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There’s a definite mix of reactions surrounding Season 7 of The Rookie.
This installment has seen its share of questionable storylines, diverse characters sidelined for most of the season, and ongoing confusion regarding the dynamics of Chenford.
One unexpected outcome, however, has been the introduction of a character who’s arguably more irritating than Bailey.
Bailey Nune has become a divisive figure within the show’s fanbase. She undeniably has her critics, and it’s clear that the discontent isn’t aimed at Jenna Dewan herself but rather at how her character resonates with audiences.
Despite moments that hint at character development, viewers are often left frustrated by her presence, particularly during poorly received story arcs, such as the ill-conceived hitman subplot, which attempted to invoke sympathy for a character with a troubled past.
Amidst the eccentricities and tonal shifts of The Rookie, the humanity of Bailey doesn’t quite land, prompting the creators to introduce a character that is even more aggravating to shift the focus away from her.
Enter Rodge Bronson.
It took time for many viewers to realize that Rodge is actually the creation of the show’s creator, Alexi Hawley.
This connection sheds light on why Rodge’s character may have been given so much screen time, particularly given the trend of less-than-endearing “nepo babies” popping up in various shows today.
Despite this cultural context, Rodge comes off as excessively bothersome, drawing attention for all the wrong reasons. His brief but memorable debut in Season 5, featuring the catchy tune “Daddy Cop,” initially showcased the show’s fun side, prompting fans to sing along.
However, Rodge’s repeated appearances diluted that charm. The recurrence of his character, especially featuring his performance of the song again, felt less like a clever callback and more like an unnecessary stretch.
The show’s decision to entwine him in a romantic subplot with Celina was particularly frustrating, considering her character’s relatively uneventful love life up to this point. Viewers had only glimpsed what seemed to be an intriguing bond between her and Thorsen, and to see her paired with Rodge felt like a missed opportunity.
Rodge’s persona hinges on songwriting at the most inopportune moments, showing a disregard for the storylines and characters around him.
Instead of expanding on the potential dynamics between Celina and Lucy as roommates, we witnessed Rodge intruding into their space, which mostly fell flat and missed the mark for comedy.
Rather than bringing humor to his role, Rodge has instead become something of an unwelcome distraction. His character has been criticized for lacking boundaries and self-awareness.
There was a rare moment of clarity during a scene where Rodge gets confronted by an inmate for foolishly singing about criminals, which served as a highlight in a sea of irritating interactions.
The puzzling choice to insert him into significant plot points, such as visiting a football player’s mansion, only compounded viewer frustration as the team could have instead explored richer narratives with other characters.
Rodge’s attempts at levity often miss the mark. Rather than bringing joy, he adds to the list of grievances for many fans.
If the creators aimed to unite the audience against a single character, especially in light of mixed feelings about Bailey, they may have succeeded in that regard.
However, a reprieve from Rodge’s frequent appearances would be welcomed. A limited cameo each season could suffice, but ideally, it would be best to keep his character at bay altogether.
What are your thoughts on Rodge? We’d love to hear from you!
If you’ve made it this far, chances are you share our exasperation with Rodge! Feel free to leave a comment or share this discussion with others who might relate. Small contributions can help support platforms like ours.
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