The latest episode of The Rookie, “The Red Place,” was one of the darkest and most intense episodes the show has ever done. It tells the story of Ezra Kane, a quiet and unassuming homeless man who hides a terrifying secret. The Mid-Wilshire Division investigates him, and what they uncover is chilling. This episode felt very different from the usual tone of The Rookie. It was serious, intense, and suspenseful. For longtime fans, it was a refreshing change.
Unlike most episodes, there were almost no jokes or side stories for comic relief. The show normally mixes drama with light, funny moments. In past seasons, some episodes leaned too much on comedy, like the documentary-themed story “A Deadly Secret” or the return of Skip Tracer Randy. But in “The Red Place,” the focus was all on the drama. It almost felt like a crime thriller or an episode of Luther.
The story was gripping from start to finish. The episode mostly followed the police officers as they investigated Kane and tried to track down his latest victim. John Nolan stepped up in this episode, and David Krumholtz’s performance as Kane was haunting. Kane starts out seeming awkward and harmless, but when his true nature is revealed, he is truly terrifying. The show rarely presents villains this unsettling. Even past guest stars like Annie Wersching brought a different kind of energy. Kane’s presence was chilling and unnerving in a way that lingered long after the episode ended.
Another powerful part of the episode was Lucy Chen helping a kidnapping victim named Samantha. Samantha had been held captive and abused by Kane. She was so traumatized that when Lucy and Celina Juarez tried to reach her, she locked them out of her hospital room and hurt herself. The scene was shocking and hard to watch, but it showed just how monstrous Kane was. Lucy helps Samantha by opening up about her own past trauma. She had been kidnapped by a serial killer years earlier, and rarely talks about it. Seeing her share this experience to comfort someone else was incredibly moving.
Lucy also admitted she felt guilty about what happened to her in the past. She explained to Samantha that Kane’s crimes were not her fault. She guided her to focus on survival and moving forward. The scene between Lucy and Samantha was emotional, raw, and one of the most sincere moments in the show’s history. Melissa O’Neil’s performance highlighted Lucy’s vulnerability and strength.
This episode proves that The Rookie can handle serious, dark stories without any comedy. The show does not need to make every episode like this, but after a season with many lighthearted or comedic subplots, “The Red Place” was a welcome change. It also showcased how strong actors like Nathan Fillion and Melissa O’Neil are when the material is serious. Hopefully, the show’s writers will continue experimenting with darker, more intense stories in the future.
Season 8 of The Rookie now airs Monday nights at 10/11c on ABC.
