I love Ashley. Tim really knows how to pick his girlfriends. I loved Rachel and I love her too. I also really like that Chen likes her. The fact that she's a lifeguard is the most random choice but I love it lol.
- I'm lovinggg this Wesley-Jason friendship. I hope this continues for a while because they're a great pair.
- I always love storylines of criminals who pay other people to do their prison sentences for them so this was pretty interesting. I also really liked that we got to see Oscar again. He's my favourite recurring villain.
Worst parts of the episode?
- I already know that I'm going to hate this Jason-Bailey storyline. That brought it down a star for me.
The Rookie: Breakdown (2021)
Not the Most Memorable, but Still Good
I'm so glad that this Wesley-Elijah storyline is finally over. I was so scared that they'd use it to write off Wesley and I would've hated that.
Best parts of the episode?
- I love seeing Chen and Genny interact.
- Tamara is back!! It was also fun to see her interact with people aside from Chen, Jackson (<3333) and Nolan.
- "The Tim Tests, they don't make me like him." "I know. You're nothing like him." That scene was beautiful.
Worst parts of the episode?
- In previous seasons, the rookie would be with their training officer basically every week. With Officer Thorsen, though, it's like he's here every other week which is unfortunate because I love him.
- Genny annoyed me when she got upset at Bradford and Chen leaving. Yes, I understand why she was upset, but come on, do you really expect him to just leave the gun there and go on with his day?
- This wasn't a very memorable episode even though something so big happened in it.
The Rookie: Poetic Justice (2021)
Officer McGrady is the Sweetest
This was a different style for The Rookie, having one big case for everyone to work on instead of them being on patrol like usual. I prefer the usual way, but it's nice to have one of these episodes every once in a while.
Best parts of the episode?
- Officer McGrady is the sweetest guy everrr. I loved seeing him interact with Thorsen, Bradford and Ashley. "My daughter makes a mean takeout, just like her old man." I also really liked Bradford's retirement speech at the end.
- Wesley and Lopez practicing a cross-examination. I seriously can't wait for the inevitable episode when the two of them go up against each other in court.
- I hope we see more of Cleo. She seems really sweet and her wash 'n' go was itttttt! Whew - beautiful. I also really like how Aaron defended her at the end of the episode.
- I love that we're giving Bradford another love interest. His smile when he met her for the first time was so sweet.
Worst parts of the episode?
- I'm sorry, that axe in the chest scene was the worst. Not even slightly believable.
- Bailey sneaking into Fred's house was pretty stupid.
The Rookie: Fire Fight (2021)
"Alright, Mic Me Up" - Where's the Sign-Up Sheet?
"Alright, mic me up. Let's get this over with." The music, the acting and the writing in that scene? Excellent.
Best parts of the episode?
- I said it before and I'll say it again - the writers of The Rookie reallyyyy know how to write a villain. Marcus was such a well-written character. I really liked him once we found out who he actually was.
- Chen and Bradford's mini undercover operation. The whole sequence of going from wealthy criminal to wealthy criminal was fascinating. Of courseee, I loved the "mic me up" scene.
- I love it anytime Elijah calls Wesley "counsellor". I don't know what it is about how he says it, but is gets me every time.
Worst parts of the episode?
- I don't know if it's because I saw another reviewing being suspicious of Bailey, but I was side-eyeing her this entire episode.
The Rookie: Hit and Run (2021)
This isn't a Good Filming Style...
This is the second episode that was almost fully filmed with bodycams and security cameras. I'm not a huge fan of that style.
Best parts of the episode?
- Aaron is back!! "I was just wondering like, what you thought of me as a person." That line was delivered perfectly. I really, really like this actor.
- I love how everyone uses Nolan as their contractor. That conversation was great. I especially liked Aaron's contribution.
- Smitty's bathroom water. "Water is water."
- Bradford's relationship mini bomb. "... which is why you're still single." "First of all, I'm not." Chen's reaction was enlightening.
Worst parts of the episode?
- This filming style. I hope it's the final one they do in this style.
- The case wasn't the most interesting. I got a little confused at the end but maybe I just zoned out or something.
The Rookie: A.C.H. (2021)
My Favourite Couple is Back - Chastity and Pete!
This show sometimes feels like a little Bones reunion. Bones plays Nolan's ex-wife, then Hodgins and Caroline Julian are in this episode. I can't wait to see if any other Bones characters show up.
Best parts of the episode?
- Chastity and Pete are back! They're my favourite couple so they pulled this episode up a star. Chastity's Facetime call was excellent and I loved that Pete got a chance to help with the case as a CI.
- I loved the Alton-Selina storyline. That was a hilarious situation and reason #99 that parents should teach their children their real name as opposed to "mom" and "dad".
- I love Harper and Thorsen, but it was really nice having Nolan riding with Harper again.
- Bradford's short stripper story was hilarious. I also really loved the Bradford-Chen talk about having children. That showed a side of him I didn't know existed but loved.
