Which Characters Should Never Make a Comeback?

The Rookie has captivated audiences with its dynamic characters and thrilling police procedural stories. However, as the series prepares for its eighth season, certain characters have overstayed their welcome, detracting from the narrative. This article explores several characters who should remain in the past, highlighting their impact on the show and why fans would prefer to see new faces instead.

Last updated: 03 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Certain characters in The Rookie have become stale, impacting viewer engagement.
• Returning characters like Rachel Hall and Doug Stanton failed to contribute positively to the narrative.
• Focusing on new and compelling characters could refresh the series as it moves into season 8.
• Story arcs involving past love interests often complicate rather than enhance character development.
• Some characters have not resonated with audiences, leading to calls for their omission in future seasons.

Characters Who Should Stay in the Past

Rachel Hall: A Love Interest Gone Wrong

Jasmine Mathews' character, Rachel Hall, made her debut as Tim Bradford's love interest in season 2. While she initially served a necessary purpose by complicating the relationship dynamics between Tim and Lucy Chen, her return in season 7 felt forced and irrelevant. Rachel’s storyline involved a mental breakdown upon returning to Los Angeles after moving to New York, which did not resonate with viewers or enhance Lucy's character arc.

Fans had little investment in Rachel, as her breakup with Tim was lukewarm at best. Bringing her back only muddied the waters of the evolving Chenford relationship, which has become a focal point of the series. Therefore, Rachel's presence in future seasons would likely be met with disinterest, as her story seems complete.

Doug Stanton: The Corrupt Cop

Played by Brandon Routh, Doug Stanton is another character that should remain in the past. His arc as a corrupt officer and tormentor to Jackson West was compelling but deeply uncomfortable. Doug's actions, meant to illustrate the darker side of policing, risk alienating a segment of the audience. The backlash from his storyline in season 3 makes it unlikely that viewers would welcome his return. Instead of reigniting this controversial plotline, The Rookie would be better served by focusing on newer characters that can engage the audience without carrying the baggage of past controversies.

Chris Sanford: The Unwanted Love Interest

Chris Sanford, portrayed by Kanoa Goo, was positioned as a love interest who stood in the way of Tim and Lucy’s relationship. With minimal chemistry and an unclear purpose, Chris's presence became more of a hindrance than a help. He had potential as a villain, given the ominous hints dropped during his arc, but he ultimately failed to deliver. His return would only serve to remind viewers of a storyline best left behind, as it offered little to the overall plot and character development.

Isabel Bradford: Closure Achieved

Mircea Monroe's Isabel Bradford, Tim's ex-wife, is another character best left in the past. The narrative has provided closure for Tim regarding his relationship with Isabel, making her return unnecessary. Introducing her again could create conflict purely for the sake of drama, which risks frustrating fans who are invested in Tim and Lucy's developing relationship. The series should prioritise new, engaging storylines rather than revisiting old conflicts that have already been resolved.

Abigail Tierney: A Forgettable Character

Abigail Tierney, played by Madeleine Coghlan, was initially tied to John Nolan's son, Henry. However, her storyline lacked depth and significance. Her unexpected return in season 7 was poorly received, with many viewing it as one of the show's lowest-rated episodes. The convoluted case alongside her character's lack of relevance suggests that Abigail's narrative arc has run its course. Fans do not need to see her again, especially when her storyline did not contribute meaningfully to the series.

Seth Ridley: The Pathological Liar

Patrick Keleher's Seth Ridley seemed innocent at first but quickly devolved into a troublesome character. While he had a moment of redemption in season 7 by taking a bullet for Nolan, viewers were not sufficiently invested in his character to warrant a prolonged return. His arc as a pathological liar made him more of a nuisance than a compelling character. Continuing to include him in future seasons would likely detract from the overall quality of the show.

Skip Tracer Randy: A Gag That Has Worn Thin

Initially a hit character, Skip Tracer Randy, played by Flula Borg, has overstayed his welcome. His comedic antics were once fresh and entertaining, but as his appearances became more frequent, the novelty wore off. In season 7, his return felt uninspired, suggesting that his character has become predictable. The Rookie should consider giving viewers a break from Randy to allow for the introduction of new comedic characters who can bring a fresh perspective.

Tom Bradford: A Troubling Legacy

James Remar's Tom Bradford had a complex relationship with his son Tim, marked by abuse and dysfunction. After providing closure in one episode, Tim's arc does not require revisiting Tom's troubled past. Any further exploration of this relationship would likely detract from Tim's character development, which should focus on more positive storylines. Tom's presence could risk reopening old wounds for both Tim and the audience, making his return unnecessary.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect in Season 8

As The Rookie gears up for its eighth season, the focus should shift towards new and intriguing characters that can capture the audience's imagination. By leaving behind characters that have not resonated or have served their purpose, the series can rejuvenate its storytelling and maintain viewer engagement. The introduction of fresh faces can lead to new dynamics and exciting storylines that keep fans invested in the ongoing adventures of the LAPD officers.

With the eighth season set to premiere in early 2026, fans remain hopeful for a revitalised series. The opportunity lies in exploring new relationships, conflicts, and story arcs that can expand the world of The Rookie while avoiding the pitfalls of overused characters. As the series moves forward, it will be interesting to see who makes the cut and who is left behind.

FAQs

Why are some characters in The Rookie considered stale?

Characters like Rachel Hall and Doug Stanton have overstayed their welcome due to repetitive storylines and lack of character development, leading to diminished audience interest.

What impact does returning characters have on the show?

Returning characters can complicate ongoing narratives, particularly if they detract from the main arcs or relationships, like Tim and Lucy's evolving romance.

When is The Rookie season 8 set to premiere?

The Rookie season 8 is scheduled to premiere in early 2026, providing fans with new stories and fresh character dynamics to look forward to.

Which characters should not return for season 8?

Characters such as Rachel Hall, Doug Stanton, and Chris Sanford are often mentioned as candidates that should not return due to their lack of relevance and negative audience reception.

How can new characters improve The Rookie?

Introducing new characters can bring fresh dynamics, engaging storylines, and revitalise the series by avoiding the clichés associated with older characters.