The Rookie is an American police procedural drama television series created for ABC by Alexi Hawley. The series follows John Nolan, a man in his forties, who becomes the oldest rookie at the Los Angeles Police Department. The show has received generally positive reviews, with specific praise for Fillion’s performance.
What is The Rookie TV series about?
The Rookie follows John Nolan, a forty-year-old man, who moves from Pennsylvania to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of becoming a police officer for the Los Angeles Police Department. He becomes the oldest rookie in the LAPD.
The series begins with John’s life turned upside down when he suddenly divorces his wife after twenty years of marriage. He realizes he wants to live his lifelong dream of becoming an LAPD officer. At the police academy, he meets other rookies who become his Patrol colleagues.
The show follows the new rookies at the LAPD as they navigate their way through their probationary year. It showcases their strengths and weaknesses in the line of duty. The series highlights the challenges John faces as the oldest rookie on the force while managing to keep up with much younger officers.
Who are the main characters on The Rookie?
Here are the main characters on The Rookie:
- John Nolan – Played by Nathan Fillion. The main protagonist, John is a 40-year old rookie cop for the LAPD.
- Talia Bishop – Played by Afton Williamson. Training officer who was assigned to guide John Nolan through his rookie year (Season 1).
- Lucy Chen – Played by Melissa O’Neil. One of the rookie cops joining the LAPD along with John Nolan.
- Tim Bradford – Played by Eric Winter. No-nonsense training officer assigned as Lucy Chen’s partner.
- Jackson West – Played by Titus Makin Jr. A fellow rookie cop joining the LAPD with John and Lucy.
- Angela Lopez – Played by Alyssa Diaz. Another rookie cop and Jackson’s romantic partner.
Other recurring characters include Sergeant Wade Grey (Richard T. Jones), Lieutenant Grace Sawyer (Miriam Flynn), and James Murray (Jose Pablo Cantillo).
What is the background of cupcake on The Rookie?
Cupcake is the name given to a Chihuahua that belonged to a retired police officer named Ernie Graves on The Rookie. Here is some background on cupcake:
- Cupcake originally belonged to Ernie Graves, John Nolan’s neighbor and retired LAPD officer.
- Ernie took care of Cupcake but struggled to control her barking and behavior.
- After Ernie passed away, John Nolan adopted Cupcake to take care of her.
- Cupcake is named for the white patch of fur on her forehead that resembles a cupcake frosting swirl.
- She was introduced in season 1, episode 17 titled “The Shake Up” which aired in 2019.
- Cupcake appears sporadically through the show whenever scenes take place in John Nolan’s house.
So in summary, Cupcake is John Nolan’s pet Chihuahua that he inherited from his neighbor and cares for during the events of The Rookie starting in season 1.
What happened to cupcake on The Rookie?
Here is what happened to Cupcake over the course of The Rookie TV series:
- Initially after adopting Cupcake, John Nolan struggled with her behavior issues and barking.
- John’s girlfriend Sarah helped train Cupcake and she became better behaved.
- However, when John broke up with Sarah, he again struggled to control Cupcake on his own.
- In season 2, John finally got Cupcake trained and she was shown as better behaved.
- In season 3 episode 9, John comes home to find Cupcake limping with an injured leg.
- He rushes Cupcake to the veterinarian, worried she may have serious injuries.
- Fortunately, the vet determines Cupcake only sprained her leg mildly and will recover fully with rest.
- John is relieved and heads home with Cupcake where he knows she will continue getting into mischief after recovering.
So after going through some initial struggles after being adopted, Cupcake settled down with training and became John Nolan’s beloved pet on the show.
Why is Cupcake important to The Rookie?
Though a minor character, Cupcake serves some important purposes on The Rookie:
- She demonstrates John Nolan’s nurturing nature as he cares for Cupcake.
- Cupcake makes John’s house feel like a home.
- She shows John’s patience in training Cupcake despite difficulties.
- Cupcake’s antics inject periodic humor and levity into the show.
- Her presence underscores John’s solitary life as a 40-year old rookie with few family connections.
- Cupcake reinforces the show’s themes of growth, maturity and second chances as John raises her.
So while not a main cast member, Cupcake adds color to the show and gives more insight into John Nolan’s personality and story as the dedicated rookie police officer.
What do critics and fans say about Cupcake on The Rookie?
Here is a summary of what critics and fans say about Cupcake on The Rookie:
Critics
- Critics find Cupcake provides comic relief and an occasional funny subplot amidst the police drama.
- They see Cupcake as another vehicle for demonstrating Nathan Fillion’s acting skills.
- Some reviews criticized early scenes with Cupcake as irrelevant to the main storylines.
- But most agree Cupcake is a beneficial supporting character in highlighting John Nolan’s personality.
Fans
- Fans find Cupcake overwhelmingly adorable and enjoy her presence, however brief, in episodes.
- Many viewers look forward to occasional Cupcake scenes to brighten darker storylines.
- Fans rooted for John to get Cupcake trained and comment on her importance in his life.
- Some fans wish Cupcake could have a larger role or storylines in the show.
Overall, critics and fans agree that Cupcake, though a minor part of the show, adds humor and warmth while revealing more about the central character of John Nolan.
Top 5 Cupcake moments on The Rookie
Here are the top 5 memorable Cupcake moments on The Rookie from seasons 1-3:
| Episode | Notable Cupcake moment |
|---|---|
| Season 1, Episode 17 “The Shake Up” | First introduction of Cupcake when John Nolan adopts her |
| Season 2, Episode 17 “Control” | Cupcake’s incessant barking drives John crazy |
| Season 2, Episode 21 “The Hunt” | John hires dog trainer to finally get Cupcake trained |
| Season 3, Episode 5 “Lockdown” | Cupcake eats the remote and John scrambles to find it |
| Season 3, Episode 9 “Amber” | Cupcake injures her leg, worrying John |
These fun, memorable scenes showcase Cupcake’s mischievous personality while highlighting her importance in John Nolan’s life on the show.
How does Cupcake impact John Nolan’s character arc on The Rookie?
Cupcake impacts John Nolan’s character development on The Rookie in a few key ways:
- Adopting Cupcake shows John opening his life and heart again after his divorce.
- Training Cupcake requires patience as John learns not to give up on a challenge.
- Caring for Cupcake makes John more responsible, nurturing, and mature.
- Cupcake provides companionship for solitary John as a 40-year old rookie.
- Fearing for Cupcake when she’s injured reveals John’s empathy and grown devotion.
- Balancing Cupcake amid police work gives John valuable work-life experience.
Overall, Cupcake highlights many of John’s strengths while also serving as an important emotional support. She reinforces his character development as a dedicated, compassionate police officer trying to find life balance and meaning.
Conclusion
In summary, Cupcake is the Chihuahua adopted by John Nolan on The Rookie TV series. She belonged to Nolan’s neighbor before being left in his care. Cupcake goes through training struggles at first but eventually becomes a well-behaved companion. This minor but beloved character serves to add humor and heart to the show. Most importantly, Cupcake highlights lead character John Nolan’s nurturing nature, patience, and growing maturity as a 40-year old rookie. Both critics and fans find Cupcake to be an adorable addition that provides comic relief and emotional depth. Though a supporting player, Cupcake has memorable moments and a subtle impact on John’s central character arc over the course of The Rookie series.