Season 7 of The Rookie ended with several characters at critical turning points — but none more prominent than Monica Stevens, whose story arc was finally elevated after seasons of limited screen time. While her newfound narrative relevance is exciting, it raises a bigger question: Did the writers choose the right character to focus on? Because if any supporting player truly deserved a deeper arc, it was Detective Juarez (or insert another underused character depending on the context).
Monica Stevens: A Surprising New Focus
Introduced as a sharp legal mind with a morally gray streak, Monica Stevens has always hovered on the edge of The Rookie’s core storylines — appearing just enough to intrigue, but never long enough to fully matter. That changed in the Season 7 finale, when her involvement in a high-stakes legal battle — possibly linked to organized crime or a political scandal — hinted at a major role in Season 8.
It’s a welcome development. Monica has potential as a character: she’s cunning, ambitious, and morally ambiguous in a way that could mirror or challenge Nolan and the rest of the core team. The writers seem to finally be tapping into what makes her tick.
But What About the Others?
While Monica’s upgrade is notable, other underused characters are still being left in the shadows. One standout example is Detective Juarez (or you may substitute another name like “Officer Smitty,” “Angela Lopez,” etc., depending on context). Despite early hints at emotional depth and professional complexity, she’s often reduced to background roles or brief support scenes — with little personal growth or standalone narrative.
She’s a character with rich potential: a Latina detective balancing duty, personal trauma, and ambition in a male-dominated force. Her perspective could enrich the show’s thematic depth and reflect current conversations around race, gender, and justice. And yet, she’s continually passed over for more conventional — and arguably less compelling — characters.
Why This Matters
Shows like The Rookie thrive on ensemble dynamics. It’s part of what made early seasons so effective: no character was ever purely “side” — everyone had a purpose, a point of view. But over time, that balance has shifted. Some characters are given layers, while others remain static or disappear.
Investing in Monica Stevens is not necessarily a misstep — she has plenty to offer the series. But doing so at the expense of more emotionally resonant, long-standing characters risks alienating parts of the fanbase that want richer, more inclusive storytelling.
Season 8: A Chance to Course-Correct
With Season 8’s delayed premiere already heightening anticipation, the writers have an opportunity to balance the scales. Monica’s arc can—and should—proceed, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of ignoring others. Characters like Juarez need attention, not just presence. Growth, not just appearances.
If The Rookie wants to sustain its momentum and keep fans engaged, it must dig deeper into its supporting cast. There’s gold there — if the writers are willing to mine it.
