The Rookie Season 7: The Villain Who Got What They Deserved – But Did They?

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The Rookie has introduced many villains throughout its seven seasons, and one of its most frustrating antagonists returns in season 7, episode 16, just to leave again, leaving me conflicted about their character arc. In recent seasons, the ABC series has yet to replicate the success of past villains such as Rosalind Dyer and Nick Armstrong. Some characters in The Rookie, like Monica Stevens, had the potential to be great Big Bads. However, they never reached the same heights as those before them. Unfortunately, the show’s latest antagonist falls into that category, especially after their storyline in “The Return.”

The officers faced many villains in The Rookie season 7. From Bailey’s abusive ex, Jason Wyler, to serial killer Liam Glasser, they have been quite busy trying to take down criminals. One antagonist in particular didn’t start on the evil team. The Rookie season 7 premiere introduced them as an innocent character who fans would grow to love and would be a great addition to Mid-Wilshire. As the episodes continued, though, their true personality began to show. But instead of diving headfirst into the character’s villainous side, the writers tried to redeem them with karma in season 7, episode 16.

Seth Returns In The Rookie Season 7, Episode 16

Seth Gets His Job Back

Seth, Lucy’s rookie, got fired in The Rookie season 7, episode 10, after his training officer learned he had been lying about his cancer diagnosis. It was the latest in a string of significant lies, and Lucy had no choice but to inform Lieutenant Grey. Consequently, Grey let Seth go from the FTO program. However, Seth’s lawsuits result in him being let back into the program in episode 16, and Nolan takes the pathological liar under his wing.

When Seth arrives at Mid-Wilshire, everyone shuns him, making it clear that even though he’s back, he certainly isn’t welcome at the station. No one has forgiven him for his previous deception. Throughout the hour, the Rookie season 7 characters are cold towards Seth, especially Lucy, who holds ill will towards her former rookie for his deceitful nature. Nevertheless, Seth pushes forward and tries to prove himself. It also helps that he has a great TO in Nolan. Still, what goes around comes around, and Seth’s supposed karma soon hits him in episode 16.

Seth’s Tragedy May Be Karma For His Crimes, But It’s Arguably Too Much

Seth Loses His Leg In The Rookie Season 7, Episode 16

Towards the end of The Rookie season 7, episode 16, Seth saves Nolan’s life, but in the process, he gets shot in the leg. Doctors later have to amputate Seth’s leg, which could mean his career in the LAPD is over for good. Some might say this is karma for the character’s past actions. However, lying certainly shouldn’t be punished by losing a limb. Out of all the villains in the ABC police procedural series, many have done far worse than Seth, and frankly, “The Return” proves that Seth isn’t a true villain.

[The writers] could’ve turned [Seth] into a full-blown villain in The Rookie, but chose the opposite route and still couldn’t pull off his redemption in one episode.

The Rookie season 7 set Seth up to be an antagonist, and he could have been a great one with impressive character development (or regression), starting as an innocent rookie and turning into the LAPD’s biggest foe. Instead, episode 16 tries to redeem Seth. The writers thrust karma onto the character via his horrific injury, and then, viewers are supposed to feel bad for him. To a certain extent, they do. One episode featuring Seth doing one good deed doesn’t magically make him a hero in the audience’s eyes, though.

The Rookie Season 7 Cast	Role
Nathan Fillion	John Nolan
Richard T. Jones	Wade Grey
Alyssa Diaz	Angela Lopez
Eric Winter	Tim Bradford
Melissa O’Neil	Lucy Chen
Mekia Cox	Nyla Harper
Shawn Ashmore	Wesley Evers
Jenna Dewan	Bailey Nune
Lisseth Chavez	Celina Juarez
Deric Augustine	Miles Penn
Patrick Kelehe	Seth Ridley

It’s clear that Seth genuinely wants to change, as proven by his last scene with Tamara. He finally recognizes he has an illness and desperately wants to get better. However, the writers must put in much more work to vindicate Seth. They could’ve turned him into a full-blown villain in The Rookie, but chose the opposite route and still couldn’t pull off his redemption in one episode. As a result, the ABC series should bring Seth back and fix the mistakes in his character arc by showing viewers more of his redemption.

Is This The End Of The Road For Seth In The Rookie?

Seth Won’t Return In The Rookie Season 7

Following the airing of season 7, episode 16, Patrick Keleher talked with Screen Rant about his character’s future in The Rookie. According to the actor, Seth won’t appear in the final two season 7 episodes. Keleher also has “no idea” if he’ll reprise his role as Seth in season 8. Based on the character’s ending in “The Return,” though, The Rookie season 8 could easily bring Seth back and finish what season 7 started with his redemption storyline.