Even though many probably don’t want to see one specific character inThe Rookiein season 8, their return might be necessary not only for the story, but also for John Nolan. The ABC police procedural series has seen many cast exits over the years. Some have been more heartbreaking than others (looking at you,Titus Makin Jr.’s Jackson West). While one season 7 departure was much more relieving than it was disappointing, it might be time to recognize thatthe actor in question reprising their role in season 8 could benefitThe Rookie.
The Rookieseason 7 endedwith two villains gaining the upper hand over the heroes. For starters, Nolan and Nyla Harper tried catching Oscar Hutchinson, but the escaped convict kidnapped Nolan and later got away via a getaway helicopter. Then, Monica Stevens returned after a season of being absent (not counting her brief cameo inThe Rookieseason 7, episode 11). This time, she had immunity, meaning the characters could do nothing about her unexpected appearance to close out the finale. And,a couple of episodes prior, another villain sang their swan song, but that shouldn’t be the last we see of them.
The Rookie Season 7 Rushed Seth’s Redemption
Episode 16 Wasn’t Enough To Complete Seth’s Arc
The Rookieseason 7 premiereintroduced two new rookies — Miles Penn and Seth Ridley. Tim Bradford took on Miles as his next boot, while Lieutenant Grey assigned Seth to Lucy Chen (who wasn’t even a training officer, but I digress). At first, it seemed like Miles would be the troublemaker and Seth would be the teacher’s pet. As time went on, though, Miles became more likable, and Seth started to regress.Lucy discovered that Seth was a pathological liar,resulting in his firing. However, that didn’t stop Seth, who returned inThe Rookieseason 7, episode 16, to “redeem” his character.
Seth (who had previously lied about his cancer returning) was reinstated in the LAPDdue to a couple of lawsuits that he filed. He ran into some problems when everyone at Mid-Wilshire shunned Seth the day he came back. Nevertheless, Nolan took him under his wing, seeing that Lucy had moved on from the FTO program and shared a lot of bad blood with Seth. The young officer was determined to change and prove himself to Nolan.
The show didn’t allot him enough time to properly redeem himself, meaning Seth’s redemption arc inThe Rookiefeels incomplete.
Unfortunately, for Seth,The Rookieseason 7, episode 16ended withSeth getting shot, as a result of saving Nolan’s life.The surgeons had to amputate his leg, leaving his law enforcement career in jeopardy. Seth’s heroic actions still earned him the respect of his colleagues. As for the audience, one episode wasn’t enough to turn them around to Seth’s character, despite the fact that he saved Nolan’s life. The show didn’t allot him enough time to properly redeem himself, meaning Seth’s redemption arc inThe Rookiefeels incomplete.
Seth Needs To Return In The Rookie Season 8 To Confirm Whether He’s Really Changed
Episode 16 Can’t Convince Viewers That Seth Is A Good Guy Now
Perhaps some fans would be alright ifSeth never came back toThe Rookie, especially if they didn’t enjoy his (incomplete) character arc. However, Patrick Keleher reprising his role as Seth in season 8 would actually be a good thing.He was an important part of season 7, primarily regarding Lucy’s story,after all. So, since Seth’s story doesn’t feel finished, the ABC police procedural series would be wise to fix his character by bringing him back.
Deric Augustine
Miles Penn
Followingthe season 7 finale ofThe Rookie, it’s unclear if Seth has actually changed. One episode likely wouldn’t make years of lying go away.Telling fibs has become second nature to Seth,and even though he has gone through a traumatic experience, that doesn’t mean that he’s no longer a pathological liar. Consequently, Seth must return inThe Rookieseason 8 to prove that he is at least trying to be better.
The Rookie Season 8 Can Benefit From Seth’s Appearance
Good Character Development Can Do Wonders For Any TV Show
Whether fans like it or not,Seth played a semi-big role inThe Rookieseason 7.Going forward, the series can’t just ignore him. If it does, Seth’s character arc only worsens, and the show as a whole suffers as a result.
The Rookiereturns with season 8 in early 2026. According toTVLine, the upcoming season will contain 18 episodes that air weekly with no interruptions, with a possible exception or two, depending on the national programming schedule.
Yes, Seth was annoying for the majority of his time on the show, but that would make his actual redemption all the more satisfying. Plus,Seth’s ending inThe Rookieseason 7, episode 16, completely reinvents his story and sets him up for success in the future.
Seth Is Nolan’s Best Rookie Candidate For Season 8
Nolan Needs A New Rookie
Heading intoThe Rookieseason 8, Nolan is rookie-less. As viewers will recall,the protagonist’s first trainee, Celina Juarez, graduated from the FTO program in the middle of season 7.Since then, Nolan hasn’t had a steady rookie. He served as Connor Craig’s training officer for a day, but Lieutenant Grey ultimately shipped the young man off to another police station. Then, Nolan guided Seth for an episode, and we all know how that turned out. So, Nolan doesn’t have a rookie in the ABC crime drama series, but perhaps the best person for the job is Seth.
Nolan was rather reluctant to be Seth’s training officer,given his turbulent history with Lucy. However, he didn’t have a choice, and Nathan Fillion’s character used all the skills he had developed over the years to teach Seth how to be the best police officer he could be. Seth was on his way to becomingCelina’s replacement inThe Rookieseason 7, but then he got shot in the leg.
During their time together,Nolan and Seth managed to build a rapport.If Seth were to come back, they could build off what they had already started. Of course, Seth returning to the LAPD would be difficult, given his injury. Still,The Rookieisn’t exactly known for its accuracy, opening the door for Nolan to be Seth’s training officer in season 8.
