The Rookie (TV Series) Crash Course (2018) User Reviews

Finding its Groove

[GunnersMate · 8/10 · 25 October 2018]

The Rookie's sophomore episode, Crash Course, is a bit of an improvement over its pilot offering. Character complexity is blossoming ever so slightly, and while there is still a LOT of subplot action crammed into the time slot, the need to include a list of calculated shock factors in the plot line has thankfully faded. There is plenty of humor and heart in Crash Course and a number of interesting on-the-job situations to keep the viewer entertained.

Nathan Fillion is nothing short of fabulous in his role as the 40-year-old rookie cop, and both Afton Williamson (as his training officer) and Mercedes Mason (as his captain) are the strongest compliments to his character's heart of the show. His fellow rookies are interesting, but not quite strong enough to keep the viewer's full attention throughout the episode - the viewer could too easily ignore the story arcs of the other rookies on screen without degrading the episodic experience; hopefully that will be rectified as the series progresses. The other major weakness of the show is the character Sgt Grey; who is thus-far sadly paper-thin in dimension and motivation. While his reasons for petty behavior were officially called out in the pilot episode, they still cannot be justified; harassment is still harassment (especially in today's professional environment) and it is already getting boring. But Richard T Jones is much stronger on screen than what is given to him in the script, and this episode is already pointing his character in the direction of emotional evolution.

In short, The Rookie is finding its groove; and that is good news for all of us.

ADAM-12 Inspired

[rbr-41299 · 8/10 · 27 October 2018]

I must give the writer Alexi Hawley credit for going back to the source material in developing the first two episodes. There are many parallels with the first four half-hour episodes of the first season of ADAM-12. In contrast to Sergeant Jones' objection to the age of Noland, Malloy at first objected to taking Reed as a partner because of his youth. Then Malloy educates Reed (for the audience's benefit) on the chief characteristics of the police car in typical Joe Friday rapid speech. Later Malloy and Reed get a call to aid in the arrest of armed "white supremacists," during which Reed disobeys Malloy by charging toward the bad guys without backup. Then there is the rescue of a baby, a car chase, Reed denting their police car, handling a domestic dispute, processing arrestees at the station, and Reed's irritation at having to turn a murder over to detectives.

In contrast to Reed of ADAM-12 who was not allowed to drive in the early days of his probation, Noland is allowed to drive very soon and then gets into a high speed pursuit. Noland is criticized for how he handled the pursuit, although it's not stated what the offense was that was the cause. Presumably it was a traffic violation, so the object of a pursuit is to keep eyes on the offender without crashing into objects on the way. Bishop calls for backup, but in reality once she announced their pursuit on the radio every police car within range would be hurrying to join the chase. We've all seen police chases on the evening news. Damaging the police car, as well as other cars, during this pursuit would probably result in private lecture from the Captain rather than in front of the whole watch and perhaps a temporary suspension.

I question whether Noland's chasing the kidnapper into the house complied with LAPD procedure, since he failed to maintain his pursuit of the kidnapper when he saw the shackled young woman. She was not in any immediate danger and by turning away from the suspect he almost got himself killed. This failure was not critiqued by his superior officer. Noland is rebuked for slugging the kidnapper and he is reminded that a police officer has to be composed and professional at all times. Hawley tries to make the point that police officers are human and they may react emotionally when they witness the worst of human behavior, a response Reed manifested on ADAM-12.

Intensive Training

[claudio_carvalho · 8/10 · 9 October 2021]

Nolan and Talia pursue a red Jeep hitting in other cars, and when they succeed to stop the car, they learn that the driver is a bride left by her groom. She tries to commit suicide but Nolan uses his life experience to save her. When Nolan hits a drugged woman, they find that she was kidnapped and Talia trains Nolan to control his temper and moral values since he is a police officer. Meanwhile, the lazy Scott Wrigleyis assigned to replace Tim as Lucy's TO forcing her to take an attitude. West has to prove Angela Lopez that he will not let her down.

"Crash Course" is another great episode of "The Rookie". In this show, each rookie has to deal with their deficiencies and to prove to their TOs that they are worthy. The romance between Chen and Nolan is under the surveillance of Talia. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Curso Intensivo" ("Crash Course")

Jane

[jharts7440 · 10/10 · 24 October 2018]

I really enjoyed this episode. With every action scene, there was a "rule" or lesson Nolan had to learn as a rookie. I loved the additional focus on Officer West. He's not a coward, at least when there guns aren't involved. It was nice to see Nolan out of his wool uniform and in a tank top! As always I loved the humor Nathan brings to all of his roles. I liked this better than the pilot.

Crash Course

[Prismark10 · 6/10 · 22 February 2024]

The second episode and it really is a crash course for John Nolan. He keeps crashing his car and the police garage are not happy with him. Even giving him a very old cop car at one point.

Sergeant Wade Grey is still giving Nolan a hard time. His training officer Talia Bishop intervenes at one point.

Still Nolan shows his caring side as he confronts a jilted bride. She wants to end it all by throwing herself off the Hollywood sign. Nolan gives her his lottery ticket as sign of having something to look forward to but she is still left dangling.

Sergeant Grey tells Nolan how much he has cost the city in the damage he has caused.

In the end Nolan lets his emotions get the better off him as he apprehends a man who has abducted women.

The Rookie is very much Fillion's show at the moment. Although there are moments for the other rookies, they really are secondary characters.

Worse than the first one which I didn;t think was possible

[plendach-73289 · 1/10 · 24 October 2018]

Cartoon characters, ridiculous story lines, every stereotype you can imagine so bad that even Nathan can't salvage it. Gave it a second and last try. Just awful.

Nolan meets first of many kidnappers.

[swordmccloud · 1/10 · 9 June 2021]

This episode starts the foundation of kidnapping in this series. While Nolan is not kidnapped here he meets first bad guy who kidnaps someone. From here on out nearly all rookies and TO's will be kidnapped over the series. But don't worry because only one will die. Seriously did Nathan Fillion make this show as a drinking game for his friends to play or even cops to play? Kudos for the writers of this series on this episode. Insanity abounds, can't wait to see next moronic episode!

Great show bad episode

[kevintbriner · 1/10 · 20 January 2022]

Typical Hollywood trash, it's like they can't help themselves. It's sad how little respect they have for other people's religious views.

It seems like Nolan wouldn't be a cop if he had as many accidents as he has had. He is a likeable character but the writing seems very sloppy.

This show is awesome otherwise but anymore episodes. Like this we won't be watching. We started later but have seen bits and pieces and are excited to get into it. We can take it or leave though if this episode is the quality we can expect.