After a protracted buildup because the present’s debut, “The Rookie” lastly delivered on its promise of an epic showdown with the long-teased Massive Unhealthy. This episode proved as soon as once more that doubting the author’s is usually a mistake. Each twist and switch this season has been a deliberate step in the direction of this climax. The episode was not solely satisfying but in addition chock-full of motion, introducing quite a few new characters and juggling a number of storylines. It was a whirlwind that may require a second (or third) viewing to completely perceive the complicated plot.
The episode resumed proper the place the earlier one ended, with Mad Canine leaping from the roof. On the scene, Tim knowledgeable Gray about Mad Canine’s admission of corruption. Investigator Pearson arrived on the scene and proper from the bounce, it appeared that he was able to pin Mad Canine’s loss of life on Tim. Gray insisted that Bradford ought to have a union consultant and an legal professional by his aspect earlier than any questioning begins. Angela knowledgeable Lucy of Tim’s scenario, instantly inflicting Lucy to be on edge. Whatever the scenario between her and Tim, she nonetheless loves him and cares about him deeply. It was good that Angela understood that Lucy ought to be knowledgeable.
Lucy’s concern for Tim reached its peak when she joined him within the station elevator, intentionally stopping it to supply him a hug. Though she started by asserting that she was nonetheless upset with him, in that second, she acknowledged his want for consolation and willingly offered it. When she inquired about his well-being, his tender response, “I’m now,” was precisely what Chenford followers wanted to listen to. It reassured them of his enduring love for Lucy and hinted that regardless of the challenges, they might discover their method again to one another, by some means. It was additionally nice character development to see Lucy assert boundaries with Tim and be sincere together with her emotions. Sure, she loves him, however what he did was not okay and he or she is letting him know that that as a substitute of hiding behind her emotions as she sometimes would.
“The Squeeze” – THE ROOKIE, Pictured: Melissa O’Neil as Lucy Chen and Eric Winter as Tim Bradford. Photo: Raymond Liu/Disney ©2024 All Rights Reserved.
The plot intensified as Monica engaged in a revealing conversation with Blair London, solidifying suspicions that they are both involved with the Big Bad’s schemes. Monica is clearly more deeply entrenched, while Blair showed signs of unraveling over Mad Dog’s death, seeming on the verge of a breakdown. Additionally, Monica hired a security guard for her protection and was resolved to uncover the identity of the person who sent an assailant to her home. Meanwhile, Angela and Nyla were closing in on Monica, but they required more evidence before they could proceed with charges.
Tim, knowing that he had been painted as the fall guy, handed over his investigation of Blair London to Nolan. This led to a series of clandestine meetings and uneasy alliances, with Blair pushing Pearson to frame Tim to cover her own tracks. Grey, under threat of being reported for conflict of interest, reluctantly put Tim on administrative leave.
Alongside the main plot involving the Big Bad, a subplot unfolded as Wesley and Angela’s nanny found herself entangled in her own criminal web, which may or may not be connected. The situation escalated when an armed man arrived at the Evers’ residence, intent on returning the nanny to her former employer. Under pressure from Angela and Nyla, she confessed to previously working for the infamous money launderer, Christian Batista. This revelation propelled Lucy into an undercover role, potentially exposing the entire conspiracy.
While undercover as the Batista family’s new nanny, an unexpected visit from Monica threatened to expose Lucy. Monica asked Christian who orchestrated her attack, but he offered no assistance. Meanwhile, Lucy risked her cover when an iPad fell and triggered music, nearly exposing her. This close call could spell the end of Lucy’s undercover work, potentially removing this obstacle in her relationship with Tim. Angela and Lucy want her to continue with the operation with more back-up, which could potentially mean her life will be in danger in the final episode. Hopefully that won’t be the case.
The episode casted Nolan in a new light, highlighting his adept detective abilities. In collaboration with Celina, he successfully pressured Blair into cooperation using clever strategies and leveraging Smitty’s insights from his many breaks spent in the psychiatry office. Blair agreed to divulge her knowledge to Nolan, but only if she received immunity and a new identity, insisting on seeing the agreement before revealing any specifics. It remains uncertain whether she will fulfill her promise, given the powerful forces she is involved with. The consequences of aligning with the LAPD could make her reconsider her decision. Now that Blair London is confirmed to be part of the plot with the Big Bad, the question remains, why would a young psychiatrist, at the onset of her career, involve herself in such a significant conspiracy against the LAPD? What could her motive possibly be? Hopefully this question will be answered in the second part of the finale.
“The Squeeze” – THE ROOKIE, Pictured: Shawn Ashmore as Wesley Evers and Chloe Wepper. Photo: Raymond Liu/Disney ©2024 All Rights Reserved.
The drama escalated further when Monica, flanked by her security detail, approached a clearly influential man, seeking his assistance to identify the employer of her attacker in return for incriminating information she holds on the LAPD. This episode introduced a few new characters, making the plot somewhat difficult to follow. “The Rookie ” frequently introduces characters abruptly, without prior context, which can be jarring. Using established characters would have a bigger impact and would definitely create a more vested interest with viewers.
Meanwhile, Angela and Nyla tracked down the men behind Monica’s attack, culminating in a high-stakes showdown at a motel. The confrontation escalated to gunfire, a direct result of Pearson tipping off someone about their arrival.
The hour culminated in a series of desperate moves. Nolan convinced Blair to consider turning herself in for protection and Pearson’s betrayal was exposed to Angela, Nyla and Grey and he was placed on administrative leave. Two pins have now been taken down, the question remains, how many more are part of this intricate plot to take down the LAPD?
The cliffhanger was Monica asking Oscar for help in taking down Eric Ramsey, the man who paid to have her attacked, yet another unknown character. Oscar agreed to do so, as long as she helped break him out of jail which she agreed to do.
“The Squeeze” – THE ROOKIE, Pictured: Nathan Fillion as John Nolan, Daniel Bonjour as Pearson and Lisseth Chavez as Celina Suarez. Photo: Raymond Liu/Disney ©2024 All Rights Reserved.