Explore why Officer Connor Craig—Nolan’s standout rookie in Season 7—was the perfect successor to Celina Juarez on The Rookie and argue why fans hope he returns for Season 8.
After That Unexpected Departure, The Rookie’s Best Celina Replacement Deserves a Return
When Celina Juarez graduated from the rookie program in Season 7, John Nolan was left without a promising new trainee. Among the few replacements who stepped up briefly, one rookie shone above the rest—and yet, was quickly written off. Here’s why fans are calling for Officer Connor Craig’s return.
1. Connor Craig Made a Strong First Impression
Introduced in Season 7, Episode 12 (“April Fools”), Connor Craig immediately catches Nolan’s attention—not for his confidence, but for his lack of any visible police instincts after a year of training elsewhere.
2. One Day, One Big Leap
Despite his shaky start, Connor proved himself in record time. Under Nolan’s guidance, he not only survived a dangerous citywide purge prank but also cracked a murder case in just one day.
3. Built for Nolan’s Mentorship Style
Matches like Connor and Nolan work because Nolan brings out the best in underdog trainees—especially those overlooked by others. Connor’s sudden transformation echoed Celina’s early trajectory.
4. A Promising Arc Cut Short
Just as Connor found his footing, Lieutenant Grey transferred him to a “much quieter” division—effectively ending his run before it began.
5. Why Connor Was a Perfect Celina Successor
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He mirrored Celina’s potential through unexpected bravery.
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His narrative mirrored Celina’s rookie pitfalls and breakthroughs.
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He offered Nolan a new arc of redemption and mentorship, rooted in real growth.
6. Fans Felt the Loss
It didn’t make sense to introduce a compelling character like Connor and then let him vanish. Many believe the show invested in his growth only to prematurely write him off.
7. A Return Would Be Easy to Justify
Connor isn’t dead or gone—he was simply transferred. The show could bring him back as Nolan’s rookie again or even in a new role within the precinct.
8. Solid Narrative Value
With Celina moving forward in her career, keeping the dynamic fresh requires introducing or reintroducing characters who genuinely add emotional weight, like Connor did.
9. He Keeps The Rookie’s Core Promise Alive
At its heart, The Rookie thrives on character pairing—old cop mentoring rookie cop. Connor’s return would reinforce that foundational theme.
10. Hope Remains for Season 8
With Season 8 confirmed, there’s real opportunity to revisit promising threads from Season 7. Reintroducing Connor could rekindle fan enthusiasm and give Nolan a renewed mentorship arc.
Summary Table
| Element | Insight |
|---|---|
| Promising Replacement | Connor Craig, introduced in S7E12, quickly emerged as Nolan’s best trainee after Celina |
| Brief but Impactful Arc | Proved himself in a day, only to be transferred away abruptly |
| Perfect Match for Nolan | Underdog energy mirrored Celina’s early journey, amplifying Nolan’s mentorship strengths |
| Fan Appeal | Viewers were left wanting more—Connor’s exit felt premature and disappointing |
| Return Potential | Easy narrative paths to justify a comeback in Season 8 or beyond |
Officer Connor Craig wasn’t just another face—he brought out Nolan’s best as a training officer and added new emotional depth to the show. It’s no wonder fans believe the character deserves a second chance. Wouldn’t it be thrilling to see Nolan and Connor back on patrol together?
