The Rookie (2×12) Now and Then Review

For our review of the last episode of The Rookie, click here.

Nolan and Harper pull up to a vehicle sitting by the side of the road. As they park, the vehicles doors flung open as at least a dozen people run in different directions from the smoke-filled interior. Nolan and Harper give chase running down the street after the driver. What they don’t notice is the final person jumping out of the trunk who starts playing the show’s theme song on her ukulele. Here’s what went down in “Now and Then.”

After back-to-back episode of sheer intensity and intrigue, The Rookie falls back to Earth with a showing that focuses too much on the interpersonal relationships of its characters and not enough actual police work. While these characters are usually entertaining enough to make up for this, the writing of this episode falls flat with some lacklustre chemistry from its cast. In the aftermath of Lucy’s abduction, she has been paired with Harper to help her through her PTSD while Bradford and Nolan take Henry’s fiance Abigail for a ride along and West’s relationship with acting heartthrob Sterling becomes public. All of these situations end up feeling pointless and destroy some character development in the process.

First off, the situations with Chen. It makes sense that Harper and Lopez would want to help Chen through her ordeal. These police women have to stick together. However, it happens in the oddest way as they go to a speed dating event. Because being taken by a man you were dating who was a serial killer totally means you need to get back out there and start dating strangers again. She ends up flipping a man onto the floor for trying to remove a loose strand on her sweater. This makes Harper open up about her past including a traumatic event of her own. While their conversation is supposed to make them get closer, it feels awkward and at times the dialogue just doesn’t work.

Meanwhile, Nolan and Bradford take Abigail out on a ride along because she’s interested in becoming a cop. While her interactions with Nolan and Bradford are entertaining and she shows some skills necessary for being a cop, she gives off an odd vibe which I can’t help but be skeptical about. Her acting seems a bit stale and her chemistry with Henry is non-existent so hopefully that changes as she seems to gain a more recurring role.

And finally what is up with the West situation? The precinct shames him for his relationship. I get that this is most likely due to the public nature of it, but considering he is the only openly gay character on the show, it hurts by having them shame the only non-straight relationship. It feels backwards and destroys so much of the show’s credibility. That and Sterling isn’t really exactly giving off some great chemistry either. These cops need some sparks to fly.

Captain’s Log

• Will Bradford forgive himself?
• How will Wes deal with his issues?
• Will Armstrong take the lifeline that Grey gave him?

What did you think of “Now and Then”? Let me know in the comments below!

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Dylan Phillips