I have liked this show since the beginning but you have to admit it's becoming more ridiculous than usual with the really unbelievable storylines. Sure I know it's never been close to being realistic of the job but come on, they plan a rescue mission in Guatemala? They are a small group of LAPD officers not the delta force haha. Can't wait to see what crazy storylines will happen next. Maybe they will resolve a hostage crisis in space!
41 Reviews
Can we get back to police work now?
brian-129228 September 2021
Worst episode of the series
gfmcniven29 September 2021
The Rookie + Fast and Furious + Mission Impossible.
hvaccfc29 September 2021
First time ever leaving a review but I feel like I need to. I've been a big fan of The Rookie and Nathan Fillion in general from the beginning and from his past shows. This show has always been good, albeit, slightly far-fetched. This just puts it way over the top. It's like they took the plot lines of Fast and Furious, Mission Impossible and tried to make it with The Rookie cast. Also, the transition into a major character leaving was horrendous. Hardly any explanation at all. I'm hoping the rest of the season improves and they get back to the roots of policing. I would rather see more character development and everyday policing than this mess.
Don't listen to the haters
dsweeting-838-64293628 September 2021
One of the best episode's to date & I would have rated it higher if it was an option. Some people just can't enjoy a good show without picking it a part. If you want "Reality-TV" or "documentaries" there are plenty to choose from.
I editorialized on this before
neverenoughgold27 September 2021
My wife and I really like this show, mostly because of Nathan Filian aka castle. That being said, and as I mentioned a couple years ago, a cop show focusing on one character as a "rookie" seemed self fulfilling. After all, an officer is only a rookie for so long, and either he/she drops out or, as in this show gravitates to the next level, whatever that is. In any case he/she is no longer a rookie in my humble opinion. So, this show should now be called "Former Rookie"? Okay, maybe I am over thinking this? Whatever, and my wife and I will continue to watch and see what the future brings...
Don't Be Mad About ________ Dying
LoveStallion19 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
First off, I agree with others that think this episode has pretty much jumped the shark. I thought to myself numerous times, "When did this become Fast and Furious?" To be clear, we have random LAPD officers, four of whom are the only officers to be counted on in a crisis (and two of whom are rookies), who decide to infiltrate a drug lord's compound in Guatemala with the help of the DEA (nice to see you, Joshua Molina!). Like... what? It's all patently absurd. And just like the Fast and Furious films, we've drifted a LONG way from the comparatively lower stakes of initial installments that just involved police work.
Side note: I'm enjoying Lucy and Tim clearly having some chemistry bubbling under the surface. I think the writers have done a good job so far slow walking that tension to the extend I never even considered them a possible couple until recently.
OK, now on to those of you who are upset Jackson West died in the opening and wanted a better result or at least a better death scene for him. You have to know the context. Titus Makin, the actor, did not want to return for Season 4 of The Rookie specifically because he felt he could no longer play a Black cop if the show wasn't willing to address racial issues. Titus considered leaving the show even before Season 3 if it showrunners weren't willing to address the elephant in the cultural landscape at the time. Titus even said to the showrunner, "If you want to write me out, I politely receive that. I would rather be written out than ignore the reality and not be able to tell the story."
To be clear, many folks on here complained about the "woke" content of Season 3 - and apparently Titus decided to leave the show because the Rookie's showrunners couldn't follow that thread forever. If you didn't love the content of Season 3, you should be glad for Season 4, but you have to recognize one of the actors didn't feel comfortable dropping those themes and continuing on with the show.
So with that, the reason Officer West is unceremoniously killed without as much as seeing his face is because the writers did not know at the end of Season 3 that Titus would not return, which likely put them in a bind. Was West originally going to be kidnapped along with Angela? Did we simply luck out that Jackson isn't just seen hanging out with everyone else before Angela's abduction?
The writers had an out - quickly kill off the character with another actor playing the role and only seen from behind. It was the only logical course of action beyond randomly reassigning him or promoting him like they did with Talia after Season 1.
Don't be upset. No one was trying to diss Officer West. The writers did their best when an actor opted not to return.
Side note: I'm enjoying Lucy and Tim clearly having some chemistry bubbling under the surface. I think the writers have done a good job so far slow walking that tension to the extend I never even considered them a possible couple until recently.
OK, now on to those of you who are upset Jackson West died in the opening and wanted a better result or at least a better death scene for him. You have to know the context. Titus Makin, the actor, did not want to return for Season 4 of The Rookie specifically because he felt he could no longer play a Black cop if the show wasn't willing to address racial issues. Titus considered leaving the show even before Season 3 if it showrunners weren't willing to address the elephant in the cultural landscape at the time. Titus even said to the showrunner, "If you want to write me out, I politely receive that. I would rather be written out than ignore the reality and not be able to tell the story."
