After a week’s hiatus, The Rookie returns to resolve a deadly cliffhanger from the previous episode while introducing myriad other investigations. As James Murray (Arjay Smith) fights for his life, an investigation into his wife, Nyla Harper (Mekia Cox), creates even more drama. Meanwhile, Celina Juarez (Lisseth Chavez) shows investigative initiative, while John Nolan (Nathan Fillion) clears Harper and a civil rights activist wanted by police.
This latest season presents a return to form for The Rookie as it balances the street-level stories this show does best with larger, spectacle-driven episodes. The introduction of two new trainee officers has allowed the show to lean into the dramatic opportunities training provides. From helping the community to less-involved cases, The Rookie uses its premise to distinguish itself from other police procedurals. There are also the odd exceptions, such as episodes focused on a pair of serial killers and the previous episode’s response to a Los Angeles wildfire. With “The Kiss,” the story The Rookie tells is a mixture of both approaches. While it does feature some great character moments, the episode does feel a bit too crowded at times.
The Rookie Cast Rallies to Clear Harper’s Name and Catch James’s Shooter
In ‘The Kiss’ the Characters Are Perhaps Pulled in Too Many Different Directions
Despite the one-week hiatus, The Rookie picks up right where “Wildfire” left off. James and his friend Kylie Thomas (Maria Zhang) fight for their lives as Juarez tries to save them. Detective Angela Lopez (Alyssa Diaz) immediately identifies the correct shooter. However, because Nolan saw Kylie kiss James, Harper has to be investigated. Her arrest of the shooter, Connor (Levi Meaden), 18 months ago actually makes it seem more likely she was involved.
Given how much happens in “The Kiss,” there isn’t a lot of time for character introspection. The way Nolan throws himself into the investigation of his former training officer actually fits. Knowing his responsibility for Harper’s legal situation, he is motivated to help her. When he discovers a photo of James with an activist wanted for arson, he sets himself on a path to solve that case, too.
Despite Its Effect on the Plot, ‘The Kiss’ Doesn’t Spend Enough Time on the Resolution
James and Nyla Have Struggled This Season, but the Episode Rushes Past Their Reconciliation
Cox’s performance is worth noting because, despite not getting much to do, she makes each scene matter. Harper balances her fear for James, her uncertainty over the titular kiss and her indignance at being a suspect. A standout moment comes when James’s best friend Wesley Evers (Shawn Ashmore) talks to her about everything she’s facing. It’s a reminder of his days as a defense attorney, when Wesley’s empathy made Lopez (and the fans) fall in love with him.
Wesley to Nyla: I am as shocked as you are. The photo, not so much? An activist on the run is the exact kind of person James would invite home. Kylie? No. Never talked about her, and he never expressed anything but absolute devotion to you.
Again, despite the lack of narrative breathing room, Harper’s near-immediate forgiveness for James fits nicely. Having almost lost him, it would have cheapened their overall characters if she held onto anger or doubt about him. A moment with Nolan returning Harper’s badge and gun is also bolstered by his emotional declaration she’s his hero. Lucy Chen is also the only one who thinks of Kylie, who is at the hospital recovering alone, which is a nice reminder of why she is the heart of The Rookie.
This Rookie Episode Features Serveral Cases, and Gives None Their Due
Despite the Crowded Storylines, the Characters Are at Their Most Clever
- In Season 2 and 3, The Rookie featured two bad cops: Harold Perrineau’s Nick Armstrong and Brandon Routh’s Doug Stanton.
- In Season 6, Danielle Campbell’s Dr. Blair London was a department therapist who provided tapes of her sessions to Bridget Reagan’s Monica Stevens, who corrupted cops.
The most entertaining one was the meth-lab robbers, which was the first arrest made by newly-promoted Celina Juarez. No longer a rookie, Nolan’s wife Bailey Nune (Jenna Dewan) put her onto the suspects. With a risky bluff, she gets a confession out of the criminals, though the fact that one of them appeared to be in pain and dying helped. His affliction? He hid stolen money in the ol’ “prison purse,” which caused him physical distress. It was a light-hearted side story, and it was good for Celina. Yet, it wasn’t the most honorable bust in hindsight.
While ‘The Kiss’ Is a Solid and Emotional Episode, It Highlights a Familiar Rookie Problem
The Series Frequently Paints the Checks and Balances on Police as a Bug, Not a Feature
