While The Rookie seemed to be finding its groove again in the middle of season 7, the show is slipping back into old bad habits, and even one fan-favorite character’s return can’t make it enjoyable. Without context, episode 17 could be enjoyable. Flula Borg’s Skip Tracer Randy is still one of The Rookie’s funniest characters, and it’s always a joy to see Angela and Nyla teaming up (let alone discovering their mothers are besties). However, with only one episode left in season 7, “Mutiny and the Bounty” just seems like a waste of time.
ABC renewed The Rookie for an eighth season, which will air during the 2025–2026 network TV season.
Following The Rookie season 7, episode 16 (which was also a bit of a letdown), “Mutiny and the Bounty” contains a handful of self-contained stories that don’t do much to drive the show’s overarching plot forward. Skip Tracer Randy returns to seek help about winning Chasity’s heart. Elsewhere, Angela and Nyla help Nyla’s mother, who has been scammed and is in danger of losing her house, and ADA Sean Del Monte is forced to step down from the DA race. Lucy also learns she passed the sergeant’s exam, but no one’s surprised.
The Rookie Season 7, Episode 17 Wastes Time Ahead Of The Finale
Skip Tracer Randy’s Return Doesn’t Feel Natural Or Necessary
Despite Skip Tracer Randy’s infectious good energy, it’s unclear why his return in The Rookie season 7, episode 17 is necessary. It also feels quite unnatural. All of a sudden, he shows up on Nolan and Bailey’s doorstep, proclaiming his love for Nolan’s brother’s girlfriend, Chasity. He met her at the beginning of season 6, and we haven’t heard anything about their relationship since. So, instead of setting up the upcoming finale, The Rookie focuses on not-so-serious stories that waste time.
“Mutiny and the Bounty” also spends a lot of time on The Rookie characters who are difficult to care about. While Del Monte’s plotline gives Wesley some much-deserved screen time, it also introduces an unfamiliar case that evidently teases a new villain (the Southern Front gang, which has been referenced before, but they’ve never been a significant antagonist). Meanwhile, Monica and Oscar are still on the run and need to be dealt with first.
Perhaps the Del Monte situation is meant to tease Wesley’s future at the DA office. However, knowing that it likely won’t come into play in the finale, The Rookie could’ve held it for season 8. Season 7 should be more concerned about Monica and Oscar’s returns, especially because the previous finale set them up as villains who would continue terrorizing the main characters. Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case. Season 7’s premiere barely mentioned Monica and Oscar, and Monica briefly appeared in The Rookie season 7, episode 11, but the show hasn’t acknowledged her presence or mysterious plans since.
It’s Hard To Feel Excited About The Season 7 Finale After Episode 17
“Mutiny And The Bounty” Doesn’t Inspire Much Confidence
Aside from Lucy passing the sergeant’s exam (which was to be expected), season 7’s penultimate hour does very little to set up the finale. Now, Tim and Lucy can get back together in The Rookie, but everything else that happens in “Mutiny and the Bounty” seems inconsequential. So, heading into season 7’s last episode, ABC’s police procedural series has done the bare minimum to develop the actual villains’ (Monica and Oscar) arcs, making their upcoming returns the opposite of being highly anticipated.
Still, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed knowing that only one episode remains in The Rookie season 7, and the series hasn’t done much to make viewers feel excited about it.
Maybe I’m being nitpicky and a downer. Framing episode 17 as a lighthearted, middle-of-the-season hour might’ve made it more entertaining. But after watching Will Trent season 3, episode 17 (which premiered before The Rookie, and was completely thrilling), it’s hard not to compare the two and point out the faults in Alexi Hawley’s show. Yes, “Mutiny and the Bounty” has some fun moments, and Flula Borg is always a joy. Still, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed knowing that only one episode remains in The Rookie season 7, and the series hasn’t done much to make me feel excited about it.
