On April 8, ABC aired The Rookie season 7, episode 13, featuring a pivotal moment for Miles. After reconnecting with a former teammate, he confronts a significant decision that could address his housing issues while allowing him to dive back into the sports world. However, when he shares this opportunity with Tim, the training officer’s unexpectedly supportive feedback plays a crucial role. Tim encourages him to remain committed to the program, recognizing Miles as a competent officer. Inspired by Tim’s affirmation, Miles resolves that his place is with the Mid-Wilshire team.
In an interview with ScreenRant, Deric Augustine elaborated on the profound influence Tim has had on Miles’ character development. Augustine perceives Tim as the older brother figure that Miles has long desired, effectively embodying the mentor relationship. Yet, the learning extends both ways, with Augustine pointing out that Miles has imparted valuable lessons to Tim about mentorship and patience. Below is an excerpt from his insights:
Deric Augustine: I think Miles has learned the majority of how to be a cop from Tim. In my acting, a lot of my substitution is for him to be my mentor, to be my big brother, and to learn from him. And Miles is doing that. Even like the little nuances of Miles trying to do what he wanted to do in that first episode when he was a little bit of a bravo guy and Tim said, “Hey, man, slow it down. Follow your rule book. This is what we do.”
Those little things Miles has learned and gravitated to—it’s in his essence now. Miles is always studying Tim, even though Tim is probably unaware of it. I think if this goes on to season 18, I think you’re going to see a mini Tim in Miles. And I think Tim is learning patience from Miles. I think he’s learning how to be a big bro to Miles—not just to Miles, but to any other trainee he’s getting. I think he’s learning that patience, how to be a big brother, a mentor to his trainees, and also friendship on a level as brothers.
We see that a little bit with Miles and Seth, but I love the true little brother, big brother dynamic that they really, really do have. It’s different from Richard. I think Miles looks at Richard as a father figure. It’s really a difference between a father figure and a big brother figure. That relationship is stronger from little brother to big brother. And I think Miles has finally found that big brother relationship that he probably was looking for his entire life.
The Importance of Tim’s Conversation with Miles in The Rookie Season 7
A Reflection of the Training Officer’s Evolution
Prior to the series, Tim had experience within the Mid-Wilshire division, where he faced challenges in mentoring rookies. His disciplinary and methodical approach to training is evident, particularly when he first mentors Lucy, showcasing his direct style and insistence on adherence to guidelines. Unlike his peers, who are often more approachable, Tim tends to maintain a distance, initially struggling with praise and encouragement.
However, his interactions with characters like Lucy and Aaron illustrate a transformation in his mentoring style. The pivotal moment when Tim acknowledges Miles as a commendable officer highlights significant progress in his character’s development. This signifies not just a shift in Tim’s approach, but also underscores the evolving dynamics within the LAPD’s training structure.
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The Rookie season 7 airs every Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET on ABC and is available for next-day streaming on Hulu.