Worst part of the episode?
- I don't know how I feel about Nyla and Donavon deciding to keep their 'slip-up' a secret from his girlfriend (soon-to-be fiancé).
The Rookie: Red Hot (2021)
Lopez is Back and I Love Aaron Thorsen
Lopez is backkkkk!! This was an overall really enjoyable episode. What I've noticed about the recent episodes is that there have been less cases in each. I guess that's to be expected with one former rookie gone and one former TO promoted.
Best parts of the episode?
- The whole Russian spy story was really interesting. It was fascinating seeing the inside of that safe house.
- Seeing Bradford, Chen and Nolan working together and having Bailey help in the case was really cool. "I don't know what the button says so I'll just push it?"
- I've been loving working-parents Angela and Wesley. The storyline with the breastmilk and broken refrigerator was great.
- I really, really like Aaron. He's the perfect rookie for Harper and I'm excited to see what other storylines the writers give him.
- Weston wasn't in the episode a ton, but I loved every scene he was in. If he comes back occasionally I wouldn't mind that at all.
- I'm really liking this developing Chen-Thorsen friendship. They're such an unlikely pair but I love it!
Worst parts of the episode?
- This serial killer storyline doesn't seem the most planned out. It feels like the writers just wanted a few crimes to be related, but how we find out about them being related is a bit magical-evidence-y. Not the biggest fan.
- Again, this Elijah-Wesley storyline is making me nervous. It's written really well, but it freaks me out every episode.
- Not necessarily a "worst part", but I thought in previous episodes the victims of the serial killer were murdered before the fires were set? Why did this one not follow the same MO?
The Rookie: Life and Death (2021)
A Change of Pace, but Really, Really Good
The Rookie is one of the more light-hearted crime shows, but this episode had the feel of a crime drama procedural like Hawaii Five-0 or NCIS, so it was a nice change of pace for them.
I'm sorry, they did not do Jackson justice in this episode. They really couldn't find another way to do what they did to the character but in a more impactful way?
Best parts of the episode?
- This episode was hilarious because there's no way that rookies (or fresh-out-of-training officers) are travelling overseas for rescue missions. It was so unrealistic but I loved it.
- Like I said before, The Rookie knows how to write a good villain. I absolutely loved Abril and of course my girl La Fiera.
- Bradford and Chen of course. We haven't been seeing much of their chemistry over the last few episodes, so this was quite nice.
- Baby Jackson!!
Worst parts of the episode?
- They did my boy Jackson so dirty. He deserved so much more than the emotionless, bland scenes they did with him.
The Rookie: In the Line of Fire (2021)
Great Combination of Personal Things and Cases
I got confused during this episode trying to follow the cases, but it was still a good one. I really, really enjoyed the storylines with the personal things (ie. Harper's love life, Angela and Wesley as parents and Bradford picking his aid).
Best parts of the episode?
- I thought that Aaron would be a one-episode character, but I'm really loving that he's not. I love his dynamic with Harper. Even more so than Harper and Nolan and I loved them.
- I've been loving seeing Angela and Wesley as parents.
- I love that Harper's two boyfriends finally met because I was lowkey stressing about the episode when they met and everything went wrong, so I'm glad that's over with. James is definitely my favourite.
- Bradford looking out for Chen by not choosing her was so sweet. I can't wait to have them working together again.
Worst parts of the episode?
- This storyline with Elijah is going to make me nervous for as long as it goes on.
The Rookie: Threshold (2021)
What an Excellent Season Finale
I always love The Rookie's season finales. This was suchhh a great episode! I can't wait to see if the La Fiera storyline wraps up completely in the season 4 premiere of if we'll see more of her in the upcoming season.
Best parts of the episode?
- UC Chen of course. She handles herself so well in all of these situations which is always really impressive. Her storylines have become my favourite.
- "Save me a dance." I'm so pissed we didn't get to see the dance but that Bradford-Chen interaction was perfect I almost squealed.
- The recurring characters in this episode are great. It's always fun when Smitty is in an episode. I didn't expect Silas to be a recurring character, but I'm loving that he is. Also, Tamara is one of my favourites. We've never seen her in an episode without directly interacting with Chen, so it was nice to see her on her own. La Fiera is also one of my favourite villains so it was nice to see her again.
- I really like Bailey's character. Nolan has had three or four love interests in the last 3 seasons so she may not last, but she seems to be the perfect fit (based on the little we know about her so far). I hope she lasts because I really, really like this character.
- Man of honour Bradford, Jackson, Patrice, Silas and Tamara really nailed the last-minute wedding planning.
Worst parts of the episode?
- I said it before and I'll say it again... I hate it when they change the title card to make it more "dramatic".