To be clear, many folks on here complained about the "woke" content of Season 3 - and apparently Titus decided to leave the show because the Rookie's showrunners couldn't follow that thread forever. If you didn't love the content of Season 3, you should be glad for Season 4, but you have to recognize one of the actors didn't feel comfortable dropping those themes and continuing on with the show.
So with that, the reason Officer West is unceremoniously killed without as much as seeing his face is because the writers did not know at the end of Season 3 that Titus would not return, which likely put them in a bind. Was West originally going to be kidnapped along with Angela? Did we simply luck out that Jackson isn't just seen hanging out with everyone else before Angela's abduction?
The writers had an out - quickly kill off the character with another actor playing the role and only seen from behind. It was the only logical course of action beyond randomly reassigning him or promoting him like they did with Talia after Season 1.
Don't be upset. No one was trying to diss Officer West. The writers did their best when an actor opted not to return.
A Change of Pace, but Really, Really Good
SourCandyOrNoCandy10 May 2022
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?
Worst parts of the episode?
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.
Good....
aaaaaron-frannnnnnnn30 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Giving this a 8, to offset the 1's. It was a fun episode, and great action, and no PC bullcrap that Season 3 was spouting. So huge breath of fresh air.
However you do need to factor in the unrealistic nature of 4 Californians just going into Guatemala, killing some people, and escaping all within a 40 minute episode. Couldv'e been spread out to 2 episodes, and probably shouvle just infiltrated a base within LA.
Also, i know the show wanted to show the uselessness of the fed's but i feel like Officer Lopez - a Female, Pregnant, Cop, recent detective, kidnapped, Bride, would take priority over pretty much anything, and wouldve. Warranted some Army Special Forces.
However you do need to factor in the unrealistic nature of 4 Californians just going into Guatemala, killing some people, and escaping all within a 40 minute episode. Couldv'e been spread out to 2 episodes, and probably shouvle just infiltrated a base within LA.
Also, i know the show wanted to show the uselessness of the fed's but i feel like Officer Lopez - a Female, Pregnant, Cop, recent detective, kidnapped, Bride, would take priority over pretty much anything, and wouldve. Warranted some Army Special Forces.
Awesome episode - still have questions
madison-singfiel23 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This was a great episode. Really enjoyed the plot line and how they wrapped up the La Fiera arc. I did think the entrance of Elijah seemed a little out of nowhere. Have we seen him before? I feel like I'm supposed to know him from previous episodes. Also, did the actor who played Jackson quit or something? After three seasons and all we've been through together I feel like his death should have been more meaningful, not so rushed and sidelined. But even with those questions I really enjoyed this episode and am so excited for a new season.
Imaginative and enjoyable episode!
jeersNcheers4 October 2021
And no woke BS!
I see complaints that there was no proper send-off for Officer Jackson West. PEOPLE, HE WAS ONE OF THE MAIN CHARACTERS, AND HE ABANDONED THE SHOW! I'm sure the show is a little pissed off, and I know I certainly am.
I pretty much skimmed the awful season 3, so I am still up in the air regarding whether I will watch season 4; depends on how much liberal drivel they try to shove.
I see complaints that there was no proper send-off for Officer Jackson West. PEOPLE, HE WAS ONE OF THE MAIN CHARACTERS, AND HE ABANDONED THE SHOW! I'm sure the show is a little pissed off, and I know I certainly am.
I pretty much skimmed the awful season 3, so I am still up in the air regarding whether I will watch season 4; depends on how much liberal drivel they try to shove.
Heck of an opening.
mjackiw-165-3138967 October 2021
A correction
entlim-4736622 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
OK.
Probably could have done with two eps to tell the story properly.
The hired gun of La Fiera although not shown as anything other than rendered unconscious by Nolan... who knows what the writers may have up their sleeves.. To reviewer Claudia_Carvalho, La Fiera was shot twice by Lopez.. Therefore your assumption is incorrect Game over for her Unless the script writers have other ideas...
Probably could have done with two eps to tell the story properly.
The hired gun of La Fiera although not shown as anything other than rendered unconscious by Nolan... who knows what the writers may have up their sleeves.. To reviewer Claudia_Carvalho, La Fiera was shot twice by Lopez.. Therefore your assumption is incorrect Game over for her Unless the script writers have other ideas...
Disappointing
claudio_carvalho3 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Lopez is kidnapped and West is murdered by La Fiera and her crew. Sgt. Grey and Chen hunt down West's killer while Nolan, Tim, and Harper force Max to support their illegal rescue operation. Wesley uses his contacts to find the whereabouts of La Fiera and travels to Guatemala trying to negotiate the release of Angela and her baby, but La Fiera does not accept the deal and forces the team to use their plan B.
