Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from The Rookie season 7, episode 10, “Chaos Agent.”
A familiar face returns, utter chaos ensues at the precinct, one cop’s storyline comes to a close (for now), and a horrifying case rocks the characters inThe Rookieseason 7, episode 10, resulting in the show’s continued hot streak. At the season’s start, the police procedural struggled to find its footing. FromAaron’s disappointing exit inThe Rookieseason 7 premiereto the underwhelming conclusion of Jason’s villain arc, the first half was a mess. Thankfully, it got back on track by the mid-season finale, and"Chaos Agent" proves season 7 is a return to form for the series.
Following theemotional ending ofThe Rookieseason 7, episode 9, the police officers attempt to return to normal in episode 10. However, “normal” is never par for the course for the ABC show. Mid-Wilshire is in disarray as they deal with prisoner transfers, technical difficulties, and power outages. Meanwhile, Nolan, Lucy, and Angela investigate a stabbing case involving three young girls, which only ends in tragedy, and Lucy finally confronts Seth about his lies. Ultimately,“Chaos Agent” is an appropriate name for the episode,butThe Rookiedemonstrates how chaos isn’t always a bad thing.
“Chaos Agent” Never Feels Too Chaotic, Despite It Being Jam-Packed With Multiple Storylines
The Rookie Season 7 Has Finally Figured Out How To Balance Its Characters & Plots Perfectly
Although a lot happens in “Chaos Agent,” it never feels overwhelming.The hour is engrossing from beginning to end,starting with"Daddy Cop" singer’s return inThe Rookieseason 7, episode 10, and ending with an AI slyly threatening Nolan. Rodge (played by showrunner Alexi Hawley’s son, Zander Hawley) makes a surprise comeback, now as Celina’s boyfriend. His innocent presence is a bright spot in the episode, especially when he learns the songs he performs about random people aren’t received as well as he previously thought. Unfortunately, Rodge finds this out the hard way when a prisoner attacks him.
There’s another, more serious and vulnerable side to Smitty’s character that doesn’t often come out. When it does, it shows how dynamicThe Rookie’s characters are.
Elsewhere in the episode,Smitty proves yet again that he’s the series' most beloved side character.Yes, Smitty is known for messing up. Even though he does make a big mistake in “Chaos Agent” that almost results in Tim’s death, Smitty admitting that he screwed up, while battered and bruised on the ground, is thoroughly heartbreaking. There’s another, more serious and vulnerable side to Smitty’s character that doesn’t often come out. When it does, it shows how dynamicThe Rookie’s charactersare.
Patrick Kelehe
Seth Ridley
As for the “case of the week,” it’s one of the show’s most harrowing ones yet. Two girls claim that an unknown man attacked them and one of their friends. However, as the characters discover, the two girls were the actual perpetrators who brutally stabbed their friend, and they were prompted to do so by an AI named Zuzu. It’s truly disturbing, but that is partly why “Chaos Agent” is a great episode. Perhaps the only disappointing part was the lack of Harper and James(Mekia Cox still stole the episode with her heartwrenching performance in her limited scenes, though).
The Rookie Season 7 Finally Addresses Seth’s Lies Directly
Seth’s Storyline Was Getting Lost In The Shuffle
After he was absent for a couple ofThe Rookieepisodes, Seth returns in “Chaos Agent,” and the show finally brings his complex storyline to an end (at least, for the time being). Seth’s arc was getting a bit lost among the other significant developments happening in the series. So,The Rookieseason 7, episode 10 addressing his lies is a sigh of relief.
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Lucy hasn’t felt comfortable with Seth for a while; learning that his previous oncologist isn’t his current doctor is the last straw. She recruits Tim and Grey for backup and togetherthey give Seth an ultimatum — submit to a blood test to prove his cancer is back or get fired.Given Seth’s reaction, either option would’ve ended in his dismissal. However, he picks option B, andThe Rookieseason 7 characterstake his badge and gun. One might think this is the last time we see Seth, but the most likely case is that he returns to get revenge.
The Rookie Season 7, Episode 10’s Ending Excitingly Sets Up The Show’s Future
The Series Has 2 Villains In The Making
Perhaps the most exciting thing aboutThe Rookieseason 7, episode 10 is how it seamlessly closes episodic storylines while also setting up the future.More specifically, “Chaos Agent” establishes two potential villains. There’s Seth’s arc, which doesn’t feel finished. His return seems inevitable, and given how the episode ended, I’m worried about Lucy. Meanwhile, the hour’s final scene reveals that Zuzu remains a threat and will undoubtedly come back in future episodes. Maybe the characters have other villains (like Monica Stevens) to deal with first, butThe Rookieseason 7 is wisely keeping its options open.
New episodes ofThe Rookieseason 7 air Tuesdays at 9pm ET on ABC.
The Rookie Season 7, Episode 10
The Rookie follows John Nolan, a small-town man who embarks on a new career as an LAPD officer after a life-changing event. As the force’s oldest rookie, Nolan faces skepticism from superiors who view his pursuit as a midlife crisis.
