‘The Rookie’ Must Learn from Its Past Mistakes: A Better Farewell for Officer Thorsen

Jackson West’s Unceremonious Exit Still Haunts the Series

Jackson West, one of the original rookie recruits alongside John Nolan (Nathan Fillion) and Lucy Chen (Melissa O’Neil), met an abrupt and unsatisfactory end in the Season 4 premiere. After being kidnapped in the Season 3 finale, “Threshold,” West was killed offscreen in a move that many fans felt was a disservice to the character. A stunt double was used to depict his death, making the exit feel even more disconnected and impersonal. While there were real-world reasons for this decision, the execution was harsh, especially for a character who had been central to the show since its inception.

Makin later explained that the weight of real-world events, particularly around the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, influenced his decision to leave the show. As a Black actor playing a police officer, Makin felt uncomfortable continuing in that role without addressing the significant social issues surrounding policing. Despite these valid reasons, the show’s handling of Jackson’s departure left a sour taste. The Rookie cannot afford to repeat this mistake with Officer Thorsen, a character who has developed a deep connection with the audience.

Aaron Thorsen’s Unique Perspective and Potential

Thorsen entered the scene in Season 4, Episode 2, “Five Minutes,” stepping into a tough spot as Jackson West’s replacement. Despite the pressure, Valentino’s character quickly distinguished himself, thanks to his compelling backstory and rich character development. As a former social media influencer wrongfully accused of murder, Thorsen brought a fresh and empathetic approach to policing. His journey from public disgrace to serving as an LAPD officer allowed for a unique perspective, showing more compassion towards suspects and victims alike.

His development over the next two seasons saw him grow closer to Detectives Nyla Harper (Mekia Cox) and Angela Lopez (Alyssa Diaz), with aspirations of becoming a detective himself. His past as a victim of wrongful accusation provided a unique angle for tackling homicide investigations, a potential story arc that could have been explored more in-depth in Season 7.

Missed Opportunities and Unfinished Stories

Thorsen’s story seemed poised for significant developments in Season 7, especially with the budding and problematic romance with his therapist, Dr. Blair London (Danielle Campbell). The shocking reveal that Dr. London was feeding sensitive information to a criminal syndicate created a perfect setup for personal and professional conflict in Thorsen’s life. A deeper exploration of his betrayal by a trusted confidant could have been a gripping plotline, providing Valentino with a meaningful exit.

However, with Valentino’s departure, it remains unclear how The Rookie plans to wrap up Thorsen’s storyline. Unlike Jackson West’s sudden death, the show has an opportunity here to give Thorsen a proper sendoff that honors his character’s growth and impact on the series.

How Can ‘The Rookie’ Handle Thorsen’s Exit Right?

There are several ways The Rookie can give Thorsen the respectful exit he deserves. Rather than an abrupt, off-screen departure, the writers could craft a narrative where Thorsen gets a career-defining opportunity elsewhere, or perhaps a department transfer. This would allow for his story to continue in the universe of The Rookie, keeping the door open for future appearances. Valentino himself hinted at the possibility of returning someday, writing on his Instagram, “You never know who may pop back up in the Mid-Wilshire precinct. Until then, 7 Adam 19, this is Officer Thorsen, over and out!”

By handling Thorsen’s exit with the dignity and thoughtfulness that his character deserves, The Rookie has a chance to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. It’s essential that the show takes this opportunity to provide a memorable and fitting farewell, ensuring that fans feel a sense of closure rather than disappointment.

New Faces, New Beginnings

Season 7 will introduce two new rookies, played by Deric Augustine and Patrick Keleher, potentially filling the void left by Thorsen’s departure. While this shift presents new dynamics and story possibilities, it also underscores the importance of properly handling the exits of beloved characters. The Rookie is at a crossroads, and how it navigates this transition will determine its relationship with the fans moving forward. The series can show that it has learned from its past by giving Aaron Thorsen a sendoff that resonates with viewers and honors the character’s journey.

Jackson West’s Unceremonious Exit Still Haunts the Series Jackson West, one of the original rookie recruits alongside John Nolan (Nathan Fillion) and Lucy Chen (Melissa O’Neil), met an abrupt and unsatisfactory end in the Season 4 premiere. After being kidnapped in the Season 3 finale, “Threshold,” West was killed offscreen in a move that many…