The Rookie S7E15: A Silly, Fun Episode Wraps Up Season-Long Arc

In “A Deadly Secret,” the latest episode of The Rookie, we’re back to the usual narrative style but with a witty twist as other documentarians join in. With only three episodes left in Season 7, this lighthearted installment cleverly resolved some plot threads that might have slipped under the radar for viewers. As the final episodes approach, it seems the series will take a more serious tone, making this documentary-style episode a delightful interlude before the season finale.

In Season 5’s “Double Trouble,” some viewers found that the new edition of the series, particularly episodes like this one and “A Deadly Secret,” seemed to poke fun at the formula while also paying homage to the characters from The Rookie. Alexi Hawley, the showrunner, is the filmmaker introduced in these episodes. The latest installment seems to acknowledge the criticism, as it incorporates guest stars from the Ghost Files YouTube show and a documentary filmed by Abigail Tierney herself. This edition also adds humor, wraps up several Season 7 storylines by making Westview Psychiatric Hospital a significant, potentially haunted location, and offers subtle commentary on the show itself. Instead of feeling like a repetitive rehash of a familiar format, this approach provides laughter, resolution, and clever self-reflection.

John Nolan’s Former Future Daughter-in-Law Returns as a Missing Person

Abigail Tierney Was the Subject of Dueling Documentaries on The Rookie

In the episode, Abigail was presented as John Nolan’s prospective daughter-in-law, who had previously been engaged to his son Henry. However, after they broke up, John continued to aid Abigail, such as accompanying her on a ride-along with the LAPD and backing her aspirations as a filmmaker. Both Angela Lopez and Abigail collaborated on her filmmaking projects before she mysteriously vanished in an abandoned hospital.

The episode strongly suggests that Abigail didn’t make it through her disappearance, yet she was eventually discovered confined within a secluded part of the hospital. Displaying signs of a fractured mind, this revelation answers a lingering question dating back to before. It turns out that two serial killers and a patient who admitted guilt for the murders were connected to this particular hospital. The title “A Deadly Secret” hints at the fact that tainted water was responsible for the deteriorating health of patients at Westview.

In this instance, the drugs had a significant impact on both Tim Bradford and Lucy Chen, sparking heartfelt conversations about their personal lives. Moreover, the narrative subtly hints at their impending reunion. Notably, the episode skillfully utilized every member of its cast, even introducing a new recurring character named Rodge. This once again demonstrates The Rookie’s unique ability to innovate within the weekly police procedural format.

With the Appearance of the ‘Ghost Files’ Guys, The Rookie Has Fun With Its Format

Multiple Documentaries Unfold In This Single Episode In a Hilarious Fashion

In the episode, another documentary team from Ghost Files joins, having been previously announced. This sets up a playful, fictional rivalry among the documentary makers featured in the show.

I, as a viewer, find that the episode seamlessly intertwines multiple storylines instead of strictly adhering to the framing that “A Deadly Secret” is the singular documentary Alexi Hawley’s character is creating. This approach integrates the filmmakers into the narrative, transforming them from behind-the-scenes figures into active participants in the story. Consequently, the rivalry between them brings a new dimension to these external characters, upgrading the documentary style within “The Rookie” from a comedic device to a captivating serial narrative within the predominantly episodic series.

  • The documentary by the crew from previous episodes.
  • The Ghost Files documentary.
  • Abigail’s own documentary

In the past, the narrative shifted focus from Nolan’s senior rookie character, enriching the storytelling possibilities. This change also infused the series with a more diverse perspective on police work, making it more engaging and dynamic. These episodes, styled like documentaries, are primarily used for comedic effect, but they also provide insight into the characters as we see them within the show’s universe. The episode titled “A Deadly Secret” goes a step further by reinterpreting these “true crime” documentaries themselves.

Previously, they were employed to emphasize extraordinary scenarios from a perspective that wasn’t directly involved, making otherwise serious events seem more comedic. Abigail’s disappearance and the Westview hospital plot is an example of such situations. However, instead of evoking sadness, these incidents are comically portrayed, with viewers finding humor in them, especially the way Coghlan skillfully portrays Abigail’s witty glances towards the camera during her self-documentary filming.

In this episode, it seems like a counterpart to a critique on true crime documentaries. The rival documentaries suggest that these productions prioritize profiting off tragedies overseeking the truth that surrounds “The Rookie” characters’ experiences. A prime illustration is the conflict between Abigail and the Interviewer regarding Nolan’s involvement in their respective projects, with Abigail arguing for her right to tell her personal story as she endured the trauma. Additionally, the last scene features a humorous twist reminiscent of “Ghost Files” when skeptic Shane confesses fearing Westview hospital, causing him and Ryan to flee the building in terror.

‘A Deadly Secret’ Ties Up a Larger Season 7 Story Arc on The Rookie

The Westview Psychiatric Hospital Was a Bigger Deal Than Viewers Thought

Following his return to the series due to his connection with Westview, the episode suggests a hint that Westview’s history with the MK Ultra project could potentially bolster his defense case.

This scenario implies that the culprit might avoid imprisonment, instead reappearing to pose more significant issues for the characters on “The Rookie.” Dr. Julius Erickson’s actions seem to worsen the health of many Westview patients, though it’s not entirely by chance.

In the end, multiple investigators uncover that Dr. Meg Davidson, the head of Westview, intentionally contaminated her patients’ water with harmful drugs. This caused patients’ conditions to deteriorate, leading them into conservatorships. This scheme, orchestrated by Davidson and unethical relatives of the patients, aimed to eliminate competition for inheritance. This case is linked to another incident from earlier in the season.

In the latest episode of our favorite show, a significant part of the plot revolves around an AI named Zuzu, who claimed to be a demon. Although the main characters didn’t visit a hospital, their nanny did. Now, this connection might seem tenuous, but it appears that Zuzu sent me a message revealing Abigail’s location. It’s just another playful jab at AI technology, adding yet another chilling layer to the episode. Interestingly, this ties “A Deadly Secret” to another Season 7 story, neatly addressing plot inconsistencies that viewers may not have even realized existed. It’s a testament to the creative storytelling skills of the show’s writers.

In its connection to other Season 7 narratives, “A Deadly Secret” not only wraps up the lingering plot point regarding Abigail, but also provides answers about her mysterious absence from Henry’s life – a question that had previously gone unanswered. While it wasn’t essential for fans to know what became of her, this episode does provide closure on that story arc. This demonstrates how the writing in The Rookie remains inventive and engaging even after seven seasons, skillfully blending authentic police drama, character development, and humor. Even viewers who might have felt the show’s documentary-style gimmick was becoming stale may find themselves acknowledging that “A Deadly Secret” was quite enjoyable.

On Tuesdays at 9 PM, you can catch the premiere of “The Rookie” on ABC, and if you miss it, don’t worry! The episodes will be available for streaming on Hulu the very next day, with all seasons from 1 to 6.

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2025-04-23 19:36