The Rookie: Triple Duty (2021)
UC Lucy Chen
I'm so excited to see the direction this show goes without the rookie aspect now that Nolan is almost finished with his extra month. I'm also curious to see if this whole UC Chen storyline goes somewhere or if it'll be a short-term thing.
Best parts of the episode?
- UC Lucy Chen is going to be a favourite for sure. How she handled that last situation was extremely impressive. I would've immediately caved.
- I love how we're using Tamara's character. I didn't expect her to be included in this way but I love it! I hope we get to see her more in that capacity.
- I was pisseddd when I saw Doug, but I love how that storyline ended in this episode.
- I can't help but love Sandra de La Cruz. The writers of The Rookie really know how to write likeable villains (ie. Rosalind, Caleb).
- I'll say it in every single review until Angela and Wesley get married. Man of honour Tim is the best.
- That fight with Bradford and Nolan? I loved every. Single. Second.
Worst parts of the episode?
- I can't think of anything. I really, really liked this episode.
The Rookie: New Blood (2021)
Officer Katie Barnes is an Actual Gem
I loved Katie from the very beginning so the end of this episode lowkey pissed me off. I feel like the two new rookies had so much potential to add a lot to the show.
Best parts of the episode?
- Officer Katie Barnes. Hopefully the writers will bring her back in a few episodes and we can see her and Bradford work together. I really enjoy that duo. Every scene with them made me so happy.
- Tamara is definitely one of my favourite side characters. "Who's that girl with Officer Zaddy?" I cackledddd at that line.
- It was so interesting hearing the differences between being in the military and being a police officer. So many crime shows have soldiers transitioning smoothly into police life so this was an interesting change.
- Man of honour Tim is the best.
- Silas. I didn't expect him to be a recurring character but I'm loving it. He's becoming more comfortable with everyone else and he's such a great character. "I'm going to fight somebody." "Don't look at me."
Worst part of the episode?
- Jealous Lucy is quite annoying.
- I really like Professor Ryan, but I didn't enjoy this particular storyline.
- It wasn't the most interesting episode we've had.
The Rookie: Brave Heart (2021)
Bones is Nolan's Ex-Wife?? Yes, Please.
I recognised Emily Deschanel's voice before I recognised her face. Bones is one of my favourite TV shows so seeing her in this made me so so happy!
Best parts of the episode?
- "So what? They're recruiting cops in the modelling schools now? I can't tell which one of you is prettier." "Clearly me." Absolutely loved those lines!
- Man of honour Tim. I already know that I'll love every single episode where he gets to do things related to Lopez's wedding.
- I love that Nolan respected Henry's choice for the surgery.
Worst parts of the episode?
- I miss the light-hearted aspects of The Rookie. This was a good episode, but it definitely wasn't the classic The Rookie I know and love.
- I feel like I shouldn't be annoyed with Lopez in this episode but I am.
The Rookie: Man of Honor (2021)
Nice Balance of Interpersonal and Case Storylines
The first day of Chen and Jackson being P2s let's gooooo! I loved everything about this episode. I love the balance of interpersonal stuff along with case stuff. Nolan, Harper, Chen and Jackson worked the bank robbery case, then Bradford and Lopez did wedding planning, Harper went camping and Ben came back.
Best parts of the episode?
- Bradford helping Lopez with wedding planning and cake tasting was the sweetest thing ever. I love their friendship. We haven't seen it much since Bishop left so I loveddd those scenes.
- Chen and Jackson's partnership. I always wondered what would happen when they're no longer rookies. I loved their dynamic but I'm pretty sure they won't stay partners even though they're great together.
- The jewellery story attempted robbery scenes. I especially liked the diversion that Harper and Nolan did. The resolution of that scene gave me chills!
- I forgot the Bradford had that dog from Chen lol.
- Ben is back!! I really missed him when Nolan moved out of his guest house or whatever that place was.
Worst part of the episode?
- I really hate that the security guard ended up shooting the bank robber.
The Rookie: True Crime (2021)
Not the Worst Thing Ever, but not Good Either
This wasn't a bad episode but I'd prefer if they never chose to do another episode in this style again. Did I hate it? No. Did I love it? Most definitely not.
Best parts of the episode?
- When I saw Rainn Wilson's name in the opening credits, I immediately got so excited. He was great! Gave me The Office vibes with his "no comment" about having other celebrity mummies.
- The contrast between excited Chen and I-don't-care-about-anything Bradford was great. I loved every scene with them.
- The crime itself wasn't terribly boring.
- I'm glad they explained what happened to Sterling because the last episode really confused me. I don't like how they chose to write him off, but I'm glad they explained it because they just stopped talking about Jackson's nurse boyfriend and that was that.
- The Rookie's writers really know how to write charismatic serial killers. I really, really liked Dan.
Worst parts of the episode?
- The whole documentary style was... odd. It definitely wasn't my favourite thing. I appreciate that they were trying out a new style, but I don't want them to do it again.
- How they incorporated Sterling into this episode was... weird.