The Rookie (3×02) In Justice Review

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

Synopsis: Nolan and Harper are assigned to a community policing center in an attempt to rebuild the station’s reputation. (IMDb)

Two episodes in and The Rookie seems to be setting up a season much bigger than its predecessors. Rather than use the pandemic as a major storyline, they’ve decided to forgo that setting to focus on something much more prevalent to the cop situation in America. What transpires is the foundation for something that will prove to be decisive and series-changing for many of these characters.

With Nolan’s reprimand and being pushed back in his training, Nolan and Harper are on community service duty. They are sent to an area of LA to help out, but quickly realize that they aren’t really welcome there. Nolan, being the altruistic he is, attempts to diffuse the situation, but does so through the eyes of his white, middle-class perspective. He is brought back down to reality by the community leader James (Arjay Smith) who helps paint the realistic picture of society that they fail to teach at the academy.

Meanwhile, Lucy is scared that Tim is planning some huge test, but becomes distracted when her car is stolen. They eventually find it where a 17-year-old is using it as a makeshift home. She quickly drops the charges, but takes on what Tim calls a puppy: a person that they hope to save. Overall, this was a minor storyline, but it was good to see Tim and Chen banter, even if he didn’t have his typically gruff exterior.

At Lopez’ first day as detective, she tries to impress with new clothes, but instantly is faced with a very narcissistic superior. She is sent to a funeral home where it is discovered that a body was burnt, but she manages to solve this simple case with ease and hopefully impress her new colleagues. Unfortunately, it seems like she may find it difficult to hide her pregnancy going forward and who knows what they may say to her. At least her first day is behind her!

And with Lopez promoted, West has received a new TO for the remaining 25 days of training in Officer Stanton (Brandon Routh). Everything seems like a dream at first with Stanton offering to be partners for the remaining time as he sees West as a great cop. Everything goes exceptionally well throughout the day, until Stanton reveals his true colors. When they go to talk with a family who had been robbed, Stanton’s tone changes thanks to the color of their skin.

This leads West to ask Bradford about Stanton and he learns about his bigoted past, but people shrug it off because he is a good cop. However, that does not justify his actions and his bigoted opinions have no place when enforcing the law, and West knows that. The question is: can he avoid confrontation for the next 25 days or will it result in prolonging his rookie year along with Nolan?

Adding this storyline was necessary given everything that has happened the last year in America and it’s great to see West being the focal point of this story. After being cast aside all last season as a sidekick, he finally gets his own narrative which could prove to be a season-defining story that helps lift this cop series above its competition. Only time will tell.

Captain’s Log

• What will Jackson do regarding his new TO Officer Stanton?
• How long will Lopez keep her pregnancy a secret?
• Will Nolan continues his work in the community?
• Will we see more of Tamara, the new puppy for Chen and will that be the cause of her being held back?

What did you think of “In Justice”? Let me know in the comments below!

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Dylan Phillips