The television landscape is littered with shows that overstay their welcome, clinging to stale gimmicks long after they’ve lost their luster. ABC’s procedural drama, The Rookie, is teetering dangerously close to this precipice, and its continued reliance on a particular episode structure – one I’ll call the “**Trapped/Confined**” episode – is a key indicator. While initially compelling, Season 8 desperately needs to abandon this formula, as it has become predictable, uninspired, and actively detracts from the show’s overall quality.
The “Trapped/Confined” Episode: A Formula Gone Stale
The “Trapped/Confined” episode usually involves one or more of the main characters finding themselves in a precarious situation with limited resources, often isolated and forced to overcome a seemingly insurmountable obstacle. Think locked rooms, collapsing buildings, hostage situations in confined spaces, or even scenarios involving natural disasters isolating individuals. In the early seasons, these episodes provided a suspenseful break from the regular police procedural format, forcing characters to rely on their wits and build camaraderie under pressure. They allowed for deeper exploration of character backstories and motivations. However, the repetitive deployment of this structure has diminished its impact, making it a tired trope rather than a compelling narrative tool.
The problems with this formula are multifaceted:
- Predictability: Viewers can now anticipate when these episodes are coming, which robs them of their intended suspense. We know someone is going to get stuck *somewhere*.
- Forced Drama: The stakes often feel artificially inflated to justify the confined scenario, leading to contrived plot points and character actions. The “danger” lacks authenticity.
- Character Regression: Instead of genuine character growth, these episodes often force characters to confront their fears or traumas in an accelerated and unrealistic manner, undoing previously established progress.
- Missed Opportunities: The focus on the confined situation often comes at the expense of developing other storylines and exploring the complexities of police work in a more nuanced way.
To illustrate, let’s consider what these types of episodes *tend* to be like:
- A sudden incident occurs trapping/confining one or more characters
- Attempts to contact outside support fail.
- Characters face a physical challenge.
- A “heart to heart” moment.
- A clever, maybe *too* clever, escape.
The show is much more successful when it focuses on building relationships, navigating ethical dilemmas within the police force, and developing engaging storylines related to actual police work. Continuing to shoehorn in these “Trapped/Confined” episodes feels lazy and indicates a lack of creative ambition.
The Rookie has the potential to remain a relevant and entertaining series. To achieve this, it needs to move beyond reliance on tired gimmicks and embrace fresh, innovative storytelling. Ditching the “Trapped/Confined” episode format is a crucial step in that direction. The writers should focus on developing engaging cases, deepening character arcs, and exploring the complexities of the modern policing landscape. Only then can the show reclaim its original spark and secure a future beyond Season 8.
