The Rookie season 6 only had ten episodes to leave an impression on viewers, and while The Rookie‘s season 6 finale was a bit of a dud, the episodes also contained many iconic moments that will be fondly remembered. The ABC crime drama series, created by Alexi Hawley, had to cut its sixth outing short due to the 2023 writers and actors strikes, so, the writers had minimal time to tell a complete, overarching plot. Unfortunately, the shortened number of episodes certainly hurt The Rookie season 6’s story (especially regarding honoring the season’s villain, but more on that below).

However, not all of it was bad, of course. The Rookie season 6’s ten episodes featured several hilarious, sentimental, heartbreaking, impressive, and impactful moments. From a marriage that has been a long time coming to the rising of a powerful (and finally intriguing) villain, The Rookie season 6 presented the audience with scenes and plot (and character) developments that they had been waiting for, and a few moments that were surprising but welcoming. Unfortunately, some characters, like Aaron Thorsen and Sergeant Grey, didn’t have much screen time or significant storylines, resulting in their absence from the season’s most iconic moments.

10

The Return Of The Rookie: Feds Characters

The Rookie Season 6, Episode 10

The Rookie season 6 finale trailer teased the return of The Rookie: Feds cast members Felix Solis as Matt Garza, Britt Robertson (with a striking new hairdo) as Laura Stensen, and Kevin Zegers as Brendon Acres, and their guest appearances didn’t disappoint. The spinoff’s premature cancelation was shocking but understandable because of the strikes. It was still disappointing, though, because it felt like The Rookie: Feds never got a real chance to prove itself. Nevertheless, since its parent series is still on the air, the spinoff’s characters had a chance to return, and some did in the season 6 finale.

When Monica Stevens hopped on a plane to travel to Argentina to meet with a crime lord, the LAPD called in the FBI for help, which is when Garza, Laura, and Brendon stepped in. The three FBI agents assisted John Nolan and Nyla Harper in Argentina (and helped when Nolan went rogue). It was exciting to see Garza, Laura, and Brendon again for those who watched and enjoyed The Rookie: Feds, and now, The Rookie just needs Niecy Nash-Betts to return as Simone Clark in season 7.

9

Celina Moving In With Lucy

The Rookie Season 6, Episode 8

Following Lucy Chen’s devastating breakup with Tim Bradford, her unfortunate detectives’ exam results, and losing Tamara Colins (since she moved out and got a new place with people her age), Lucy needed a win in The Rookie season 6. Perhaps this wasn’t a significant, game-changing moment for Melissa O’Neil’s character. But Celina Juarez moving in with her was certainly a positive that she (and the audience) so desperately needed. Lucy’s new roommate seemed to lift her spirits, which was a relief after a season of devastating moments for the character.

After Lucy stepped in as Celina’s training officer in The Rookie season 6, episode 8, it was clear that they would be great friends and roommates, making one wonder why it took so long for them to share scenes. The ABC series could always use more strong female relationships, and the pairing of Lucy and Celina is one the writers have yet to explore seriously. Hopefully, Lucy and Celina’s friendship will continue growing in The Rookie season 7, especially since their dynamic in one episode was one of season 6’s best moments.

8

Lopez & Harper Crashing Nolan & Bailey’s Honeymoon

The Rookie Season 6, Episode 3

Speaking of strong female relationships, Angela Lopez and Nyla Harper worked together a lot in season 6. The writers know that The Rookie cast members Alyssa Diaz and Mekia Cox have great chemistry and their characters pair well together, so, they continued emphasizing the Lopez/Harper dynamic in season 6. While the two detectives had several memorable moments throughout the ten episodes, Lopez and Harper’s best storyline came when they crashed Nolan and Bailey Nune’s honeymoon.

Once they heard Nolan had found a dead body on the beach, Lopez and Harper hilariously jumped at the opportunity to leave Los Angeles and escape to (what was seemingly) paradise. Both of them are mothers and workaholic detectives, and they needed a little vacation time, even if it was spent trying to track down a murderer. Wesley Evers’ trust fund paid for Lopez and Harper’s trip, and off they went to catch a killer (and get some sun).

7

Smitty Spying On Dr. London

The Rookie Season 6, Episode 9

Most viewers can (and should) agree that Smitty is one of the funniest and most underrated characters in The Rookie. But the penultimate episode gave the police officer some time to shine when Nolan and Celina recruited him to spy on Dr. Blair London, the sneaky villain of The Rookie season 6. It wasn’t exactly a hard task for Smitty, given that he takes his breaks outside of the therapist’s office almost every day of the week (because they have great snacks, of course).

It was hilarious just watching Smitty plant himself in the waiting room, munch on a variety of snacks, and pay attention to who went in and out of Blair’s office. However, his text message to Nolan updating him on his stakeout might have been the funniest moment of The Rookie season 6. Smitty texted Nolan: “Three cops came in for emergency sessions [umbrella emoji]. Sorry, wrong key [floopy disc emoji] [barber emoji]. What is wrong with this phone?” The message was perfectly Smitty and brought some laughs to an emotionally heavy episode.

6

Nolan & Bailey Deciding To Adopt A Baby

The Rookie Season 6, Episode 10

Nolan and Bailey’s relationship in The Rookie featured several monumental moments over the course of season 6, including their pursuit to have a child. At first, Nolan was unsure if he wanted to have another baby given his age and the fact that he had already raised a son. However, Bailey was passionate about having a kid with her husband, and Nolan wanted to give her whatever she desired, so, he agreed. Unfortunately, Bailey would have to undergo expensive IVF treatments to have a chance of getting pregnant, and she didn’t want to put herself through that.

