In the latest episode of ABC's popular police procedural series, The Rookie, Celina Juarez, portrayed by Lisseth Chavez, embarks on her first solo ride as a police officer in Season 7, Episode 13, titled "Three Billboards." This episode, set to air on April 8, 2025, promises to be a memorable outing for the rookie officer as she finds herself in a perilous situation without backup.
The episode's logline reveals that the LAPD team is investigating a series of anti-LAPD billboards that have surfaced around the city. Meanwhile, a car bombing adds to the urgency of their investigations, as Miles (Deric Augustine) reconnects with an old friend, and John (Nathan Fillion) and Bailey (Jenna Dewan) grapple with their plans to adopt a child.
As the episode unfolds, viewers will witness the challenges faced by Nolan and Bailey as they meet with a social worker to discuss their adoption options. However, the social worker expresses concern about their high-risk jobs, stating, "The stories they tell are in another stratosphere. It'd be easier to talk about the days you didn't die." This raises questions about whether their dangerous professions will hinder their dreams of parenthood.
Meanwhile, Celina's first solo call takes a dangerous turn when she finds herself trapped inside the home of a dangerous suspect. As she navigates this tense situation, a fight ensues outside when her target attempts to escape, further complicating her first day on the job.
As Celina progresses in her career, her interactions with other characters, particularly her training officer John, will decrease, but that doesn't mean fans will miss out on their dynamic. Chavez reassures viewers, "There are times where she is going to ride solo, and it gives her more opportunity to grow and to continue to trust herself. But it doesn’t mean that she’s not going to be paired with other people. It’s not the end of Celina and John." This episode will not feature John riding alongside her, but he promises to be there when she needs him, and he comes through when it matters most.
In the previous episode, Season 7, Episode 12, titled "April Fools," The Rookie took a lighter approach to storytelling. This episode, which aired on April 1, 2025, dealt with the chaos of April Fools' Day, showcasing the lighter moments of the series while still delivering impactful storylines. Season 7 has returned to its typical larger episode count, containing 18 episodes, eight more than the previous season, which was shortened due to production delays related to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes in 2023.
Episode 12 begins with Tim (Eric Winter) and Lucy (Melissa O'Neil) enjoying a one-day hall pass to temporarily forget their breakup. However, the episode's comedic elements are juxtaposed with serious situations, as the police deal with a series of pranks that escalate into dangerous scenarios reminiscent of the horror film The Purge.
One of the standout moments in this episode is the action-packed takedown of the purge activity in an office building, featuring Tim, Lucy, and Celina. The sequences are thrilling, inducing a sense of fear akin to that of the actual Purge movies. The episode explores the idea that not all situations are predictable; as Lt. Wade Grey (Richard T. Jones) notes, "When they do a traffic stop, you don’t know if it’s going to be funny or tragic…you just don’t know." This unpredictability adds depth to the narrative, making the episode engaging.
Despite the fun and lighter tone, some critics have pointed out that the episode contains filler moments that may not contribute significantly to the overarching plot. However, many argue that such episodes are necessary for character development and allow viewers to simply enjoy the series without the pressure of constant tension.
Moreover, viewers are introduced to Nolan's new rookie, Connor, who is initially assigned to him after Celina's graduation. However, despite Connor's potential, he is reassigned to a quieter division by Grey, which has raised eyebrows among fans who felt he was developing well under Nolan's mentorship.
Tim and Lucy's temporary reunion during the April Fools' Day festivities has also been met with mixed reactions. While some fans appreciated the moment, others felt it was illogical and didn’t add value to their ongoing story arc. The episode's focus on their relationship, devoid of meaningful dialogue about their past issues, has left some viewers frustrated.
Overall, The Rookie continues to balance humor and drama, showcasing the challenges and triumphs of its characters. With Celina now taking on more responsibilities as a police officer and the ongoing developments in Nolan and Bailey's lives, the series remains a compelling watch.
Fans can catch new episodes of The Rookie airing on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on ABC. As the season progresses, viewers are eager to see how Celina navigates her new role and what challenges await Nolan and Bailey as they pursue their dream of starting a family.
