The Anticipated Return of Elijah Stone in The Rookie Season 7

As we reflect on Season 6 of The Rookie, one glaring absence stands out: Elijah Stone, portrayed by Brandon Jay McLaren. This formidable villain, who captivated audiences during his multi-episode arc in Seasons 4 and 5, was sorely missed in the latest season. With Season 7 on the horizon, it’s crucial for the series to reinstate its most compelling antagonist and resolve the lingering threads of his storyline.

Elijah Stone’s last appearance was in Season 5’s “The Enemy Within,” where he faced off against Angela Lopez (Alyssa Diaz) and Nyla Harper (Mekia Cox). Despite being imprisoned, Elijah’s final moments hinted at a future filled with vengeance as he inquired about revenge stories from his fellow inmate, Oscar Hutchinson (Matthew Glave). This line left viewers with a sense of anticipation regarding Elijah’s next move, suggesting that his imprisonment was merely a setback in his ongoing battle against the LAPD’s Mid-Wilshire Division.

However, Season 6 delivered no follow-up to this tantalizing cliffhanger. While Oscar made several appearances, now aided by his new lawyer Monica Stevens (Bridget Regan), the potential for a villainous partnership with Elijah was left unexplored. Instead, Season 6 shifted focus to Monica’s own criminal exploits, which kept the tension high but neglected to capitalize on the established connection between the two villains.

The absence of Elijah in Season 6 can be attributed to the shortened season caused by the writers’ and actors’ strikes, which limited the show’s ability to fully develop his storyline. Still, the lack of payoff for his dramatic setup was disappointing, and as Season 7 approaches, the writers have a prime opportunity to rectify this oversight.

With an extended eighteen-episode season, the groundwork is laid for a triumphant return of Elijah Stone. The narrative could weave a tale of his prison time spent plotting revenge, preparing to strike back against the Mid-Wilshire Division. A potential alliance with Monica could provide a compelling twist; their shared animosity towards common enemies could lead to a thrilling reunion.

Monica, now a fugitive herself after a failed deal with criminal Jakob Olmstead (Casper Andreas), could find herself in need of Elijah’s resources and criminal network. The idea of her orchestrating Elijah’s release through legal loopholes or prison escapes opens up exciting possibilities for the storyline. Their partnership against shared foes could reignite the dynamic that made Elijah a standout villain in earlier seasons.

As The Rookie gears up for Season 7, the expectation for Elijah Stone’s return looms large. It would be a missed opportunity if the show fails to capitalize on the intrigue surrounding his character. Bringing back Elijah not only fulfills narrative promises but also reintroduces a critical element of suspense and excitement that the series has been missing.

The fans are eagerly awaiting what promises to be an explosive comeback for Elijah Stone, and with the longer season ahead, the potential for an unforgettable arc is limitless. Let’s hope Season 7 marks the powerful resurgence of one of The Rookie’s best villains.