Why “The Rookie” Can’t Ignore Wesley’s Storyline in Season 8 — Here’s What’s at Stake!

The Rookie Season 7 includes a minor subplot of the election race for District Attorney, with ADA Sean Del Monte (Michael Trucco) running against fellow ADA Vivian Eckert (Necar Zadegan). However, during Season 7’s penultimate episode, “Mutiny and the Bounty,” Del Monte drops out of the race when the Eastern Front blackmails him after revealing that Del Monte’s son, Logan, is an addict who was filmed purchasing drugs from one of their dealers. Considering Wesley Evers (Shawn Ashmore) was brought into the District Attorney’s office by Del Monte, the recent development creates a huge opportunity for Wesley’s character that could bring a significant change to his arc and the series’ status quo. It might be time for Wesley to make the change from ADA to LA District Attorney in The Rookie Season 8.

Why Wesley Evers Should Become District Attorney

Wesley originally started in the series as a defense attorney and a civil rights advocate. However, he made the transition to the District Attorney’s office after losing his job as a defense attorney and getting temporarily disbarred due to the actions of Elijah Stone (Brandon Jay McLaren). Del Monte served as a mentor for Wesley, so it makes sense that Wesley would step up to replace Del Monte in the District Attorney’s race. Wesley comes from a wealthy, affluent background, however his compassion for others put him on the path of becoming a defense attorney, frequently representing suspected criminals and advocating for their civil rights.

Wesley’s experience as a defense attorney makes him the perfect candidate to become the new LA District Attorney. Wesley will not pursue trumped-up charges, and he prosecutes factual cases. Additionally, he would likely advocate for the rehabilitation of alleged criminals. Also, Wesley’s wife, Detective Angela Lopez (Alyssa Diaz), will certainly keep him on the straight and narrow path, and she will valiantly fight on his behalf.

Vivian Eckert Becoming DA Could Create Problems for the Mid-Wilshire Division

With Del Monte dropping out of the district attorney race, ADA Eckert might run for the office unopposed. Although Eckert does not make many appearances in Season 7, her major appearance in “The Kiss” suggests that Eckert’s becoming DA would become a huge problem for the Mid-Wilshire Division in the future. During the episode, Eckert wrongfully and doggedly pursues Detective Nyla Harper (Mekia Cox) as a suspect in the shooting of Harper’s husband, James Murray (Arjay Smith). Eckert violates multiple protocols during the investigation, attempting to question Harper without reading her the Miranda rights or the Lybarger Warning. Eckert claims she was justified in her actions based on the recent corruption scandal that occurred in the Mid-Wilshire Division involving Dr. Blair London (Danielle Campbell) in Season 6.

Eckert comes off as a character who believes the ends justify the means. The fact that she attempts to position Harper as the lead suspect in James’ shooting raises a huge red flag for the character. If Eckert assumes the role of DA, it would present her as an adversary to Wesley and Mid-Wilshire. Wesley versus Eckert provides a potentially great storyline that could run throughout Season 8. It would serve as a great way to showcase more of Eckert and her personality as an assistant district attorney and what type of energy she would bring to the office. She could also serve as a strong antagonist and opponent for Wesley in a political campaign.

Wesley Becoming the DA Would Shake Up the Status Quo

Another intriguing aspect of Wesley becoming the new LA district attorney lies in its potential to shift the status quo of the series, creating a significant change for Wesley’s family. Lopez currently works in her dream role as a detective for the LAPD. Could Angela Lopez remain as a detective with Wesley as the DA, or would it cause issues? Would Wesley as the new DA impact their marriage or relationship? What about Wesley’s relationships with other characters? Wesley has strong friendships with the other officers in the Mid-Wilshire Division and also with Nyla’s husband, James, who is a community activist. Provided Wesley takes the office, would it alter their friendships? It would be fascinating to see The Rookie explore these potential dynamics if Wesley takes on the new role, and it could positively shake up the series’ overall status quo.

‘The Rookie’ Showrunner Alexi Hawley Indicated the District Attorney’s Office Is Something That Will Be Explored in Season 8

Interestingly, The Rookie creator and showrunner Alexi Hawley spoke to Collider’s Therese Lacson on the topic of Wesley pursuing the DA office. Hawley said, “I think there’s a good possibility. I think I’ve definitely been thinking about it.” Hawley also explained how becoming district attorney helps with Wesley’s goal of wanting to make a difference and bring positive changes to the criminal justice system. The writer continued about Wesley, “He joined the DA’s office to try and make a difference, but being an assistant district attorney has a lot less power to effect change than being the DA. I think there’s definitely some allure there. I think we’re definitely talking about that, sure.”

Judging by Hawley’s comments, it’s not a slam dunk that Wesley will become the new district attorney in Season 8. However, The Rookie would be foolish not to explore this idea. Not to mention, Wesley’s contemplating the promotion could bring interesting emotional and dramatic conflicts into the show. Would Angela accept the idea? Does Wesley fear it would make him a bigger target for criminals? Case in point, the Eastern Front threatened Wesley in “Mutiny and the Bounty” while trying to blackmail ADA Del Monte. Wesley, as the new DA, creates many interesting storytelling possibilities for future episodes. Hopefully, the writers will consider the storyline when the show returns for Season 8.

All seven seasons of The Rookie are available to stream on Hulu in the U.S.

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