Despite the action, "Life and Death" is a great disappointment. What happens in the backstage of this production? First Mercedes Mason leaves the show; then Afton Williamson; and now Titus Makin Jr. Therefore, there are something weird behind the scenes. Officer Jackson West was one of the most important and funny characters and out of the blue, vanishes. The forced murder of West is weird and does not make sense. In addition, there are other senseless scenes. Tim and Harper retrieve Angela from La Fiera and her gangster near the hospital in an illegal operation in Guatemala. Why do they not kill the two dangerous drug dealers? They prefer to lock the hospital door and run with a pregnant woman with La Fiera and the other criminal shooting at them. The same happens to Sgt. Grey that should have executed West's killer. What will be the consequences of Wesley's promise to his scum contact? My vote is seven.
Title (Brazil): "Life and Death"
Despite the action, "Life and Death" is a great disappointment. What happens in the backstage of this production? First Mercedes Mason leaves the show; then Afton Williamson; and now Titus Makin Jr. Therefore, there are something weird behind the scenes. Officer Jackson West was one of the most important and funny characters and out of the blue, vanishes. The forced murder of West is weird and does not make sense. In addition, there are other senseless scenes. Tim and Harper retrieve Angela from La Fiera and her gangster near the hospital in an illegal operation in Guatemala. Why do they not kill the two dangerous drug dealers? They prefer to lock the hospital door and run with a pregnant woman with La Fiera and the other criminal shooting at them. The same happens to Sgt. Grey that should have executed West's killer. What will be the consequences of Wesley's promise to his scum contact? My vote is seven.
Title (Brazil): "Life and Death"
Officially off the rails
spikeluvr28 September 2021
If I wanted to watch Mission Impossible I'd rent the movies. Last season they had a Baghdad level shoot out in Los Angeles and now they're traveling out of the country to take on a cartel. What's next, outer space against the Klingons? They're going to lose their original audience if they keep up these outlandish scenarios. It used to be a character driven show with a nice range of police stories. This first episode took it completely off the rails.
Still a Nathan fan BUT...
CzyboutFlix22 October 2021
These writers suck! How can I suspend my disbelief when the show is centered around rookies learning the streets of LA who are now DEA/SEALS/Army Rangers?
Oh...so the drug cartels will allow this kind of action to go unchecked?
They need to get back to the slightly campy style of season 1!
Oh...so the drug cartels will allow this kind of action to go unchecked?
They need to get back to the slightly campy style of season 1!
Jumped the shark/Nuked the fridge
VibeCrusher3329 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Whichever way you look at it, this show is done. The original premise was about the oldest rookie to join the LAPD and the first season or two were good believable stories about that old guy trying to make his way thru the department. Now that same guy, who's barely a non rookie, is leading street cops on an invasion of a foreign country to fight a drug cartel with CIA officers. WHAT?? I was laughing at the episode but I'm guessing the writers weren't writing a comedy. Do everyone a favor and pull the plug now. Good decision on the part of the actor playing Officer West to jump ship after season 3.
When did it start to get silly for you?
megantwisk8 October 2021
I get that they had to think of a way to close the story arc with one of the actors leaving unexpectedly but the whole Guatemala extra judicial helicopter raid? Without doubt the most ludicrous, nonsensical episode to date and theres been some very far fetched ones indeed. I'll be boggled if this gets another season based on the first episode.
Worst episode ever made.
alexanderfro4 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I don't even know where to begin.
The killing of Jackson, right out of the blue, no body, no nothing.
The jumping from place to place, a new max??
The killing of a drung lord..then suddenly, 3 months later ...no thank you
I love the show for how good it is, but not like that.
I hope they never make a episode like this again.
The killing of Jackson, right out of the blue, no body, no nothing.
The jumping from place to place, a new max??
The killing of a drung lord..then suddenly, 3 months later ...no thank you
I love the show for how good it is, but not like that.
I hope they never make a episode like this again.
What, no shark?
gdump28 September 2021
Even though there was no actual shark in this episode, they still managed to "jump the shark."
It's really a one-star episode, but I gave it an extra star for the sheer audacity of the ludicrous plot.
Too bad, I liked this show. Now I have a free timeslot on Sunday nights.
It's really a one-star episode, but I gave it an extra star for the sheer audacity of the ludicrous plot.
Too bad, I liked this show. Now I have a free timeslot on Sunday nights.
Wow...who Wrote that?...
mondeo_iplay4 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I saw the episode with my eyes stick to the tv...
I'm still in shock... what they are smoking when they write this.. thing. It's beyond of any kind sense
If somehow a scenario police exists... they are with luck sentence for life...
Simply preposterous!
swalker-1730528 September 2021
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