Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from The Rookie season 7, episode 4, “Darkness Falling.”
It has been years sinceThe Rookieproduced a memorable, well-developed main villain, but season 7 might have finally introduced one in episode 4, “Darkness Falling.” The ABC police procedural series has featured many antagonists with multi-episode arcs since season 2, from Rosalind Dyer to Monica Stevens. However, some worked better than others.The Rookiehas been struggling to find its next Rosalind as of late.After the arrival of one new character, though, the TV show should take advantage of their potential and make them season 7’s Big Bad.
Following new episodes ofWill Trentseason 3 andHigh Potentialseason 1,The Rookieseason 7 airs on Tuesdays at 10 pm ET on ABC.
The “case of the week” inThe Rookieseason 7, episode 4 revolves around a serial killer targeting young women. The characters quickly learn his identity —Harrison Novak, played by Noel Fisher, who some may recognize as Mickey Milkovich fromShameless.Harrison was arrested three years prior for burglary and assault. However, due to a lack of sufficient evidence, he was released from custody, and Wesley was the defense attorney who got him acquitted.The Rookiecharactersultimately capture Harrison, who then shows the police where he buried all his victims, à la Rosalind Dyer.
Noel Fisher Stars As Harrison In Season 7, Episode 4
Even though Harrison gets arrested inThe Rookieseason 7, episode 4, he could still be the show’s next great villain. Rosalind Dyer was in custody for most of her run, after all. Harrison is a psychopath, a serial killer, snarky, self-important, and has all the other makings of a notorious antagonist. Plus,Noel Fisher is a talented actor who does a fantastic job of playing Harrison.He leaves a significant impression on viewers despite not having a lot of screen time, which givesThe Rookiemore than enough reason to want Fisher as Harrison back.
Patrick Kelehe
Seth Ridley
The Rookiealso sets up a rival for Harrisonthat could make his status as season 7’s Big Bad quite intriguing. When digging up his victims, the LAPD finds other bodies, and Harrison claims he didn’t murder those.The characters inThe Rookieseason 7are inclined to believe him because he wants credit for his kills and doesn’t like sharing the spotlight. Someone knew where Harrison’s dump site was and used it to dispose of their victims. Angela and Nyla got close to capturing this mysterious person, but they got away. All this means is that Harrison must continue his arc.
The Rookie Season 7 Taking Its Time With Tim & Lucy May Be Frustrating, But It’s The Only Thing It’s Doing Right
Tim and Lucy broke up in The Rookie season 6, and it’s only a matter of time before they get back together in season 7, but the wait is worth it.
Why The Rookie Needs A Multi-Episode Villain In Season 7
Three ofThe Rookie’s best villains(Rosalind Dyer, Nick Armstrong, and La Fiera) had multi-episode arcs that were well-executed, entertaining, and highly memorable. Unfortunately,the series hasn’t produced another Big Bad that lives up to Rosalind, Nick, and La Fiera’s legacy yet.Monica Stevens' story is too clunky despite its potential, and Jason Wyler’s threat level isn’t as high as it should be. The fact remains that villains with multi-episode arcs are a part ofThe Rookie’s foundation, and season 7 can establish a great one with Noel Fisher’s Harrison.
