For six seasons, The Rookie has largely been Nathan Fillion’s show. He’s the heart, the hook, and the face of the franchise. But now, in Season 7, something’s shifted — and it’s impossible to ignore:
O’Neil is rising, and he’s not just catching up — he’s taking over.
What started as a supporting role has become something far more commanding. Tru Valentino’s Officer Aaron Thorsen (a.k.a. O’Neil) is stepping out of the shadows and into the spotlight — and he’s not asking permission.
“He’s not standing next to the lead anymore — he’s standing toe-to-toe with him,” one fan wrote on Reddit.
Another added: “I never thought I’d rewind The Rookie for anyone but Fillion… until O’Neil showed up.”
From Rookie Rookie to Scene-Stealer
In earlier seasons, O’Neil was comic relief. A sidekick. Someone thrown in for levity or a B-plot. But writers have been slowly — and smartly — building him up: giving him complexity, drive, and real emotional depth.
Now? He’s handling full scenes solo, holding tension, commanding attention, and proving he’s far more than a second-string cop. And viewers are noticing.
Whether it’s chasing down suspects, delivering emotional gut-punches, or verbally sparring with veterans, O’Neil is showing that he doesn’t need backup. He is the moment.
Fillion’s Still a Force — But the Torch Is Getting Heavy
Let’s be clear: Nathan Fillion remains a TV legend. His charisma, comic timing, and reliability are what The Rookie was built on. But great shows evolve — and so do their stars.
O’Neil isn’t replacing Fillion — he’s pushing him. And that’s exactly what this series needed.
In a recent episode, Valentino delivered a monologue so tight, so raw, it felt like a mic drop. The camera lingered — not on Fillion — but on him. The message was loud and clear: he’s not the new guy anymore.
The Internet Has Entered the Chat
The fanbase is buzzing — and split.
- “Valentino is straight-up stealing scenes this season. I’m watching for him now.”
- “They better not waste this character. O’Neil has leading-man energy, and then some.”
- “Never thought I’d say this, but I want less Nolan and more Thorsen.”
There’s momentum behind the character — and the performance — that can’t be manufactured. It’s earned. Valentino has been playing the long game, and in Season 7, it’s paying off.
Final Word: O’Neil’s Not Asking for the Spotlight — He’s Claiming It
What makes this shift so exciting is how natural it feels. O’Neil’s rise isn’t forced or gimmicky. It’s the result of smart writing and a quietly brilliant performance that’s finally breaking through.
Whether this turns into a full-blown power shift or just a rebalanced dynamic, one thing’s for sure:
If you’re still watching The Rookie just for Nathan Fillion… you might want to keep an eye on O’Neil.
Trust us — he’s not going anywhere.
