Fans of ABC’s “The Rookie” were recently surprised—and intrigued—by a comment made by actor Alan Tudyk, sparking speculation about a possible return to the series. While Season 8 has already been delayed, Tudyk’s remark offers an exciting opportunity to revisit a character many had assumed was long gone.
Tudyk’s Role in The Rookie Universe
Alan Tudyk made a memorable appearance in Season 1 of The Rookie as Ellroy Basso, a quirky and darkly humorous crime scene cleaner who quickly became a fan favorite. Though his screen time was limited, Tudyk’s signature charm and comedic timing left a lasting impression. His role added a unique layer of levity and intrigue during the show’s early days.
In a recent interview promoting another project, Tudyk was asked about returning to The Rookie, to which he responded with a smile, “I’d never say no. That character was a fun little oddball. I think he still has work to do.” Though not an official confirmation, the comment was enough to ignite fan theories.
The Perfect Scenario for His Return
If showrunners are looking to bring back familiar faces to reignite interest after the premiere delay, Ellroy Basso’s return could be the perfect fan-service moment that also adds narrative value. Here’s how it could play out:
-
A Cold Case With a Twist: The LAPD could reopen a bizarre unsolved case from Season 1, requiring the unique insight of someone like Ellroy, whose memory of crime scenes could prove invaluable.
-
A Dark Comedy Subplot: With the show often balancing drama and light humor, reintroducing Ellroy as a reluctant consultant or accidental witness in a new investigation could give audiences some much-needed levity.
-
A Redemption Arc or Backstory Reveal: Season 8 could explore Ellroy’s mysterious past, shedding light on why he chose his unconventional profession. This could connect to a larger case, drawing the main characters closer to him than ever before.
Why Now Is the Right Time
With the Season 8 premiere delayed, ABC and the show’s writers have a rare opportunity to reinvigorate the series. Bringing back familiar characters like Ellroy offers both nostalgia and narrative flexibility. Moreover, Alan Tudyk is currently riding high on critical praise for his other roles (Resident Alien, voice work in Disney films), making his return both timely and marketable.
Final Thoughts
Alan Tudyk’s comment may have been casual, but fans know better than to ignore such hints. As The Rookie prepares for its eighth season, revisiting past characters could deepen the show’s continuity and satisfy longtime viewers. And with a character as colorful as Ellroy Basso, the possibilities are as entertaining as they are endless.
Whether or not Tudyk officially returns, one thing is clear: the door is open—and the audience is ready.
