Episode 12 of The Rookie Season 7, aptly titled “April Fools,” sets out to blend humor with drama in celebration of the prank-filled holiday. However, the result is a tonally inconsistent hour that fails to deliver the emotional and narrative punch viewers have come to expect from the series. While there are a few standout moments, especially involving John Nolan and rookie Connor Craig, much of the episode feels scattered and uneven.
1. A Risky Concept with Mixed Execution
“April Fools” tries something different: starting with a department-wide prank that spirals into citywide chaos. On paper, the premise sounds fun and fresh—a break from the usual high-stakes cases. But in execution, the jokes fall flat, and the consequences lack the gravity needed to ground the story.
The episode dances around interesting themes like misinformation on social media and the repercussions of public stunts, yet it never fully commits to exploring these ideas in depth. What could’ve been a sharp commentary on modern-day policing in the digital age is reduced to a series of misfires and missed opportunities.
2. Chenford’s Prank – A Controversial Moment
One of the more anticipated developments this season has been the evolution of Lucy Chen and Tim Bradford’s relationship—affectionately dubbed “Chenford” by fans. However, in this episode, the duo’s screen time is largely devoted to a prank where they pretend to break up. Intended as light-hearted fun, the gag instead feels forced and uncharacteristically shallow.
Fans expecting forward movement in Chenford’s arc were left disappointed. Instead of emotional progress, we got awkward comedy that undermines the depth and chemistry the show has worked so hard to build between them. The prank plot felt out of sync with the rest of the episode’s emotional weight and only served to stall meaningful development.
3. John Nolan and Connor Craig – The Emotional Core
Where the episode shines is in the mentorship storyline between Officer John Nolan and his rookie, Connor Craig. Faced with the harsh reality of street-level policing, Craig freezes during a call involving a domestic violence victim. Nolan is forced to consider whether Craig is cut out for the job, highlighting the tough decisions training officers must make.
Rather than giving up on him, Nolan sees potential and offers a second chance—a decision that reflects the compassion and patience that has come to define his character. This subplot brings heart and gravity to an otherwise unfocused episode and serves as a reminder of the show’s core strengths: human stories, moral dilemmas, and character growth.
4. A Clash of Tones That Doesn’t Quite Work
Perhaps the biggest flaw in “April Fools” is its jarring tonal shifts. One moment we’re dealing with sensitive topics like trauma and emotional readiness, and the next we’re watching poorly timed jokes and awkward pranks. The episode seems unsure of what it wants to be—comedy, drama, or satire—and as a result, delivers none of them convincingly.
This inconsistency weakens the pacing and emotional impact, leaving viewers unsure how to feel from one scene to the next. While the intention to try something new is commendable, the lack of tonal cohesion ultimately hurts the storytelling.
Final Verdict: A Rare Misstep in a Strong Season
While The Rookie has had a strong seventh season overall, episode 12 is a rare misstep. The attempt to infuse April Fool’s humor into the narrative may have looked promising on the page, but in practice, it left viewers confused, disconnected, and underwhelmed.
Fortunately, with promising character arcs still in motion—especially for Nolan, Connor, and Chenford—the show has plenty of room to rebound. Here’s hoping Episode 13 brings back the balance, heart, and momentum fans love.
