In a thrilling homage to the classic film Speed, ABC's The Rookie is set to air an episode titled "Speed" on March 25, 2025, ahead of the movie's 31-year anniversary this June. The series will offer a fresh take on the suspenseful narrative that made the original film iconic.
This special episode features characters John, played by Nathan Fillion, and Celina, portrayed by Lisseth Chavez, as they find themselves undercover on a city bus as part of a public safety initiative. What begins as a routine mission quickly descends into a nightmare, as the undercover operatives grapple with a hostage situation.
Within the episode, Lt. Wade Grey, played by Richard T. Jones, alongside rookie Miles Penn (Deric Augustine), takes a more hands-on approach, surveilling the action from a van. This scenario brings about many of the high-pressure decisions shown in the original Speed film, reflecting the original's spirit.
As the tension mounts, Angela, Nyla, Tim, and Lucy are on the ground, seeking leads on the hijackers, making each character pivotal in the unfolding drama. Richard T. Jones, in a recent interview, elaborated on the filming process, including the challenge of using body cam footage. He remarked, "Come on, [showrunner] Alexi [Hawley], you’ve got to do this right," expressing both concern and excitement about living up to the legacy of the movie.
The technical aspects of the episode stem from the series' trademark shooting style, where body cam footage plays a critical role. This format allows viewers to be enveloped in the action, almost as if they are part of the team. Jones described how this sometimes transforms actors into cameramen as they adapt to film their own perspectives. "I’m getting much better at it because I’m doing it a lot more," he shared humorously, noting the challenges that come with being both an actor and a makeshift videographer.
Looking forward, Jones was optimistic about the future of The Rookie. He stated, "I’m 100% hopeful we’ll get renewed this season," revealing a sense of confidence that has resonated throughout the cast and crew.
The excitement doesn’t end there. Just a week after the Speed episode, the Mid-Wilshire Division will face a different kind of challenge with their upcoming episode on April 1, 2025, that promises fun-filled intrigue around April foolery. Tim and Lucy, two characters known for their lighthearted pranks, will bring their playful and mischievous spirit into a plot steeped in both comical and chaotic situations.
The Rookie has a history of blending intense drama with occasional humor, and it seems that the upcoming episodes will not shy away from this signature mix. Fans eagerly anticipate how well the show can strike this balance, particularly with the version of Speed while maintaining fresh and engaging storylines.
With the interconnected narratives and potential for character growth, The Rookie is carving its own path while paying tribute to the beloved film Speed. Viewers can tune in this Tuesday at 9/8c to see how John and Celina fare against a tick-tocking time bomb on their undercover mission. As the stakes rise, questions loom: Will they succeed in containing the hijackers, and what surprises lie ahead as the season progresses?
