As The Rookie prepares for its Season 5 finale, fans don't have to worry about a series renewal. Thanks to a new time slot, The Rookie saw a substantial uptick in ratings, so ABC rewarded it with an early renewal. Who knows what a whole new season will bring to the hit series and its excellent ensemble cast. But thanks to "Going Under," there are hints about what could happen when Season 6 kicks off in the fall.
It's worth noting that the Season 5 finale is slated to pit the LAPD against a masked assailant, and the episode description reveals that one of the series' cops will be shot. So, things could change dramatically. But for now, here's a look at the plots that "Going Under" started because it was a near-perfect episode.
Chenford Is Building to a Something Dramatic
As of this moment, IMDb ranks "Going Under" at an 8.3, which is the highest score of the season. It's important to note that anyone can rate on IMDb, so that's not a critical score. However, comparing the rating to other episodes can give a general indicator of fan opinion in the weeks before Nielson reveals its viewership numbers. One of the biggest reasons for "Going Under's" high score was the episode's Chenford plot line.
Chen and Bradford have become The Rookie's marquee couple in Season 5, so almost every episode brings a little more Chenford development. "S.T.R." reintroduced Tim's ex-wife, Isabel, and an ongoing narrative about Chen and undercover work. "Going Under" picks up on that plot line and sends Chen on an extended undercover operation. It all worked out by the end of the episode, but some signs suggest something is coming. Because of his history with Isabel, Bradford is having a hard time with Chen going undercover, and comments at the end of the episode indicate that something drastic could happen to the couple in the season finale.
Aaron Thorson Got Some Much-Needed Development
Aaron Thorsen was introduced as a "replacement" for Jackson West's character. His character was fine at first, but he was pretty one-dimensional for a long time. Everything had to do with his troubled past, his parents and his social media. However, he's starting to get more development in recent episodes. He wants to be a detective, so Sergeant Wade assigns him to be Angela's assistant. In "Going Under," she is on maternity leave (even though she is secretly working from home), so Thorsen steps up. Hoping to make a name for himself, he solves seven of her cases all by himself. It was a benefit to "Going Under" to see Thorsen working as a cop, rather than struggling with his past. The responsibility and initiative he shows are a great step forward for his character. It's even possible he could become a full-time detective in the future.
Officer Juarez Finds a Love Interest in The Rookie's "Going Under"
Like Thorsen, Celina's character has been somewhat one-dimensional. She is introduced in Season 5 as Nolan's first trainee, and her whole character is based on a heightened connection to the spiritual world. "Going Under" turns that character trait on its head by showing that Celina has trouble reading romantic signals. While she and Nolan are searching for a severed limb, it turns out that a civilian's dog finds it first. When they retrieve the limb, the dog's owner starts flirting with Celina, and by the end of the episode, they're set to go on a date.
While it seems like a minor development, it's a great step for Celina. It gives her agency because it's the first episode that's actually about her character development, not her relationship with her family. That's just one more way that "Going Under" is a near-perfect episode — because it gives the cast more and more depth.
Michael Rooker Has a Great Role as a Guest Star
The Rookie has an excellent cast, but every so often, it warrants a guest star. Earlier in the season, Kelly Clarkson made a cameo appearance, and in "Going Under," Michael Rooker played a one-off villain. He plays a crime boss who is just released from prison. Chen goes undercover to bring him down, but by the end of the episode, she convinces him to give up his life of crime. Rooker has an extensive acting career. From his roles in Guardians of the Galaxy, to his role on The Walking Dead, he always adds a sense of gravitas to his appearances. He brings that to boot, as he plays the breadth of the character well and adds a real and dangerous feel to Chen's undercover assignment. He'll be remembered as one of The Rookie's best guest appearances.
The Rookie airs Tuesdays at 8:00 pm on ABC.
