Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from The Rookie season 7, episode 3, “Out of Pocket.“The Rookieseason 7 appeared to be making progress after its lackluster premiere, butepisode 3 derails any of its headway with a rather forgettable and disappointing hour.ABC’s police procedural has been successful and intriguing enough to make it to a seventh season. However, it’s failing to capitalize on any qualities that made it so great in the first place.The characters inThe Rookieseason 7, episode 3 make mistakes that are more irritable than relatable; the “case of the week” is nowhere to be seen; and the setup of future villains fails to have much impact.
The Rookie
Cast
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.
In “Out of Pocket,” Nolan obsesses over protecting himself and Bailey from Jason. Meanwhile, the two new rookies — Miles and Seth — ignore direct orders that land them in hot waters, Rachel moves back to Los Angeles to crash on Lucy’s couch, and Detective Graham’s crush on Angela continues to torment Wesley. All in all, though,not much happens duringthe episode ofThe Rookiethat is particularly memorable or seemingly important for the story going forward.The hour doesn’t even have an interesting, worthwhile case.
The Rookie Season 7, Episode 3 Highlights The Irritating Special Treatment Nolan Gets
Nolan’s Recklessness Is Overlooked, While Miles & Seth’s Disobedience Isn’t
It’s no secret thatNathan Fillion’s Nolan can be one ofThe Rookie’s most frustrating characters,and his actions in season 7, episode 3 certainly don’t do him any favors. Afterthe events ofThe Rookieseason 6 finale, Nolan has been on high alert. Jason’s escape from prison has made him paranoid, and he wants to ensure his and Bailey’s safety, which is completely understandable. However, the lengths that Nolan goes to in episode 3 to do so are irresponsible, and the show doesn’t even acknowledge his recklessness, confirming an exasperating double standard exists regarding Fillion’s character.
The Rookie Season 7, Episode 2 Review: I’m Thrilled About Nyla & Angela’s Substantial Screen Time After Their Neglect In Season 6
Although The Rookie season 7, episode 2 continues ignoring past cliffhangers, the hour does a great job bringing the show back to its episodic format.
It seems the writers weren’t even aware of the hypocrisy concerning Nolan’s actions while writing the episode. Earlier in the hour,Grey reprimands Miles and Seth because they fail to follow orders.The only reason they aren’t fired is because they start trending on social media as “rookie heroes,” and the LAPD can’t afford any more bad press following the corruption scandal.
So, when juxtaposed with Miles and Seth’s storyline, Nolan’s arc is made out to be quite aggravating and does little to make viewers want to root forThe Rookie’s main character.
Meanwhile,Nolan goes rogue and leaves a civilian bleeding out on the floorto chase a suspect who might know where Jason is. He doesn’t get punished, although the suspect gets away and the civilian almost dies. So, when juxtaposed with Miles and Seth’s storyline, Nolan’s arc is quite aggravating and does little to make us want to root forThe Rookie’s main character.
Rachel’s Return Is Exciting But Adds Little To The Story
It’s Unclear Why Lucy’s Friend & Tim’s Ex Is Being Reintegrated Into The Show
An important segment of the episode is Rachel’s return. Rachel is Lucy’s friend who used to date Tim before moving to New York City in season 2. However, they broke up, and Rachel hasn’t been seen or heard from since. In “Out of Pocket,” though,Rachel moves back to Los Angeles and informs Lucy that she lost her joband is in the middle of a crisis. So, Lucy agrees to let Rachel sleep on her couch while searching for a place. While it’s nice to see a familiar face fromThe Rookie’s best season, Rachel’s return is confusing.
The Rookieseason 7 will consist of 18 episodes.
Her place in the story doesn’t make much sense (at least for now). Rachel doesn’t seem to be back to propelTim and Lucy’s journey inThe Rookieseason 7forward. She and Tim make amends, with no indication of a possible reunion between the two that could impede Tim and Lucy’s inevitable reconciliation. Perhaps that changes in the coming episodes, but in the meantime, Rachel’s place in season 7 is seemingly insignificant, begging the question of why she’s back.At least Tim and Lucy’s slow-burn reunion continues in episode 3,which will make their eventual getting back together sweeter.
The Episode’s Foreshadowing Of Jason’s Return Fails To Garner Any Intrigue
Nolan’s Actions Are Simply Frustrating
ThroughoutThe Rookieseason 7, episode 3, Nolan focuses on finding Jason. He makes little progress in tracking down Bailey’s criminal ex-husband, and his actions don’t exactly bring us to the edge of our seats, anxiously awaiting Jason’s arrival (although they’re supposed to). Instead,Nolan’s actions are eye-roll-inducing, making one eager for this Jason storyline to be over.Perhaps the drunk blonde who stumbles onto Nolan’s doorstep will play an important part in Jason’s return, making it much more interesting and clever. However, with all the known facts as ofThe Rookieseason 7, episode 3, Jason’s arc is just frustrating.
New episodes ofThe Rookieseason 7 air weekly at 10pm ET every Tuesday on ABC.
