As the back half of The Rookie season 7 carries on, the show continues to churn out entertaining episodes featuring self-contained storylines and setups for the future. Episode 11, “Speed,” mostly revolves around a hostage situation on a bus carrying Nolan and Celina, who are undercover trying to catch petty criminals (like pickpockets). However, the Rookie episode’s scope expands when one notorious villain (who hasn’t been seen since season 6) resurfaces.
Following the chaotic hour that was The Rookie season 7, episode 10, “Speed” moves on from the Seth drama (which is sure to return later on in the season) and revisits the past via the appearance of an antagonist who has been in the wind for months. Episode 11 also builds Celina’s field experience as a graduated rookie, continues Nolan and Bailey’s adoption story, develops a new dynamic, and makes progress in the “Chenford” department. Overall, “Speed” successfully presents an episodic case while also laying the groundwork for the upcoming episodes.
The Rookie’s Annual Found Footage Episode Makes Good Use Of The Medium
“Speed” Reinvents The Tired Tradition
Lisseth Chavez as Celina Juarez and Nathan Fillion as John Nolan in The Rookie season 7, episode 11
Normally, I would dread The Rookie’s annual found footage episode. At first, the ABC police procedural series using this filming technique was unique, interesting, and ideal for this type of show, given the premise and the characters’ occupations. However, as time went on, the episodes started getting derivative and tired. The Rookie refuses to let go of this tradition, though, and we’re lucky they didn’t because season 7, episode 11 reinvents it and somehow makes it intriguing and entertaining again.
John Nolan and Celina Juarez in The Rookie season 7, episode 7
The Rookie Season 7, Episode 7 Review: I’m So Relieved ABC’s Procedural Is Finally Breaking Out Of Its Streak Of Bad Episodes
The Rookie season 7 is finally getting into a groove as episode 7, “The Mickey,” seamlessly handles many stories while remaining entertaining.
I surprisingly enjoyed The Rookie season 7’s iteration of the show’s found footage custom. Its Speed tribute makes for the perfect use of this filmmaking style — specifically, the cameras on the bus are the highlight as they make the hostage situation feel all too real. Of course, episode 11 eventually reverts to its normal format once Nolan takes down the bomber, but everything before that is thoroughly engaging thanks to the series’ found footage tradition.
Monica Stevens’ Return Couldn’t Be More Perfect (Yet Still Completely Overdue)
It’s About Time The Rookie Finishes The Villain’s Story
The biggest development of the hour comes when Bridget Regan (finally) reprises her role as Monica Stevens, one of The Rookie’s best villains. To be honest, the ABC show should have concluded Monica’s arc a long time ago. Instead, the writers have unnecessarily dragged it out. Now, The Rookie has the chance to wrap up Monica’s storyline and, hopefully, move on to other antagonists that season 7 has already set up (Seth Ridley, Liam Glasser, etc.). But the series can’t truly move forward without completing Monica’s villainous arc.
The Rookie season 7 must address and conclude Monica’s schemes sooner rather than later to avoid being a repeat of the disappointing, villain-ridden season 6 finale.
So, when the “pregnant” woman — whose involvement in the case of the week is all too obvious from the beginning — video calls Monica, revealing that they’re working together, it’s exciting to see her familiar face onscreen. It’s unclear what Monica’s plans are, but they are rather intriguing, given her past and what her return means for the future. Nevertheless, The Rookie season 7 must address and conclude Monica’s schemes sooner rather than later to avoid being a repeat of the disappointing, villain-ridden season 6 finale.
Aside from Monica’s appearance, the most thrilling moment of The Rookie season 7, episode 11 comes when Tim and Lucy actually discuss their feelings and the state of their relationship. Lucy admits she hasn’t forgiven Tim but isn’t trying to date other people either. So, they agree that when she has forgiven Tim for breaking up with her in The Rookie season 6, he can help her study for the sergeant’s exam. Tim and Lucy aren’t back together (yet — though their reunion seems inevitable). However, the episode leaves us with the promise that all hope is not lost for Chenford.
