The Rookie 6×01 “Strike Back” Spoilers Ahead
The Rookie is back, right where we left off in the Season 5 finale, with an episode that simultaneously jumps weeks ahead to remind viewers that the terrors are still merely in the early ages. While the officers find the culprit behind the heist, our suspicions are confirmed when Bridget Regan’s Monica Stevens returns to represent her client. This revelation leads to a phone call with an unknown person that we can all decipher is, Elijah Stone.
Further, and perhaps most importantly, Last-day curses should, at this point, be taken very seriously in this precinct, but it honestly doesn’t matter because Nolan and Bailey’s wedding is finally happening next week despite all the hiccups. And so help me, God, if a main character dies here. (I highly doubt it even when The Rookie 6×01 “Strike Back” makes me a little nervous with how mostly seamless things ran. Still, the Season 6 premiere primarily emphasizes the importance of communication, making it a continuous theme that pushes the show to be more gripping.
The Rookie 6×01 “Strike Back” Puts Chenford in the Ring
The Rookie’s Season 6 premiere also puts Tim and Lucy (Chenford) on the spot, bringing to our screens their first objective, biggish argument as a couple, and it does so in a way that will be hugely impactful to their strength going forward. When angst is well done, it’s bound to affect both characters while allowing the best of them to come to the surface. Tim and Lucy already bring out the best in each other—it’s why they work so beautifully as a couple. But the series isn’t sugarcoating or glossing over real trauma, which is where much of its forte stands out.
In more ways than one, Lucy still doesn’t fully trust her abilities or believe she’s good enough. Whether it’s imposter syndrome or various other anxious demons she’s fighting, it makes her far more relatable as a character. This exam wasn’t going to be easy just because she is undoubtedly great at detective work. And it’s those hurdles that often bring these more prominent issues to the forefront because when things aren’t seamless, our brains begin to resurface every terrible thought in existence. It’s a particularly organic route for her character, and allowing it to push them to an edge as a couple works entirely well in this scenario.
Similarly, as lovely as it is that Tim is transparent about his fears because of Isabel, we know that he hasn’t fully gotten through the pain. His expression says as much in “S.T.R.” Six seasons in, and Eric Winter is exceptional at showing us what’s beneath the walls Bradford puts up. He isn’t hiding it from Lucy, but he isn’t wholly facing it either. He’s putting it out there in the ethers without confronting the weight he carries because of it, and this sets both of them in a bind of sorts. Thereby, as a means of keeping character dynamics strong in an otherwise jam-packed premiere, The Rookie 6×01″Strike Back” reiterates why conversations are crucial for growth in relationships.
None of this is fabricated or thrust toward us from thin air; it’s a meticulously drawn-out argument that’s undeniably going to guarantee that the moment they make up will be honest, tender, and worth the push and pull. It will force them to face their demons together while understanding that it’s also okay if things aren’t immediately resolved. Lucy might even have to learn that failing a test isn’t an exhibition of her expertise or worth, which is something I’d personally love to see as someone with severe test anxiety. Tim is going to have to understand that the small part of his heart he’s still guarding because of the pain and trauma is keeping him from being more free—more alive. And this will finally give us the three little words we’ve been waiting for, even when we see proof of concept and small exhibitions of their love through all their interactions.
So Many Ties, Not Enough Time
Earlier, it was announced that Danielle Campbell would take on a recurring role in Season 6, and The Rookie 6×01 “Strike Back” introduces her as Aaron’s psychiatrist. Taking a piece of the thematic importance of communication, this is one way of doing it, even though Aaron voices to Grey that he’s already seeing a therapist. However, this is the type of episode that clearly highlights that things aren’t as they seem, both on and off the field, which makes it hard to trust whether Dr. Blair London is someone we could trust or not.
The Rookie’s Season 6 premiere ties so much together that it’s almost shocking none of it feels jarring or forced. While the grueling heist leads to life and death situations with Nyla Harper taking an unwanted shot, it also involves new introductions (Wopez baby without a name?) plus a new neighbor at the Nolan/Nune residence, which also feels suspicious. With a shorter season, it’ll be riveting to see how extensively arcs are spread out to take the show to new heights. It feels like we’ve been dealing with Elijah for ages now, and it’s almost a little tiresome to be here still. However, if the cards are played right, it could lead to a great conclusion in that regard.
Further Thoughts
- Choosing Manchester Orchestra’s “The Way” as a closing song is both brutal and genius and I applaud the show for it. The ANGST. It’s so delightful I can’t even fully process it.
- I’m genuinely nervous that we’re going to lose another main character this season, and I need someone to text me every three minutes saying that we’re not.
- We’re all really here for wedding guest shenanigans next week, right?
- Chenford bickering will always be one of my favorite things.
- Wesley staying home with the baby!? I could actually cry.
Now streaming on Hulu: What are your thoughts on The Rookie 6×01 “Strike Back?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: ©(Disney/Raymond Liu)