After a disappointing sixth season and an up-and-down first few episodes of season 7, The Rookie finally returns to its former glory via “Wildfire.” ABC’s police procedural has lasted for seven seasons for a reason. When Nathan Fillion’s show is good, it’s really good (e.g. the entirety of season 2 with Rosalind Dyer and Nick Armstrong, Tim and Lucy’s evolution, etc). Ultimately, when The Rookie has complex villains, exciting cases, and strong character development, it’s a force to be reckoned with. Season 7, episode 8 has all of that and more.
Following the events of The Rookie season 7, episode 7, “Wildfire” begins with Harper focusing on implicating Liam Glasser. She and other LAPD officers have been surveilling the serial killer for weeks. However, when a wildfire diverts their attention, Glasser jumps through many hoops to slip away and find his next victim. Elsewhere, Tim and Lucy semi-confront their feelings, Nolan catches James kissing another woman, Seth tries to cover up a huge mistake, and a drive-by shooting takes down two characters. To sum it all up, episode 8 is gripping from beginning to end.
“Wildfire” Is The Best Episode Of The Rookie In A Long Time
The Mid-Season Finale’s High Stakes Make It An Instant Classic
Perhaps it’s a bold statement to make, but it’s true nonetheless — The Rookie put out one of its best episodes of all time with “Wildfire.” A lot goes on throughout the hour, but it’s more of an organized (and thrilling) chaos than a cluttered and convoluted one. There is not a moment that goes by that doesn’t make sense for the plot. From Harper calling Wesley to ensure she could legally search Glasser’s house to Grey’s relief at learning that Tim and Lucy are alive, not one second is wasted in The Rookie season 7, episode 8.
A couple of characters make surprise returns in The Rookie season 7, episode 3, but their appearances can’t save this tedious and frustrating hour.
One of the most important qualities that makes for a memorable, renowned episode of any TV series is the presence of high stakes, and “Wildfire” has that in spades. Starting with the cold open featuring Harper, Lucy, and Celina following Glasser and ending with James and Kylie getting shot, The Rookie season 7, episode 8 is jam-packed with raised stakes. Consequently, we pay more attention because every minute matters. Since each second is used wisely and deliberately to further the plot, not only in the episode but in the season as a whole, “Wildfire” is an instant classic.
Tim & Lucy Share One Of Their Most Iconic Scenes In The Entire Series
The Slow Burn (Thankfully) Still Continues, Though
Tim and Lucy’s relationship in The Rookie is, without a doubt, one of the best parts of the ABC show. Their progress from training officer/rookie to dating and eventual break-up has been so fun to watch over the years. So, if an episode contains an iconic moment between Tim and Lucy, it’s difficult not to call it a fantastic hour of The Rookie.
After their Valentine’s Day hook-up in The Rookie season 7, episode 6, Tim and Lucy have been avoiding talking about the state of their complex relationship. However, there is no better time to confront their feelings than when they’re on the brink of death. As fire blazes around them, Tim confesses he still loves Lucy. She sort of tells him the same thing (in her own way). The scene is just very much Chenford-coded as they are bickering more than anything, making it all the better.
They shared an intense, iconic moment that proves Tim and Lucy should get back together in The Rookie. However, that doesn’t mean all their problems are solved.
At the hospital, Lucy informs Tim she’s contemplating taking the sergeant’s exam. If she passes, he’ll no longer be her superior, which Tim notes. Tim and Lucy don’t discuss their relationship further, and that’s for the best. They shared an intense, iconic moment that proves Tim and Lucy should get back together in The Rookie. However, that doesn’t mean all their problems are solved. It’s just indicative of how much Tim and Lucy care for one another and why they need to keep putting in the work to ensure they can be the best partners to each other.
The Rookie Season 7, Episode 8 Perfectly Sets Up The Season’s Back Half
“Wildfire” Ends On A Devastating Cliffhanger
Throughout the story in The Rookie season 7, episode 8, it’s easy to see how the hour could end on a cliffhanger. Maybe Glasser would get away or critically injure a character. Perhaps the episode would conclude with Tim and Lucy still in danger. However, “Wildfire” chooses to subvert expectations and ends on a cliffhanger not many saw coming. Yes, the conflict featuring James and Kylie is teased throughout the hour, but the fire and Glasser are enough to distract us from thinking it would be important enough to return to by the end.
The episode concludes with James and Kylie on the brink of death after a drive-by shooting, which perfectly sets up the season’s second half. On one level, I’ll be anxious to know if James and Kylie survive. On another, the shooting establishes the Sixth Street Devils as antagonists going forward. Even Nolan seeing Kylie kiss James sets the scene for upcoming episodes. Hopefully, all these factors mean The Rookie season 7 will just keep on getting better after episode 8.
