The release of The Rookie season 6 is expected to be delayed until at least the winter of 2024 due to an ongoing dispute between the Writers Guild of America and the studios. However, despite the writers' strike, fans continue to speculate and discuss the upcoming episodes of the ABC series. While waiting for the new season, viewers are left pondering the unresolved cliffhangers from the season 5 finale. The finale left several characters in peril, with Aaron Thorsen critically injured and a new villain revealed, signaling more trouble ahead. These plot developments provide ample material for the writers to explore in The Rookie season 6.
8 Elijah Stone Is Connected To The New Villain From The Rookie Season 5 Finale
In the conclusion of The Rookie season 5, a mysterious man in a black SUV made his way towards downtown LA while police cars rushed past him. The officers were en route to a scene where the Mid-Wilshire cops had just confronted a suspect named Luke Moran and his masked mercenaries. Initially, the characters believed Luke to be the head honcho of the criminal group, but it turned out that this position actually belonged to the man in the SUV. This new antagonist revealed his strategy, stating, "By manipulating Luke Moran against the LAPD, we have effectively diverted every cop in the city from our real target. And by the time they realize the extent of our actions, we'll have vanished without a trace."
The identity of this man, as well as his plans for LA, remains unclear. However, it is possible that he has connections to Elijah Stone, a persistent adversary who always seems to resurface. In a previous episode of The Rookie season 5, Elijah was arrested by the LAPD but ended up meeting his neighbor in prison, Oscar Hutchinson, by the end of the hour. Their encounter hinted at a shared desire for revenge, signifying that both villains will likely make another appearance in the future.
7 Monica Returns To The Rookie As A Main Antagonist
Regardless of personal feelings towards him, The Rookie paved the way for Elijah's comeback in season 6, making it plausible for him to be connected with the new adversary introduced in the season 5 finale. It's possible that Elijah, even from behind bars, is the mastermind orchestrating the events. His desire for vengeance against the police in Mid-Wilshire gives him a compelling motive.
If Elijah makes a comeback in Season 6 of The Rookie, it's highly likely that Monica Stevens will as well. As the criminal's lawyer, her innocence was never as pristine as she portrayed it. When the circumstances were not in her favor, Monica played a part in orchestrating Elijah's arrest. Subsequently, she reached out to Abril Rodas, a leader of a cartel, offering her assistance. Tragically, Abril perished during a confrontation with the FBI in The Rookie: Feds Season 1. Nevertheless, Monica's cunning and deceitful nature probably haven't vanished entirely.
6 Nolan & Bailey Call Off Their Wedding
Monica's compelling character in The Rookie demands that the writers elevate her presence in season 6 by transforming her into a thoroughly developed antagonist. The stage is impeccably set for her much-anticipated return, with her intriguing history intertwined with Wesley Evers elevating her into the realm of a truly formidable villain. It is imperative now for the writers to seize this golden opportunity and fully explore Monica's potential in the upcoming season.
Bailey Nune holds the distinction of being John Nolan's most enduring love interest throughout his journey in The Rookie. Their bond has strengthened significantly over the course of the show, leading them to become engaged and share a home together. However, the prospect of marriage for Nolan and Bailey remains uncertain as season 6 unfolds.
Many hints suggested that Nolan and Bailey's relationship in The Rookie season 5 wouldn't last. Nolan struggled with the idea of sacrificing Rosalind Dyer to protect Bailey. Moreover, Bailey felt uneasy about moving in with Nolan, despite her proposal. Additionally, Nolan failed to introduce her as his fiancée when they returned to his hometown to handle his mother's belongings. However, the most telling sign that they won't walk down the aisle is that their engagement, which occurred in episode 4 of season 5, was seldom mentioned throughout the rest of the season. Typically, a wedding between the main characters would be a notable event, but it was constantly overlooked to focus on other plotlines. Consequently, it seems unlikely that Nolan and Bailey will marry in The Rookie season 6.
5 Aaron Survives His Gunshot Wounds (But Celina Dies)
The season 5 finale of The Rookie concluded with a code blue in Aaron's hospital room, indicating that he was flatlining. Earlier in the episode, he had been shot by masked criminals and remained unconscious in his hospital bed. Viewers were left wondering about Aaron's survival beyond season 5, but their concern should perhaps be directed towards Celina Juarez.
It would be illogical for Aaron to die in the season 6 premiere. The show had been developing a storyline centered around his aspiration to become a detective like Nyla Harper and Angela Lopez. A death for Aaron would render this storyline meaningless. However, it would be more plausible for Celina to meet her demise in The Rookie season 6. As Nolan's first official rookie, her death, although tragic, would carry greater significance and serve as the catalyst for Nolan's season 6 narrative. Considering Celina's head injury in the season 5 finale, it's possible that her concussion is more severe than initially thought.
4 Nolan Gets A New Rookie
Even if Celina survives the events of The Rookie season 6, it is highly likely that Nolan will be assigned a new rookie. In order for the upcoming episodes of the ABC series to truly challenge him, Nolan needs a rookie who will push him to his limits. While Nolan and Celina quickly formed a close friendship, their working relationship rarely encountered significant challenges. However, if Nolan aspires to become an exceptional training officer, he must have the opportunity to work with some difficult rookies.
3 Tim & Lucy Move In Together In The Rookie Season 6
In The Rookie season 5, Tim Bradford and Lucy Chen began their romantic journey, much to the joy of devoted Chenford fans. Their strong friendship laid the foundation for a serious relationship, hinting that they may take the next step and move in together during season 6. Fans got a glimpse of this possibility in a previous episode when Lucy's roommate, Tamara Colins, expressed concern that Tim might take her place. It's only a matter of time before Tim and Lucy become roommates in The Rookie.
2 The Detectives Exam Throws A Wrench In Chenford's Relationship
Moving in together in season 6 of The Rookie won't resolve Tim and Lucy's problems. Despite their strong bond, they need to improve their communication skills. Tim was upset when he discovered that Lucy hadn't been honest about the reasons behind his transfer to Metro, causing their first argument. Unfortunately, Lucy repeated this pattern by lying to Tim about her chances of passing the detectives exam later on in the season.
Due to her questionable behavior in helping Tim secure his job at Metro, Lucy is unlikely to pass the test. Some of the examiners have a negative opinion of her actions, making it less probable for her to receive a passing grade. Tim will undoubtedly discover this, leading to yet another conflict with Lucy. Hopefully, this won't result in a breakup, but there will definitely be tension between the couple in season 6 of The Rookie.
1 The Rookie Season 6 Has A Real Crossover With The Rookie: Feds (If It Gets Renewed)
If ABC greenlights season 2 of The Rookie: Feds, the network ought to strategize a genuine crossover event with its spinoff. Throughout the 2022-2023 TV season, ABC promoted episodes of both shows featuring brief appearances by characters from the other series as crossovers. However, an authentic crossover entails multiple characters collaboratively tackling an intense case. It should be a more immersive experience, and if ABC has taken note of past missteps, The Rookie: Feds and The Rookie will seamlessly integrate and collaborate in future episodes.