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- The Big Search Behind “Escape Plan” in ‘The Rookie‘
- Wrapping Up the Finale’s Other Relationships in ‘The Rookie’
- Where ‘The Rookie’ Episode Fell Flat
As a longtime fan of The Rookie, I must admit that the Season 6 finale left me somewhat underwhelmed. Having followed this gripping police drama since its inception, I’ve grown accustomed to the intricate plotlines and character development that make each episode a thrilling experience.
ABC’s The Rookie quickly approaches the premiere of Season 7, set to air on January 7, 2025. However, there is some growing doubt about the crime drama’s direction after a Season 6 finale that left some viewers and critics underwhelmed. From a lackluster cliffhanger to strange pacing, many fans finished the season finale feeling like they had just watched a traditional mid-season episode. While many viewers are eagerly awaiting Season 7’s release, others are growing uninterested, considering the Season 6 finale of The Rookie didn’t set up many stakes for the characters involved in the police procedural series.
Despite the fact that The Rookie’s Season 6 finale might have seemed a bit rushed, it’s essential to remember the difficulties faced during its production. For instance, ABC encountered significant hurdles due to both the Writer’s Guild of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) strikes in 2023. These events likely played a role in the season having only ten episodes, which is four fewer than the shortest season (Season 3). Consequently, some viewers feel that the abbreviated season may have led to a storyline that didn’t quite wrap up as effectively as desired.
Spoilers for The Rookie Season 6, Episode 10, “Escape Plan”
The Big Search Behind “Escape Plan” in ‘The Rookie’
The main focus of this episode is a thrilling chase for the corrupt lawyer Monica Stevens (played by Bridget Regan). Yet, the title “Escape Plan” hints at more than just that. It skillfully manages to incorporate several interwoven subplots alongside the primary narrative. Among these are the intricate relationship between Chen and Bradford, the contemplation of family life by Nolan and Nune, and most significantly, the development of a plan to release antagonists Hutchinson and Wyler from prison.
The pursuit of Stevens reaches its peak in a high-stakes gunfight following her attempt to transfer Dr. Blair London (Danielle Campbell) to a Swiss trafficker. In this encounter, Stevens is surprised by Officer John Nolan (Nathan Fillion), Detective Nyla Harper (Mekia Cox), and the FBI. Recognizing the worsening situation, Stevens abandons Dr. London to be apprehended by Nolan and Harper and escapes further into Argentina. In his attempt to catch her, Nolan is wounded in the side and ultimately unable to prevent her escape. The season concludes with a ‘Be On the Lookout’ alert on Stevens, establishing her as a criminal on the run as we move into Season 7.
Wrapping Up the Finale’s Other Relationships in ‘The Rookie’
Between seasons, my heart has been yearning for Officer Lucy Chen (Melissa O’Neil) and Sergeant Tim Bradford (Eric Winter), who parted ways following their emotional split in season 6, episode 6, titled “Secrets and Lies.” Yet, an unexpected turn of events unfolds when Bradford, after realizing the gravity of his actions, extends an apology to Chen for their past misunderstandings. This heartfelt moment occurs when Chen selflessly jumps between oncoming vehicles during a high-stakes criminal takedown, saving not only herself but also Bradford. This poignant incident seems to subtly hint at the possibility of these two reuniting in season 7.
Officer Nolan and Lieutenant Bailey Nune (Jenna Dewan-Tatum) share a peaceful moment in bed, reflecting on the day’s events and their plans for expanding their family through adoption. However, their tranquility is shattered when Officer Nolan receives a troubling call from Sergeant Wade Grey (Richard T. Jones). The news he receives is that dangerous convicts Oscar Hutchinson (Matthew Glave) and Jason Wyler (Steve Kazee), who have a history of causing chaos, have escaped from prison and are on the loose, potentially posing a threat not only to them but also to the LAPD. This development is particularly concerning for Nolan and Bailey, as Wyler is not only a sociopath but also was previously married to Bailey, adding a personal dimension to the danger they now face.
Where ‘The Rookie’ Episode Fell Flat
Although viewers admired the thrilling stunt scenes and the development of Chen and Bradford’s relationship, they were still left unsatisfied by the unexpected prison break cliffhanger involving Hutchinson and Wyler. The problem lies in the fact that the series did not adequately set up the premise that these two characters were imprisoned together, making their reappearance seem overly coincidental for many viewers to accept. Additionally, since Oscar’s escape plans had been disclosed just one episode earlier in “The Squeeze,” the prison break was not entirely unexpected. Viewers were intrigued by whether he would manage to escape or take Wyler with him, but they were certainly not taken aback by the series finale’s turn of events.
Personally, as a movie critic, I found myself pondering an alternative antagonist alliance that could have been more fitting for The Rookie’s narrative arc in Season 7. Instead of pursuing Wyler, I believe it would have been intriguing to see a team-up between Hutchinson and Elijah Stone (Brandon Jay McLaren). This is because Stone made his “final” appearance just a season ago, while Wyler’s return was two seasons in the making. Moreover, their shared history from the prison where Stone was confined adds an interesting dynamic to this potential alliance.
Although the narrative appears to be taking a more organic route, unexpectedly, The Rookie reintroduces Wyler into the mix. This move suggests that the show is strategically planning ahead, possibly using Wyler’s past connection with Nune to generate future conflicts in Season 7. Mark your calendars as The Rookie returns to ABC on Tuesday, January 7, at 10/9c.
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2024-12-22 01:34