Warning: SPOILERS for The Rookie Season 6 finaleThe Rookie season 6 officially came to a close on Tuesday, May 21 with an installment that, unsurprisingly, held my attention. Monica and Dr. London's storyline reaches its climax, as the defense attorney suspects that Blair may no longer be under her command. From Lucy’s high-speed car chase to Nolan’s team-up with the FBI in Argentina, “Escape Plan” is worth watching for the stunt work, alone. However, the episode focuses so heavily on its action sequences that it's lacking in the areas that are most meaningful.
3.0
The Rookie is a police procedural television series that stars Nathan Fillion as police officer John Nolan. At 45 years old, John becomes the oldest rookie at the Los Angeles Police Department. The show premiered on ABC in 2018.
Pros
The Rookie's season 6 finale was solid
The finale nicely sets up storylines for season 7 and ties up other loose ends
Cons
The stories weren't fleshed out enough to make for an exciting finale
The season 6 finale wasn't as engaging as previous finales
Like many network television shows, ABC’s police procedural aired a shortened season following the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes. The writers had previously been able to devote multiple episodes to specific arcs, which is necessary for a series with such an intricate ensemble cast. It’s a difficult feat to do the same with only ten installments, as there must be room for the plot to progress outside the characters and relationships. Because of this, The Rookie is unable to elicit the range of emotions that fans have come to expect from a finale.
The Rookie Gives Away Its Twist Prior To The Finale
Episode 9 already revealed Oscar's plan to break out of prison
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Several loose ends are left to tie up in The Rookie season 7, but one of the most pressing matters will inevitably be the prison break. Oscar has been a nuisance to Nolan and a source of comedy since first appearing in season 1, episode 15, "Manhunt." Given the large role he played while behind bars, there are plenty of exciting stories to explore now that the antagonist is no longer confined to a cell.
With Monica also on the run and Bailey in custody, Oscar's escape would have been the perfect finale shocker if the audience was unaware of his plan. While its success wasn't guaranteed, Rosalind Dyer taught fans not to underestimate the show's recurring villains. The news comes as a surprise to Nolan, but for viewers, it simply confirms what we already suspect. Although Jason's involvement was meant to add shock value, he's played such a minor role in the grand scheme of the show that it's hard to consider him a significant threat.
The Rookie has previously gone out with a bang each season, and despite its small episode order, it must be held to the high standards it's created for itself. Armstrong's set-up, Angela's abduction, and Chenford's first kiss were well-designed cliffhangers that made the wait between seasons feel impossibly long. Unfortunately, the season 6 finale misses the heart-dropping moment that leaves me pondering for months after the credits roll.
The Rookie
Crime
Cast
Nathan Fillion , Eric Winter
Release Date
October 16, 2018
Seasons
6
Network
ABC
Streaming Service(s)
Hulu
Writers
Alexi Hawley
Directors
Toa Fraser
Showrunner
Alexi Hawley
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The Rookie Finale Cleverly Sets The Stage For An Important Reconciliation
Tim and Lucy's breakup in episode 6 was a necessary evil
Tim and Lucy were partners long before they were a couple, and the distance between them in the finale is palpable. Despite the pain it's caused both characters, letting go of Lucy is the only thing that could push Tim to seek the help he's needed since the pilot. Dr. London's incarceration doesn't diminish the progress Tim has made, as opening himself up is a significant sign of growth.
The drastic measures Lucy takes to save Tim showcase the unconditional love she has for the sergeant. They may not be together when the episode ends, but the former rookie and training officer duo are still an important part of each other's lives.
Overall, the season 6 finale of The Rookie is, by no means, a bad installment. ABC's police procedural creates a sense of weekly anticipation through its layered characters and carefully cultivated relationships, and I hope to be satisfied with every new addition. Although Episode 10 did not live up to my expectations, a longer seventh season gives the writers enough time to flesh out each story they plan to tell.
