The Rookie introduced its most compelling villain in a long time in season 7, but it would be in the show’s best interest to hold off on bringing them back until season 8. Over the course of the ABC police procedural’s seven seasons, The Rookie has spawned some great villains. The show has had its fair share of iconic antagonists, from the unforgettable Rosalind Dyer to the unsuspecting Nick Armstrong. Unfortunately, recent seasons have failed to produce bad guys that can live up to their predecessors — until now.
ABC renewed The Rookie for an eighth season, set to premiere during the 2025–2026 network TV season.
The Rookie set Monica Stevens up to be a Big Bad back in season 5. Sadly, her villain arc has lost its initial intrigue, thanks to the show introducing other antagonists and dragging out her convoluted storyline. It’s honestly hard to remember all the details of how Monica ended up where she is now — on the run and wanted for numerous crimes. So, The Rookie needs to wrap up Monica’s arc and try again with another villain. However, both can’t happen right away, meaning the series must wait until season 8 to dive deeper into the other antagonist’s tale.
Liam Glasser Returns In The Rookie Season 7, Episode 15
Abigail Seeks Glasser Out For Her Documentary
Seth Gabel’s Liam Glasser makes his third appearance in The Rookie season 7 in episode 15, “A Deadly Secret.” The hour also features the return of Abigail, Nolan’s son’s (now former) fiancée. Abigail disappears while making a true crime documentary about Westview Psychiatric Hospital, which coincidentally has ties to Glasser. As a result, Abigail visits the accused serial killer in jail to interview him about what he knows about the supposedly haunted facility.
At first, Glasser claims that he never went inside Westview’s abandoned ward. However, once the LAPD investigated the psychiatric hospital and learned that its water supply had been poisoned, Glasser changed his story. Dr. Meg Davidson, the head of Westview, drugged the building’s water to ensure that patients would get worse instead of better. After learning this, Glasser confesses that he went inside as a child and claims he was poisoned himself, a tactic he will undoubtedly use for his defense in the future.
When asked if this new detail in Glasser’s case would help him in court, Wesley Evers hesitated but stood firm that they had Glasser “dead to rights.” His pause certainly doesn’t instill much hope that Glasser will be found guilty during his upcoming trial. Consequently, Glasser’s story is seemingly far from over, and the Rookie character will return after season 7, episode 15.
Why The Rookie Should Save Glasser’s Story For Season 8
The Serial Killer Should Become The Show’s Next True Big Bad
While Glasser is one of the most exciting villains The Rookie has had in a while, only three episodes remain in season 7 after “A Deadly Secret.” There isn’t much room for various plots, and rushing his story’s conclusion would be a big mistake. So, it would be best if the ABC police procedural series waits until season 8 to dive deeper into Glasser’s character. Thankfully, ABC has already renewed The Rookie for an eighth season.
Glasser can only reach his full potential if the show waits until season 8 to develop his villain arc any further.
The Rookie season 7 could and should be only the beginning of Glasser’s villain arc. It has laid the groundwork for his future in the show, and season 8 can take over from there, especially if Glasser is found not guilty. Given how compelling Gabel’s character already is in The Rookie season 7, he deserves the series’ sole attention as its true Big Bad. Glasser can only reach his full potential if the show waits until season 8 to develop his villain arc any further.
The Rookie Season 7 Finale Already Has A Villain
Season 7 Must Close Out Monica’s Villain Arc
If season 7 wants to avoid the major issues displayed in The Rookie season 6’s finale, it can’t overstuff its ending with multiple antagonists. With only three episodes remaining, it’s best if the series focuses on giving closure to one villain’s arc — Monica. Her story has been drawn out for too long, and she must exit The Rookie by the season 7 finale so that the show can move on to bigger and better things. As a result, Glasser shouldn’t return until The Rookie season 8, ensuring Monica doesn’t overshadow his development.
