The bad news is that Tru Valentino’s Aaron Thorsen is exiting The Rookie ahead of season 7; the good news is that I’m optimistic his absence might not be permanent. Alexi Hawley’s ABC police procedural series is no stranger to cast exits. A handful of actors and actresses have come and gone over the course of The Rookie’s six seasons, from Titus Makin Jr (who played Jackson West) to Afton Williamson (who portrayed Talia Bishop). Some of the characters quit their jobs, while others died. Thankfully, it seems like Thorsen’s fate might be closer to the former than the latter.
ABC has delayed The Rookie season 7 premiere to early 2025.
Valentino’s character was introduced in The Rookie season 4, serving as Jackson’s replacement following his tragic death. Thorsen was a rookie whose training officer was Nyla Harper. However, he had a unique story separating him from the pack. Thorsen came from a wealthy family, and he was previously accused of murdering his roommate while studying abroad in Paris. Throughout his three seasons on The Rookie, it has been fun to watch Thorsen grow as a character, both professionally and personally, and I will be sad to see him go. But I will also welcome him back with open arms.
Tru Valentino Hints That Thorsen Can Still Return In The Rookie Despite His Exit
Tru Valentino addressed his exit on his Instagram stories, and his response compels me to believe that the Rookie season 6 finale won’t be Aaron Thorsen’s final appearance. According to TVLine, the actor’s message read:
“I will always cherish my time on The Rookie , but couldn’t be more excited for what the future has in store. I adore the friends and relationships made while being there. It was such an amazing opportunity, and I feel so lucky to have had the last three seasons. Thank you to the best fans in the world. I know I don’t talk much, but I appreciate you all so much. You never know who may pop back up in the Mid-Wilshire precinct. Until then, 7 Adam 19, this is Officer Thorsen, over and out!”
Valentino’s statement suggests that he is not completely done playing Thorsen in The Rookie. Yes, the actor will not be a series regular when The Rookie season 7 premieres, but Valentino could return for a guest appearance in the future. As a result, we can rule out one way that the ABC police procedural TV series might write out Thorsen in the upcoming episodes.
Valentino’s Message Rules Out Thorsen Dying In The Rookie
Since Tru Valentino implied that the door is open for him to reprise his role as Aaron Thorsen in future episodes of The Rookie, his character will not be dying before or during the events of the season 7 premiere. Of course, whenever an actor leaves a show, people will speculate over whether their character is going to die. Thankfully, that won’t be the case for Thorsen. Thorsen will likely be transferred out of Mid-Wilshire, move out of Los Angeles, or quit, all of which would explain his absence in The Rookie season 7.
