Ranking ‘The Rookie’: The Top 10 Episodes You’ll Want to Watch Again

Since its debut in 2018, ABC’s drama “The Rookie” has distinguished itself from the typical police procedural genre by drawing inspiration from real-life events. It tells the story of John Nolan (Nathan Fillion), who, after a pivotal incident, pursues a career in law enforcement, proving his commitment goes beyond a mid-life whim. This narrative drive has sustained the series across six seasons and over a hundred episodes. Despite its success, the series spawned a spin-off, “The Rookie: Feds,” which had a brief run.

(10) “Fire Fight” – (Season 4, Episode 7): This episode delves into the aftermath of a house explosion and the apparent suicide of Fred (Michael Reilly Burke), a suspect in serial arson and killings. Nolan and Bailey (Jenna Dewan) uncover more than meets the eye regarding Fred’s demise, leading to Nolan’s kidnapping by the true culprit, Marcus (Maury Sterling), though he manages to escape. Concurrently, Chen (Melissa O’Neil) and Bradford (Eric Winter) engage in a competitive treasure hunt, appealing to Grey (Richard T. Jones) to establish new rules, which culminates in the capture of affluent female criminals.

“Fire Fight” uniquely blends serious themes with lighter moments, emblematic of “The Rookie’s” dynamic. The juxtaposition of the treasure hunt with the main plot adds layers of enjoyment to rewatching, especially given Nolan’s suspenseful escape. It also marks significant development in Chen and Bradford’s relationship.

(9) “Pilot” – (Season 1, Episode 1): The series kicks off with Nolan caught in a bank robbery, spurring his decision to follow his dream of joining the LAPD, despite skepticism from his peers and superiors. This episode sets the stage for Nolan’s journey and is a poignant reminder of the character growth throughout the series.

(8) “The Q Word” – (Season 2, Episode 19): As the rookies near the end of their first year, Detective Nick Armstrong (Harold Perrineau) acknowledges Nolan’s potential. The plot thickens with a crime family’s involvement and a revelation about a corrupt cop within the LAPD, making it a pivotal episode for character development and plot twists.

(7) “The Choice” – (Season 5, Episode 4): The return of serial killer Rosalind (Annie Wersching) marks this episode, which sees the LAPD and FBI collaborating. The suspense and character dynamics, especially surrounding Rosalind’s sinister plans, make this a compelling episode to revisit.

(6) “Free Fall” – (Season 1, Episode 20): As rookies prepare for an exam, Nolan and Bishop (Afton Williamson) investigate a murder tied to a potential terrorist threat. The episode balances the tension of the examination with the broader implications of the investigation.

(5) “The Hunt” – (Season 2, Episode 20): Nolan’s quest to expose a corrupt officer leads to surprising discoveries about Nick’s allegiances. This episode is notable for its narrative twists and the depth it adds to the series’ storyline.

(4) “Plain Clothes Day” – (Season 1, Episode 14): Marking a significant milestone, the rookies are tested on their decision-making in the field. The episode reflects on personal goals and the challenges faced by those new to the force.

(3) “Time of Death” – (Season 1, Episode 8): This episode deals with the aftermath of a fatal shooting by Nolan, exploring themes of guilt and responsibility. It’s a powerful examination of the emotional toll such incidents take on officers.

(2) “Day of Death” – (Season 2, Episode 11): The abduction of Chen by a serial killer brings the LAPD together in a tense race against time, showcasing resilience and cunning in the face of danger. This episode is a testament to the strength of character and the complexity of the show’s villains.

(1) “Under Siege” – (Season 5, Episode 22): The season finale escalates as the LAPD is targeted by a group of masked assailants, combining elements of horror with intense drama. It sets up a continuation into Season 6 and is a gripping watch that combines suspense with emotional depth.

“The Rookie” has successfully carved a niche for itself by balancing the realism inspired by true events with the dramatic flair typical of ABC dramas, making it a standout series in the police procedural genre.