The Rookie is set to bid farewell to another familiar face as Tru Valentino, who brings Officer Aaron Thorsen to life, departs in season 7. However, there is a silver lining regarding Aaron’s exit, which comes amid some intriguing developments suggested by the show’s updates. Throughout the show’s seven-season journey, several beloved characters have exited, and Aaron is the latest to leave the fold. As season 7 kicks off, the character’s absence will be apparent, though the reasons behind this exit remain under wraps until the premiere. Fortunately, remarks from the show’s creator, Alexi Hawley, have offered some reassurances to fans.
The highly anticipated season 7 of The Rookie, consisting of 18 episodes, is scheduled to premiere on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at 10 PM ET on ABC. As the narrative unfolds, audiences will be drawn back into the action and drama of the precinct but will have to adjust to the changes in the cast.
Season 6 left viewers on the edge of their seats with several villains looming over the team, notably Monica Stevens, who managed to escape by the end of the finale. Additionally, notorious characters Oscar Hutchinson and Jason Wyler broke free from prison, adding a layer of chaos for the detectives and officers to manage in season 7, despite Aaron’s absence. The team is faced with the pressing task of apprehending these dangerous criminals without the support of Aaron Thorsen.
Understanding Tru Valentino’s Departure from The Rookie
Where is Aaron Thorsen in Season 7?
Tru Valentino joined The Rookie as Aaron Thorsen in season 4, and his character will not be present in the upcoming season. As per reports from TVLine, season 6’s finale marked Valentino’s final appearance. Though he has not clarified his reasons for leaving, he did express his gratitude for his time on the show during an Instagram story post, stating, “I will always cherish my time on The Rookie but couldn’t be more excited for what the future has in store.”
|
The Rookie Season 7 Cast |
Character |
|---|---|
|
Nathan Fillion |
John Nolan |
|
Richard T. Jones |
Wade Grey |
|
Alyssa Diaz |
Angela Lopez |
|
Eric Winter |
Tim Bradford |
|
Melissa O’Neil |
Lucy Chen |
|
Mekia Cox |
Nyla Harper |
|
Shawn Ashmore |
Wesley Evers |
|
Jenna Dewan |
Bailey Nune |
|
Lisseth Chavez |
Celina Juarez |
|
Deric Augustine |
Miles Penn |
|
Patrick Kelehe |
Seth Ridley |
While the exact motivations behind Valentino’s departure remain unofficial, it implies that he may be pursuing new ventures or that the shift was a creative decision from the writing team. Regardless, fans should note that it is highly unlikely that the show will eliminate Aaron as they have done with several other characters. This gives viewers hope that Aaron might return in a future season.
The Hope for Aaron’s Return Brightens the News of Tru Valentino’s Departure
Is Aaron’s Exit Definitive?
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In a discussion with Screen Rant, Alexi Hawley shed some light on Aaron’s exit, easing concerns among fans. When asked about the possibility of Aaron’s return, Hawley remarked:
“Of course. Tru [Valentino] is a great actor, and he was a huge part of our show for several seasons, and so we’d love to have him back in some capacity. It just ultimately felt like, creatively, for where the show was going, that we needed to pivot a bit. But he’s still very much alive in our universe.”
Importantly, Aaron will not meet his end in season 7’s premiere. While the reasons for his departure from Mid-Wilshire remain a mystery—possibly due to relocation or a transfer—fans can find comfort in the notion that Aaron’s journey may not be over. With his future still very much in the writing team’s plans, Aaron’s potential return adds a layer of excitement for viewers as they dive into the new season.
Sources: TVLine, Instagram