Warning: Contains SPOILERS for The Rookie season 7, episode 15. The much-anticipated episode titled “A Deadly Secret” aired on Tuesday, April 22, on ABC, marking a notable return of a cherished character. Filmed in a true crime documentary style, this installment continues to uphold the series’ tradition of innovative storytelling. The narrative centers around the unsettling disappearance of Abigail, first introduced in season 2, episode 5 as the fiancée of Henry. Despite what once seemed like a stable relationship, it becomes evident through Nolan’s dialogue with the director that Henry and Abigail have gone their separate ways.
The episode also signifies a pivotal moment in the Chenford dynamic as Tim and Lucy confront their past. In a dramatic twist, both characters come into contact with sodium pentothal, commonly recognized as “truth serum.”Tim candidly reveals that he broke up with Lucy as a form of self-punishment, a behavioral trait stemming from his father’s abusive past. Meanwhile, Lucy grapples with her emotions and, surprisingly, acknowledges that she has already forgiven him—a significant revelation for her character.
In an interview with ScreenRant, showrunner Alexi Hawley discusses the return of Madeleine Coghlan, the accidental yet impactful confession from Lucy, and the episode’s eerie conclusion—exploring the question of supernatural elements within the show.
Hawley Believes The Henry-Abigail Relationship Concluded Naturally
“She wasn’t at the wedding in Episode 100, which felt like a necessary explanation.”
ScreenRant: You also make an appearance in this episode. Jon Huertas previously mentioned that he persuaded you to appear onscreen.
Alexi Hawley: Indeed, he did. I’ve always been a fan of the true crime documentary format, but it presents its own challenges. When he came to direct this episode, I wasn’t satisfied with the script as it felt repetitive. We then brainstormed the concept of my character attempting to create a documentary that got interrupted by unfolding real events, which ended up being a fun twist. This season, we decided to incorporate a ghostly, horror-inspired theme that ended up working beautifully.
What prompted the return of Abigail and the dissolution of her relationship with Henry?
Alexi Hawley: Ultimately, Madeleine Coghlan, who portrays Abigail, began writing for the show last season and possesses exceptional talent as an actress and director. We had long sought to find a way to reintegrate her character into the storyline. It became clear that the dynamic between Henry and Abigail had run its course. Her absence at the wedding in Episode 100 further signaled a need for closure. This episode allows us to make the true crime elements more personal for Nolan while showcasing Maddie’s talents again.
What implications does the episode’s climax hold? Are there hints of the supernatural in The Rookie?
Alexi Hawley: It’s entirely possible! The world we create is filled with unpredictability. Characters like Celina and Lopez have beliefs rooted in concepts of good and evil, and exploring that dynamic is always intriguing.
Chenford’s Reconciliation Involves More Than Just Forgiveness
“There could be underlying fears about what if it’s not like it was before.”
What was your experience interviewing your son [Zander Hawley] for this episode?
Alexi Hawley: It was a delightful experience. The idea began with “Daddy Cop,”introduced by Glen Mazzara, a writer-producer for us. During a traffic stop, Nolan and Celina encounter a garage band that humorously mocks them in song. I immediately tapped Zander—who is a talented singer-songwriter—and he quickly crafted “Daddy Cop.”The synergy we found led us to bring this concept back for the hundredth episode, ultimately expanding it again in this instance with delightful outcomes.
Alexi Hawley: Though it doesn’t occur in real-time, there was a previous scene where Lucy expressed to Tim that she hadn’t fully forgiven him. This revelation emerged subconsciously for her in this episode, which feels like a critical turning point. Through the truth serum, she uncovers her genuine forgiveness, which has been a growing theme in their relationship.
Now that Lucy has accepted her feelings, is the sergeant’s exam the crucial determinant for their relationship’s future?
Alexi Hawley: It’s certainly a significant factor. There remains a tangible obstacle that they both must navigate. Moving forward, there may also be concerns about the reality of rekindling their relationship—questions may arise about how it will differ from before. It won’t simply come down to passing the sergeant’s exam for a quick resolution. Yet, our narrative this season has illustrated their desire to reunite. The critical question remains: what will that reunion truly entail?
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Insights on The Rookie Season 7 on ABC
Created and Executive Produced by Alexi Hawley
John Nolan, the LAPD’s oldest rookie, integrates his life experiences with resilience and humor while keeping pace with much younger colleagues. Currently, he is on the mend from a gunshot wound and confronting the realities of aging as he and his team welcome two new recruits. Together, they embark on a mission to apprehend two menacing escaped convicts, each fueled by personal vendettas.
- Alexi Hawley
- Deric Augustine
- Jenna Dewan
- Lisseth Chavez
- Melissa O’Neil
- Shawn Ashmore
Catch The Rookie season 7 airing every Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET on ABC, with next-day streaming available on Hulu.