The Rookie: Season 8 Episode 5 Recap: Is Bailey Finally Pushing John Too Far in "The Network"
- Val
- 14 hours ago
- 4 min read
And just like that we’re back with another great episode of The Rookie. Last night’s episode was still a storyline whiplash, however, this time it was executed beautifully.
Aaron Thorsen Has Returned Along with Another Friendly Face
It was a smart move to keep Aaron’s leave open-ended because it made for a wonderful surprise visit in this episode. His energy in this episode was everything. From the moment he walked up to everyone in the parking lot, it was like a breath of fresh air. Aaron was there for an important reason though; he was assisting the FBI task force with infiltrating someone they’ve had their eye on but was unable to get an in with the target, until Aaron. It turns out Aaron spent time with him while he was incarcerated which means he was the FBI’s best bet. It was nice seeing him back in action with the Mid-Wilshire gang.
Not only did we get Aaron back, but this episode also brought back a friendly face from The Rookie:Feds; Elena Flores. Being that this was an operation that required technical hacking skills, of course they’d call on Elena. Elena, along with Aaron, John, and a couple officers, the FBI was successful in their operation, but not before they nearly got themselves blown up.
It was great seeing how confident Aaron has gotten. When we last saw him, he was spiraling bad after not being able to come to terms with his ptsd after being attacked. I hope we get to see him back again soon. Both he and Elena made this episode enjoyable.
I’m Ready for Bailey’s Exit
I’m honestly not understanding what’s happening with Bailey and John right now. I thought it was clear that John has established roots for himself in Los Angeles. He bought a run down home and did his own renovations making his home even that more special. Why would Bailey think that he’d easily walk away from that?
If that wasn’t enough of a reason, how about the fact that she’s asking someone who was already one of the oldest rookies to join the LAPD to start over again. John entertained the idea, even going as far as asking Grey for advice. Even in this episode, he spoke with Garza about potentially joining the FBI to which he said the cut off age is thirty-five which we all know John is well past.
What really bugged me about how Bailey went about this was that she sent him links to apartments to look at before she even knew where John’s head was with everything. She even went ahead and reached out to people on his behalf to see how he’d get a job with the FBI. I understand wanting to explore this opportunity, but John made a point; she is always chasing something. This is why she has so many hobbies.
This feels like the beginning of the end for that and I am truly looking forward to when that time comes. Marriage is about compromise and it’s obvious Bailey has forgotten that. What I wonder is, does she believe this marriage is worth fighting for? The way she easily walked away makes me think she doesn’t.
Let’s Wrap These Monica Storylines Up
She’s back… again. The FBI just can’t seem to get enough of Monica, but unfortunately, I have. When she first came on to the scene, it was interesting. She is clearly a lawyer, sorry disbarred lawyer, who plays dirty to win big. Knowing this, the FBI continually involves her in these cases and always grants her immunity. Are they ever going to learn?
After assisting them with getting access to a very expensive phone, she’s then seen at the end of the episode spoiling the hard work the FBI did to get this tap in place. We have no idea who she’s talking to, but clearly it’s someone who now knows the FBI will be listening in. So, again, will the FBI ever learn?
These storylines involving Monica have felt like “wash, rinse, and repeat” lately. They’re not engaging, it’s no longer surprising when she turns on them, and I think it’s time we wrap this up.
Lucy and Celina = Dynamic Duo
Lucy has great observational skills, which is why it always bothered me that she wasn’t further along in her career. This episode only proved my point at how great she is.
While TID worked on the scene where two LAPD officers were shot, something felt off to Lucy. The two officers, Ian Coleman and Eileen White, were found with gunshot wounds and when asked what happened, they both claimed they were ambushed. The person they claimed was responsible was a CI they worked with.
Lucy, at the scene, felt like the way the officers described what happened doesn’t align with what she was seeing. Asking Celina to hear her out, Celina agreed that the blood splatters at the scene are inconsistent to the story which means these officers were lying about what happened.
I was hoping for something a little more devious going on, but it turns out that two officers were having an affair and they got into a fight that turned into, well, a shoot out between the two. Great catch, Lucy.
This week’s episode was better than last week’s for sure, but I wish they’d stop with the storyline whiplash. I could say a lot more about this episode, but we’d be here all night. I want to hear from you. Share your thoughts!
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