Despite several side characters returning in The Rookie season 7, the absence of one feels odd given how well their appearance was set up. The Rookie’s cast of characters runs deep, consisting of numerous allies and villains with freshly distinct personalities. But by the last moments of The Rookie season 7 finale, one useful ally remains unaccounted for.
The Rookie is good about not shoehorning in characters without reason. Even something as simple as Monica’s brief scene after season 7’s bus hijacking sets up her appearance in the finale and less villainous guest stars should be treated the same. Nonetheless, after two head-scratching season 7 absences, one character at least deserves some love in The Rookie season 8.
The Rookie Season 7 Had Back-To-Back Chances To Bring Back Nell Forester
It Was Already Odd That They Did These Two Stories In A Row
Sara Rue’s Nell Forester first appears in season 1, when Tim Bradford uses the Mid-Wilshire dispatcher’s crush on him to bribe her into sending him all of her felony cases so he and Lucy can win a station-wide contest. Although she turns him down for a drink after seeing through his manipulation, they later spend Valentine’s Day together as friends.
Nell never appears in The Rookie’s most important episodes, but the reveal that she has her own true crime murder podcast should have set up two appearances in season 7. The season’s annual documentary episode involves two film crews investigating an abandoned psychiatric hospital with ties to serial killer Liam Glasser, a case that would certainly interest someone like Nell.
The episode before that has even more direct ties to Nell’s side gig as a podcaster. Season 7, episode 14, introduces Heather, a true crime influencer who tries to capitalize on the death of Celina’s sister. While Heather could reappear to cross paths with Nell in the future, this episode could have benefited from Nell’s involvement.
Including Nell In The Rookie Season 7, Episode 14 Would Have Made The Episode Stronger
Celina’s Change Of Heart Would Have Made So Much More Sense
After learning her mother is on Heather Marie’s podcast, Celina crashes her “Mad About You” recording session and drags out Karla to keep Heather from profiting off of Blanca’s death. This leads to an ongoing theme about whether podcasts are for exploitation or something more, with Celina and Lucy taking opposite sides. Lucy ultimately agrees they’re disrespectful toward victims’ families.
However, Celina becomes more receptive to the other side as well. She agrees that true crime can make for good entertainment while also drawing attention to long-forgotten cold cases, even if Heather Marie might not be particularly interested in that aspect of the platform. The problem is that this slight change of heart isn’t remotely earned by the episode’s story.
In the episode that included Nell’s perspective, Celina could have seen through Nell’s example of what good podcasting looks like, drawing a distinction between true crime aficionados and fad-hopping influencers. Instead of feeling like one of The Rookie’s least important episodes, it would have addressed a real problem with modern entertainment. Fortunately, Nell can still return with or without Heather.
The Rookie Season 8 Needs To Bring Nell Back For One Specific Fan-Pleasing Reason
Season 7 Also Alienated The Resident Dispatcher’s Boyfriend
Alan Tudyk could have been a shoo-in to play The Rookie’s Skip Tracer Randy if he weren’t already playing Ellroy Blasso. Nolan introduces Nell to fan-favorite bioremediation specialist Ellroy in season 2, and the two are happily dating by The Rookie season 4. If Nell can’t find another storyline through Heater, bringing her back through Ellroy could be even better.
Like Nell herself, Ellroy’s a compelling character with a job that fans don’t see featured in The Rookie often. Akin to Randy, he’s also a shockingly capable fighter. Bringing either half of Nellroy back would go over swimmingly with the fanbase, but giving them a story together is a guaranteed audience pleaser that needs to happen in season 8.
