The Rookie has been a fan-favorite TV drama for seven seasons, captivating audiences with its compelling characters and thrilling storylines. With the upcoming eighth season, fans are wondering what’s next for the show. While many characters have earned their place in the series, there are a few whose storylines have overstayed their welcome. In this article, we review why rookie characters shouldnt return in Season 8 and how their absence could benefit the show’s progression.
1. Elijah Stone: A Distraction from Core Characters
Character Overview:
Elijah Stone, portrayed by Brandon Jay McLaren, entered the world of The Rookie as a recurring character. While McLaren’s acting was praised, Elijah’s presence in the series often felt like a drag on the storyline. Instead of adding depth to the show, his appearances disrupted the character arcs of others, particularly Angela Lopez and Wesley Evers.
Why Elijah Shouldn’t Return:
Elijah’s character never felt like a significant threat. His role often forced Angela and Wesley into uncomfortable positions, and his presence detracted from the core drama of the show. In comparison to villains like Rosalind Dyer, Elijah lacked the creepiness and danger that made other characters more menacing. As a result, his return would feel like an unnecessary setback for the show, diverting attention from the more compelling and dynamic characters.
2. Seth Ridley: A Character Built on Deception
Character Overview:
Seth Ridley, played by Patrick Keleher, was introduced as a rookie officer whose deceptive nature quickly became apparent. Initially, Seth seemed like a character who could bring new drama to The Rookie, but his prolonged stay and the lies he spun soon grew tiresome.
Why Seth Shouldn’t Return:
Seth’s manipulative and dishonest actions led to several tense moments, but they soon became repetitive. His lies and trickery did not contribute to character development or advance the plot in meaningful ways. Furthermore, after Seth’s involvement in the fire incident, it became clear that the character’s storyline had been exhausted. Bringing Seth back for another season would only risk rehashing old drama, which would feel stagnant and unproductive for the show’s progression.
3. Fiona Ryan: An Out-of-Place Character
Character Overview:
Fiona Ryan was a character introduced as a teacher who had an intellectual approach to problem-solving. However, her interactions with the police and involvement in dangerous situations never felt natural. Fiona was more suited to a classroom or debate setting, which made her presence in police-related scenes feel forced.
Why Fiona Shouldn’t Return:
Fiona’s storyline no longer serves a meaningful purpose. With other characters like James Murray taking on similar concerns, Fiona’s return would seem redundant. Furthermore, the issues she represented regarding policing and minorities can be handled by other more central characters. Given that John Nolan no longer needs her guidance, there is no logical reason to bring her back, and her return would feel like a forced narrative addition.
4. Monica Stevens: A Villain Too Far-Fetched
Character Overview:
Monica Stevens, portrayed by Bridget Regan, started as a lawyer but quickly escalated to a supercriminal with a far-fetched rise to power. While Regan’s portrayal of the character was captivating, Monica’s transformation lacked depth and felt implausible.
Why Monica Shouldn’t Return:
Monica’s evolution into an international supercriminal didn’t feel earned, and her rise to power was too abrupt and unrealistic for viewers to fully embrace. The plot surrounding her character became more about her villainy than any significant character development, which took away from the more grounded, relatable storylines that The Rookie is known for. While some fans may enjoy her as a villain, the show would be better off exploring new, more believable antagonists rather than rehashing Monica’s over-the-top narrative.
5. Why These Characters Should Stay Gone
Character Analysis Recap:
- Elijah Stone – A disruption to the core cast and storyline.
- Seth Ridley – Repetitive drama built on lies and deception.
- Fiona Ryan – An out-of-place character whose role has already been replaced.
- Monica Stevens – A far-fetched villain that detracts from the show’s realism.
The Future of The Rookie Without These Characters
The Rookie is built on its compelling characters and their growth throughout the seasons. While the show has seen incredible success, some characters have overstayed their welcome. By removing characters like Elijah Stone, Seth Ridley, Fiona Ryan, and Monica Stevens, The Rookie can refocus on the characters who truly drive the show forward. The core cast, such as Angela Lopez, John Nolan, and Wesley Evers, remain integral to the show’s success, and keeping the focus on them will only enhance the quality of future seasons.
As we look forward to The Rookie Season 8, fans can expect more intense drama, new faces, and fresh storylines that keep the show exciting and engaging. It’s time to say goodbye to characters that no longer fit and embrace the future of the show.
Conclusion:
The return of certain characters would only detract from The Rookie’s growth and success. As The Rookie continues its journey into Season 8, the show must evolve, focusing on the characters and plotlines that best serve the story. While the actors behind Elijah, Seth, Fiona, and Monica did a fantastic job, their characters have run their course, and their absence will open doors for fresher, more engaging content.
