‘The Rookie’ Pilot: A New Kind of Cop Drama!

Familiar faces are a near guarantee that the interested viewer will tune into a new TV show. Speaking specifically to The Rookie pilot, this is true because Nathan Fillion returns after his 7-year run as Castle. In this, ABC and Castle producer Alexi Hawley team up for another cop drama. Only this time, things look different.

The Rookie Pilot (2018) Review

Two years ago, John Nolan (Fillion) knew his marriage would end. He and his wife agreed to remain together until their son left for college. But now that he’s in college, and the divorce papers are in hand, John wonders what to do with his life. When an unexpected event reveals he might have what it takes to be a cop, John packs up and heads to L.A.

Six months later, he’s ready to start day one training on the  job. Eager and ready to be the best at this new calling, what he doesn’t expect is the tough time his fellow officers give him. Being a 40-year-old rookie in a room full of 20-somethings means he’ll have to work twice as hard to prove himself. It’s a task Officer Nolan is ready to report to duty for.

The fall TV season is always one I read about with eager anticipation. I like to discover one or two new shows to add to my rotation of TV binge watches, and this year, I think The Rookie could easily be one of them. Since this is only the first episode, my opinion may change, but even with flaws, it’s good.

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Perhaps the show’s greatest flaw is its harried premise. I like what the writer’s try to do, but on screen, the edits and frenzied multi-arc stories get a little lost. The TV spots would have us believe this is about John Nolan. In reality, this pilot is like a vignette of “rookie stories.” Don’t mistake me, I like the idea of this. It’s the execution that needs a little work.

The cuts are a little too “raw,” and leave the viewer momentarily confused until we adjust our mind set. The overall story follows Nolan alongside two of his fellow rookie’s. Each promises to have an interesting story that begs to be told. Officer Lopez (Melissa O’Neil) is going to be sassy and full of spunk, while Officer West (Titus Makin Jr.) will, I suspect, contradict his legacy.

Flaws or not, my first impression of The Rookie is a good one. I love its premise and the cast is phenomenal. There isn’t a weak link among them. Some characters have a tougher shell than others, but overall, as I say, there’s much promise to their respective stories. The fast-pace is rapid, which matches the setting beat-for-beat, and keeps us feeling like we’re next to these heroes. Heroes I hope aren’t vilified.

Content: TV14, the pilot is relatively clean. There is some violence and intense situations, we see clothing thrown everyone which reveals a relationship.

Photo: ABC