Villain team-ups rarely work in The Rookie (e.g., the mess that was the season 6 finale), but one teased pairing in season 7, episode 13 might work out perfectly for everyone involved. The ABC police procedural series features multiple antagonists in its seventh season; it’s hard to keep track of them all. Some of The Rookie’s villains in season 7 include Jason Wyler, Monica Stevens, Malvado (who returns in episode 14), Harrison Novak, and Liam Glasser. Oscar Hutchinson, who was last seen escaping prison with Jason at the end of season 6, will also appear in a future episode.
ABC renewed The Rookie for an eighth season, meaning some villains’ arcs might not come to a close by the season 7 finale.
Season 7 hasn’t focused on one Big Bad looming over the episodes, which is rather disappointing but the reality of the situation. Monica doesn’t count, given that as of The Rookie season 7, episode 13, she has only appeared onscreen once. However, the show has a chance to redeem itself in the coming episodes. If done correctly, tying together two villains’ storylines could be an intriguing way to end The Rookie season 7 (and hopefully, conclude one of their arcs for good).
The Rookie Season 7, Episode 13 Teases Liam Glasser’s Return
After thinking Seth Gabel’s Liam Glasser was gone forever after he was arrested in The Rookie season 7, episode 8, I was pleased to hear his name again in episode 13. Gabel’s portrayal of Glasser is too good to waste on a two-episode arc. Thankfully, “Three Billboards” seemingly sets up the serial killer’s return.
Celina Juarez is a rookie no more in The Rookie season 7, meaning Nolan needs a new cop to train, and the show had the perfect person for the job.
The Rookie season 7 characters (particularly Nolan, Lopez, and Harper) discover billboards accusing them of being dirty cops throughout episode 13. Wesley works hard to get them taken down and find out who’s behind their creation and display. At the end of the hour, Wesley learns the truth. He informs Nolan that Glasser constructed the scheme from prison. He likely wanted to discredit Nolan, Lopez, and Harper, all of whom helped arrest him, before his upcoming trial. So, Glasser is still in the picture, and based on Wesley’s comments, The Rookie will likely show his trial.
Monica Previously Returned In The Rookie Season 7, Episode 11
Even though Glasser’s return in The Rookie season 7 is exciting in and of itself, episode 13 contains another detail concerning the billboards that piques my interest. Of course, it would have been difficult for Glasser to pay for the signs while locked inside his prison cell. So, Wesley theorizes that Glasser’s lawyer helped him. Specifically, Shawn Ashmore’s character says, “I’d bet money his lawyer’s in on it. And if he is, I’m going to get his a** disbarred.” Perhaps Wesley’s comment about Glasser’s lawyer foreshadows Monica’s return.
Yes, Monica is currently on the run from the law in The Rookie season 7. However, she was a lawyer and could be working with Glasser (and/or his lawyers) to take down the Mid-Wilshire cops, as Wesley teased. Monica could have funded the serial killer’s billboard project to help taint the jury pool for his upcoming trial by making Nolan, Lopez, and Harper look corrupt.
Monica clearly has a grand plan in the works, as previewed in episode 11, and Glasser might just be one of her pawns.
Consequently, it would be easier to secure Glasser’s release. Then, the two villains could work closely together on the outside while the good Rookie characters try to stop them. Monica clearly has a grand plan in the works, as previewed in episode 11, and Glasser might just be one of her pawns.
Why The Rookie Season 7 Should Connect The 2 Villains’ Stories
Intertwining Glasser & Monica’s Stories Could Fix Season 7’s Mistakes
Bridget Regan as Monica Stevens in The Rookie season 6 finale.
The Rookie has toyed with Monica’s villainous arc long enough, and it’s high time it ended. After every mistake the writers made with her story, adding a fresh face to the mix could save it. Meanwhile, Glasser is one of the most exciting antagonists that the ABC police procedural series has introduced in a long time.
Given that Glasser’s storyline is still new, weaving his and Monica’s arcs together would be wise for all involved. It would make Monica relevant and exciting again and help prolong Glasser’s presence on the show. Ultimately, connecting Monica and Glasser’s characters is a win-win for everyone involved (including The Rookie viewers).