Bailey and Nolan seemingly gave up on their dream of having a baby together, but Nolan had a great idea at the beginning of The Rookie season 6 finale. He suggested they adopt, and while Bailey gave herself some time to think over this significant decision, by the hour’s end, she and Nolan were conducting more research into adopting. Even though season 6 ultimately concluded with Jason Wyler (Bailey’s ex-husband) escaping prison and undoubtedly seeking revenge, the joy of learning Nolan and Bailey would adopt a child lessened the blow of Jason’s return.

5

Monica’s Villainous Ascent

The Rookie Season 6

Monica, played by the brilliant Bridget Regan, was introduced in The Rookie season 5, and her character development ever since has been one of the show’s best. At first, the lawyer was just a chess piece in the other antagonists’ games, but Monica became a full-fledged villain in The Rookie season 6. She had embraced her evil and power and was willing to do everything and anything to get what she wanted (while building a large criminal empire). Monica is undoubtedly among the best villains in The Rookie, and season 6 gave her plenty of moments to prove it.

From killing her attacker without blinking in episode 8 to ordering a hit on Boyd Taylor during the premiere, Monica had multiple ruthless moments throughout The Rookie season 6. Unfortunately, the finale undermined her power as a dominant villain by including one too many other antagonists (seven, to be exact). However, Monica managed to get away from Nolan and Harper, so, perhaps her ascendancy will continue when The Rookie season 7 releases.

4

Tim & Lucy Saying “I Love You” For The First Time

The Rookie Season 6, Episode 2

No one could argue that the stars of The Rookie season 6 were Tim and Lucy. Of course, the couple, known by fans as “Chenford,” has been at the forefront of every season as the writers inserted all the elements of a slow-burn romance into their relationship. But given that Tim and Lucy started dating in season 5, the sixth season was theirs for the taking. Sadly, Tim and Lucy began the season with a fight at the premiere’s end. But the angst made it all worth it since it prompted the couple to confess their love for one another in the following episode.

While taking a lie detector test, Lucy asked Tim if he loved her, and he said yes, of course. Later, while the two characters were dancing at Nolan and Bailey’s wedding (three seasons after Tim asked Lucy to dance at Lopez and Wesley’s wedding), Lucy told Tim she loved him. After the sweet and significant moment, everything was great in the world of Chenford. Unfortunately, that would change when Tim broke up with Lucy in The Rookie season 6, episode 6, but that’s beside the point.

3

Nolan & Bailey’s Wedding

The Rookie Season 6, Episode 2

The Rookie season 6 contained one of the show’s biggest milestones — its 100th episode. To celebrate this accomplishment, the writers decided that the hour should feature Nolan and Bailey’s wedding, an event fans had been waiting a long time for. Thankfully, The Rookie‘s 100th episode didn’t disappoint, as it included the perfect mix of nostalgic moments, emotional beats, and action-packed sequences. Although the two went through many hurdles to get there, Nolan and Bailey got married (with Sergeant Grey as the officiant), and it was perfect.

Nolan and Bailey got engaged at the beginning of The Rookie season 5, but the following episodes rarely mentioned their impending nuptials. It seemed as though the writers had forgotten that the couple was engaged and supposed to be planning a wedding. Thankfully, they got back on track in The Rookie season 6 and made the wait for Nolan and Bailey’s wedding worth it.

2

Lucy Jumping From A Moving Car To Save Tim’s Life

The Rookie Season 6, Episode 10

Chenford’s scenes were the only good things in The Rookie season 6 finale, and while Tim and Lucy’s moment in the elevator was sweet and inspired hope for their future, Lucy jumping out of a moving car to save Tim’s life was the highlight of the episode. When a suspect tried to speed away in his car, Tim threw himself into the truck bed and attempted to subdue the driver. However, he had a gun and knife on him (and was better positioned), so, Tim struggled to take the suspect down — enter Lucy.

Lucy, who was driving, and Angela followed the truck in The Rookie season 6, episode 10. When they caught up to the vehicle, Lucy had Angela take the wheel while she maneuvered herself out of the driver’s side window (while the car was still moving) and jumped onto the truck bed. Lucy subdued the driver from behind, and he passed out, ultimately, saving Tim from getting stabbed in the face. It was undeniably one of the best action sequences in The Rookie and one that will be talked about even when the show ends.

1

Tim Going To Therapy (Even If His Therapist Was Evil)

The Rookie Season 6, Episode 7

The overall best moment of The Rookie season 6 was Tim accepting that he needed help and seeking it after his breakup with Lucy. Unfortunately, Tim’s therapist happened to be a mole working for Monica, but according to him, Blair still helped him work through his deep-rooted issues, some of which Tim wasn’t even aware of. Ever since the ABC crime drama’s pilot, it’s been clear that Tim has had his fair share of trauma throughout his life. However, his hard exterior and cold demeanor prohibited him from partaking in some self-care in the form of therapy.

By season 6, Tim was ready to face his demons, and if Tim and Lucy are to get back together in season 7, he has to work on himself first, and he has been. When Tim broke up with Lucy, he told her that she was too good for him, and hopefully, Tim can get to a place where he can be more self-confident. Although Tim made some progress towards the end of the season, he still wasn’t ready to resume his relationship with Lucy (which is why it’s a good thing The Rookie season 6 finale didn’t feature a Chenford reunion).