After an okay premiere, a good second episode, and a disastrous third one, The Rookie season 7 makes a fantastic comeback with episode 4, “Darkness Falling.” The ABC police procedural drama has been struggling to find its footing lately, but its latest installment proves that all hope isn’t lost. From an intriguing “case of the week” to productive character moments (including development for both rookies, Tim and Lucy’s small but meaningful exchange, and Wesley’s past coming back to haunt him), The Rookie season 7, episode 4 feels like a return to form for the show.
In season 7, episode 4, the team hunts down a serial killer, Harrison Novak. Wesley defended and helped Harrison get acquitted three years ago after he committed burglary and assault, so, the case is personal for him. Meanwhile, Nolan and Bailey butt heads over how to best approach the Jason situation. Lucy also starts to suspect Seth after catching him in a lie, and Angela and Nyla continue proving they have the best friendship in the series. All in all, the episode of The Rookie is well executed and shows promise for season 7’s future.
“Darkness Falling” Is The Rookie Season 7’s Best Episode (So Far)
The Hour Contains All The Elements Of A Great Rookie Episode & Successfully Teases Future Storylines
Following the rather forgettable and frustrating third episode of The Rookie season 7, “Darkness Falling” is a breath of fresh air (and a reminder of why the show has been so successful). It features all the qualities that make the ABC police procedural series great. As showrunner Alexi Hawley promised (via TVLine), The Rookie is back to being more episodic in season 7 instead of having a serialized format, which significantly hurt season 6, and episode 4 is a shining example of that vow.
The hour’s case of the week is engrossing from beginning to end, especially since it includes a couple of twists that are actually surprising and keep us tuned in. The mystery also successfully sets up another unknown antagonist, who will undoubtedly appear in future episodes. It helps that talented Shameless actor Noel Fisher plays the suspect at the center of it all. He does a fantastic job of portraying a psychopathic serial killer, and, hopefully, we haven’t seen the last of him.
Outside the new villain in The Rookie, the episode continues developing multiple arcs. The hour plants some doubt in Seth, who has seemed like the good ole American boy so far compared to Miles’ smug and reckless demeanor. Lucy grows suspicious of her rookie and his past, adding some much-appreciated complexity to Seth’s character. Elsewhere, Wesley struggles to reconcile with his past as a defense attorney, Celina takes charge as her rookie year is rapidly ending, and much more. “Darkness Falling” is simply a great episode for (almost) all the characters.
Nolan & Bailey’s Conflict Makes Jason’s Imminent Return Much More Exciting
Bailey Is Keeping A Secret From Nolan
Perhaps the biggest (but not by much) storyline in episode 4, revolves around Nolan and Bailey. Bailey returned at the end of The Rookie season 7, episode 3, and since Jason is still on the loose, Nolan is taking many precautions to protect his wife from her criminal ex-husband. Unfortunately, Nolan’s safety concerns are overbearing. As a result, he butts heads with Bailey over how to approach the entire situation, and she later accepts the number of a hitman hunting Jason without telling Nolan.
Nolan learns that Jason is in Michigan at the end of The Rookie season 7, episode 4, implying he’s on the run from Malvado.
The drama between Nolan and Bailey in The Rookie season 7, episode 4 injects new life into their multi-episode conflict. It also lays the groundwork for more tension between the couple. Whereas before it felt like the series was dragging out the Jason plot for one too many episodes, “Darkness Falling” makes the story much more interesting. The hour establishes that Nolan and Bailey disagree on how to handle their latest concern, leading to secrets that are sure to come out sooner rather than later.
The Rookie Season 7, Episode 4 Features Great Character Moments For (Almost) Everyone
Grey Is The Only One Left Out
“Darkness Falling” makes good use of almost every figure, a rare feat for a TV show with an ensemble cast. The Rookie season 7 characters have substantial moments in episode 4 that either continue their already established arcs or set up new ones. The hour also manages to integrate two characters from The Rookie: Feds (Kevin Zegers’ Brendon and Devika Bhise’s Antoinette) without feeling like fan service.
Grey is the only person missing, but he still gets the funniest line of The Rookie season 7, episode 4, when Nolan asks him to watch Bailey.
As for the main characters, Nolan and Bailey’s Jason problem grows more intriguing. Wesley’s blast from the past gives him more to work with outside the Graham situation; Tim and Lucy’s short scene confirms their second slow burn is still building; Seth’s lies suggest he isn’t who we think he is; Angela and Nyla’s partnership is a highlight; Miles shows growth during his last scene with Tim; and Celina steps up to the plate. Grey is the only person missing, but he still gets the funniest line of The Rookie season 7, episode 4, when Nolan asks him to watch Bailey.
