Season 7 of The Rookie has given fans plenty to talk about — from high-stakes cases to emotional character arcs. But for many viewers, one particular storyline has left a bitter taste. As someone who has followed the show since its debut, I found it especially hard to watch one of the series’ most beloved characters sidelined and diminished due to what I believe was a major creative misstep.
A Strong Character Undercut by Questionable Writing
Over the years, this character has stood out not just for their skill and bravery but for the layers of humanity the writers have given them. Whether it’s their personal struggles or professional triumphs, they’ve been a reliable emotional anchor for the audience. Unfortunately, Season 7 took a turn that seemed to undercut much of that development.
Rather than building on the character’s established strengths, the storyline placed them in repetitive or passive situations, limiting their agency. Instead of driving the narrative forward, they were often relegated to the sidelines, reacting to events rather than shaping them.
Why It Hurt So Much as a Fan
For dedicated fans, watching a favorite character falter due to plot decisions — rather than organic, believable challenges — is frustrating. It’s not that we expect every season to treat our favorites like heroes without flaws; it’s that we want their journeys to feel meaningful and earned. Here, the changes felt abrupt and disconnected from the character’s established arc.
The emotional connection fans have with this character made the misstep sting even more. When a role has been consistently portrayed with depth and authenticity, seeing them written in a way that feels out of character can break the immersive bond between audience and story.
The Bigger Issue: A Worrying Trend?
This isn’t the first time The Rookie has made a narrative choice that sidelined a strong character. Some fans fear it’s becoming a pattern — one where compelling personalities get pushed aside to make room for newer faces or experimental plotlines. While fresh story arcs can be exciting, they should ideally enhance the ensemble, not diminish its core strengths.
What Season 8 Needs to Do
With Season 8 now confirmed, there’s still hope. The writers have an opportunity to repair the damage by returning to the character’s core traits — their competence, resilience, and emotional depth — while allowing them to play a more active role in the central narrative. A redemption arc, or at least a return to form, could not only heal the character’s storyline but also restore faith among loyal fans.
As much as we love The Rookie for its mix of heart, humor, and action, moments like these remind us that even great shows can stumble. What matters now is how the creative team chooses to move forward — and whether they’ll give this beloved character the justice they deserve.
