Tru Valentino will not return as Aaron Thorsen in the upcoming season of 'The Rookie', but the series welcomes new cast members and plans a longer season with fewer interruptions.
- Aug 9, 2024
AceShowbiz - As "The Rookie" gears up for its highly-anticipated season 7, fans will be saying goodbye to a notable character. Tru Valentino, who portrayed Officer Aaron Thorsen since season 4, will not be reprising his role. Valentino, 35, had become a series regular by season 5, and his exit ahead of the new season has left fans both surprised and curious about how his character's story will conclude.
Despite the departure, the show is poised to keep its momentum with season 6 having ended on thrilling cliffhangers. The fate of John Nolan (Nathan Fillion) and Bailey (Jenna Dewan) hangs in the balance, while the complex relationship between Lucy Chen (Melissa O'Neil) and Tim Bradford (Eric Winter) leaves viewers eagerly anticipating the forthcoming developments.
Valentino's exit isn't the only shake-up. Season 7 will introduce two fresh faces to the LAPD team. Deric Augustine steps in as Miles, a Texas transfer with two years of experience. Patrick Keleher takes on the role of Seth, an ideal officer whose natural instincts for quick, decisive actions are being tested.
Season 6's storytelling had to be adapted due to a strike, resulting in a more serialized approach over just ten episodes. According to series creator Alexi Hawley, this made for an engaging narrative despite the shortened season. However, with season 7, the series returns to its standard format with 18 episodes that promise consistent weekly releases, allowing for the classic, varied and unexpected storytelling fans cherish.
Though Aaron Thorsen wasn't central to the season 6 cliffhangers, his interactions, particularly the almost-romance with rookie Celina Juarez (Lisseth Chavez), will leave questions about how the writers plan to write him out. Valentino's absence was speculated when he skipped "The Rookie" San Diego Comic-Con presentation, adding more curiosity about Aaron's fate.
The return of main cast members, alongside new recruits, ensures that "The Rookie" will continue to deliver complex character arcs and high-stakes drama. Fans excited for the return can revisit the first six seasons on Hulu while they wait, with season 7 set to premiere in mid-2025.
