The Rookie is based on the real life story of a Los Angeles police officer, William Norcross. Some of the stories are added for the plot cohesiveness. It follows a 45 year old man, John Nolan who, after a bank robbery that occurs after his divorce, decides to move to Los Angeles to be a police officer and fulfil his dream. Due to his age, he becomes the oldest rookie in the department.
He is underestimated by many people, colleagues and criminals alike. Due to his perseverance and personality he is able to prove them wrong. Nolan and his fellow rookies are assigned training officers (T.O) to monitor and evaluate them on the streets. The other rookies are Lucy Chen (ambitious ) and Jackson West ( a legacy). Throughout the series, Nolan grows from a nervous rookie to a capable and confident officer and later becomes a training officer.
As the seasons progress, he explores issues such as corruption, police brutality and racial profiling. He has to manage the emotional and physical toll that his profession takes on him. He faces and navigates dangers such as kidnapping, robberies, bomb threats and hostage situations.
Nolan shows that it is never to late to chase your dreams. His bravery and persistence shine through every time. He always does the right thing because it matters.
