Seth Ridley’s Controversial Debut
Patrick Keleher joined The Rookie in Season 7 as Seth Ridley, a fresh graduate from the police academy. Almost immediately, viewers sensed that Seth was hiding something. His inconsistent stories raised suspicions, especially from his training officer Lucy Chen (Melissa O’Neil). It was later revealed that Seth was a pathological liar, using fabricated tales to dodge responsibility. This habit, rooted in his youth, followed him into adulthood, eventually making him one of the most disliked characters in the series.
Yet, despite his many flaws, Seth’s storyline took a surprising turn in his final Season 7 episode. His actions hinted at potential growth and even redemption—something that could be fully realized if he returns in Season 8.
A Rookie Defined by Lies and Mistakes
From the beginning, Seth struggled as a police recruit. On his first day, he vomited at a crime scene, contaminating vital evidence. To avoid being dismissed, he fabricated a story about his cancer returning, even going so far as to use a fraudulent doctor to support his lie. Once exposed, he was expelled from the LAPD but later filed a lawsuit to fight his way back in.
Seth’s deception didn’t stop there. He lied to Tamara Colins (Dylan Conrique), Lucy’s close friend, about his illness while dating her, further damaging his reputation. His actions endangered his colleagues as well. In one critical moment during the episode “Wildfire,” Seth’s incompetence nearly cost Lucy and Tim Bradford (Eric Winter) their lives when they were stranded in the middle of a raging blaze.
John Nolan (Nathan Fillion), reluctantly assigned as Seth’s new training officer in “The Return,” had little faith in him. Even Nolan’s wife, Bailey Nune (Jenna Dewan), bluntly described Seth as a “sociopath.”
A Heroic Sacrifice That Changed Everything
While Seth’s record was filled with lies and failures, his final moments in Season 7 offered a stark contrast. During a shootout with dangerous criminals, Seth followed Nolan’s orders precisely. When an armed assailant crept up behind Nolan, Seth reacted quickly—shooting the gunman before he could pull the trigger.
Tragically, Seth was struck in the leg by a shotgun blast in retaliation. Though his intervention likely saved Nolan’s life, the injury was so severe that Seth’s lower leg had to be amputated. For a character defined by deception, this act of courage stood out as his first genuine moment of selflessness.
Why Seth’s Story Should Continue in Season 8
“The Return” could have been a fitting conclusion to Seth’s arc, but it also left room for future development. Lieutenant Wade Grey (Richard T. Jones) informed Seth that his injury qualified him for disability, but Nolan encouraged him to think differently. Nolan told him, “Your career’s only over if you want it to be,” reminding Seth that many amputees serve successfully in law enforcement.
This moment reframed Seth’s future. Could losing his leg serve as the wake-up call he desperately needed? Could he shed his destructive habit of lying and rebuild himself into the honest officer he once aspired to be? Season 8 is the perfect opportunity to answer these questions.
A redemption arc would not only allow Seth to prove himself but also reshape how fans view him. Many viewers already sympathized with his devastating injury, and giving him a second chance could transform him from a hated figure into one of the show’s most compelling underdogs.
Nolan’s Greatest Test as a Mentor
Seth’s storyline also highlights John Nolan’s growth. From being The Rookie’s oldest recruit in Season 1, Nolan is now shaping the next generation as a training officer. His approach to Seth reflects his maturity—not just as a cop but also as a father figure. Nolan could have written Seth off as a lost cause, but instead, he offered guidance and encouragement when Seth was at his lowest.
This mentorship could reach new heights if Seth returns in Season 8. Watching Nolan transform Seth into a capable and honest officer would bring Nolan’s journey full circle. It would also showcase his greatest achievement: not just surviving the LAPD but shaping it for the better.
The Potential of a Redemption Arc
If Season 8 embraces Seth’s comeback, the show could deliver one of its most powerful storylines yet. Imagine Seth working through his physical challenges as an amputee while striving to prove himself worthy of the badge. His journey could mirror Nolan’s own path of resilience, further reinforcing the show’s core theme: it’s never too late to change.
Seth’s return would not only give him a chance to redeem his character but also enrich Nolan’s legacy as a mentor. For a series built on second chances and personal growth, this arc feels like the natural next step.
Conclusion
Seth Ridley may have entered The Rookie as one of its most despised recruits, but his final act in Season 7 revealed a different side—one capable of courage and sacrifice. Season 8 has the potential to explore that transformation, offering viewers a gripping redemption arc while elevating John Nolan’s role as a mentor.
All seven seasons of The Rookie are available now to stream on Hulu in the U.S. Fans will be watching closely to see if Seth Ridley gets the second chance his story deserves.
