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Okay, deep breath. I know this sounds like a terrible idea, like advocating for the resurgence of dial-up internet or the return of parachute pants. But hear me out. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but for the sake of John Nolan’s character arc in The Rookie, Season 8 absolutely *must* bring back Season 7’s most insufferable character: Dr. Blair London.
The Necessity of Nemesis: Forging Nolan Through Fire
Yes, I know. Dr. London was abrasive, arrogant, and often seemed to delight in making Nolan’s life miserable. Her constant nitpicking, her condescending tone, and her unwavering belief in her own superiority made her a textbook antagonist. We all collectively groaned whenever she appeared on screen. But that’s precisely why she’s crucial for Nolan’s continued growth. Without a significant challenge, he risks stagnating.
- Comfort Breeds Complacency: Nolan has faced numerous threats, from criminals to corrupt officials. But Dr. London provided a different kind of obstacle – an internal one. Her challenges weren’t physical; they were intellectual and emotional. He had to learn to navigate her personality, to prove his worth despite her biases.
- Testing Nolan’s Resolve: Nolan’s unwavering optimism is his greatest strength, but also his potential weakness. Dr. London forced him to confront the limitations of that optimism. Could he maintain his positive outlook even when faced with constant negativity? Could he still be a good cop under intense pressure?
- The Mirror of Imperfection: Dr. London, for all her flaws, highlighted Nolan’s own. He had to examine his own biases and assumptions to effectively argue his case. This self-reflection is vital for his development as a leader.
Bringing her back shouldn’t be about redeeming her character. That’s not the point. It’s about utilizing her to further test Nolan. Imagine a scenario where she’s brought back as a consultant on a particularly difficult case, forcing Nolan to once again work closely with her. The potential for conflict, growth, and compelling storytelling is immense. We’ve seen Nolan be the good guy, the mentor, the steady hand. Now, let’s see him pushed to his absolute limit by someone who genuinely gets under his skin.
So, while the thought of Dr. Blair London returning might induce eye-rolls and groans, consider the alternative: a stagnant Nolan, coasting through situations without facing real adversity. For the good of the show, and for the sake of our favorite rookie (who’s decidedly *not* a rookie anymore), The Rookie Season 8 needs to resurrect its most frustrating character. It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but sometimes, the most unpleasant medicine is the most effective.
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