The Rookie: Seth Ridley’s Shocking Return & Patrick Keleher’s Emotional Interview

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Summary

  • Season 7 of The Rookie brought back a significant character, Seth Ridley, with a dramatic storyline.
  • Seth Ridley’s storyline involved lies about cancer, amputation, and uncertainty about the future.
  • Seth’s reappearance tests the team’s dynamic, especially with Lucy resisting working with him again.

The recently aired episode of season 7 for the series “The Rookie” reintroduced a significant character who has intricate ties with John Nolan (played by Nathan Fillion) and other LAPD personnel. Now, this actor is dishing out exclusive insights about their tense narrative arc from behind the scenes.

In the seventeenth episode of Season 7, titled “The Return,” which was broadcast an hour later than its usual slot, spotlighted a character who some fans may have found surprising to reappear with the team. Throughout this season, viewers have been taken aback by the resurfacing of former antagonists and captivated by mysteries revolving around the deep web and social media influencers. Additionally, audiences have chuckled at the occasional cheesy humor that the characters from the ABC crime drama just can’t resist cracking. Given the importance of this latest episode, it’s intriguing to learn more about the storyline of this particular character.

Patrick Keleher Shared More About Seth Ridley’s Comeback In The Rookie Season 7, Episode 16

According to Patrick Keleher in an interview for Booked: The Rookie Aftershow, a scene was initially planned but removed from the start of episode 16 in season 7 of The Rookie. This scene would have featured Seth Ridley’s partner Tamara (played by Dylan Conrique) driving him to the police station, offering an opportunity for their characters to discuss Seth’s apprehensions and anxiety about returning to work.

The opening scene as planned for the episode was where they held this conversation. During this exchange, she encourages him with the words, ‘You can do it,’ providing a glimpse into their bond.

The actor additionally clarified that he paused his involvement in season 7 of “The Rookie” as he was involved in a stage production titled “Fatherland” on off-Broadway. He depicted a moment where Seth enters the police station and finds the other characters visibly displeased to see him. Keheler conveyed this scene in his own words.

As we resumed shooting and captured the moment everyone stood up and turned away from me, it felt distressingly authentic. I recall saying to everyone around me, “Something just isn’t sitting right with me. This feels like genuine ostracism.” Admittedly, it was a bit too real for comfort.

At the conclusion of the episode, Seth undergoes a series of dramatic transformations in quick succession. He confides in Nolan that he fabricated his cancer diagnosis and is subsequently wounded during an investigation, leading to the amputation of his leg. In a poignant and sorrowful hospital conversation with Nolan, it’s evident that Seth is at a loss as to what his next steps should be. In a recent interview with TV Insider, Keheler described Seth as “essentially a good kid” and expressed uncertainty about the character’s future trajectory. Although fans might have enjoyed a conversation between Seth and Tamara, it’s clear that she stands by him during the scene where several characters gather for dinner.

The emotional scenes in The Rookie season 7, from Nolan and Bailey Nune’s (Jenna Dewan) adoption storyline to Seth’s poignant moment, have been numerous. Despite the team generally being close-knit, Seth’s return serves as a reminder that there are times when characters struggle to get along. Although Lucy Chen (Melissa O’Neil) prefers not to collaborate with Seth due to their past difficulties, Nolan, as expected, tackles the situation with composure, insight, and wisdom. Even though he may resent Seth for his deceit and may not wish to work with him, Nolan recognizes that he has no other option and will do his best to assist if possible.

Season 7 of “The Rookie” airs every Tuesday evening, and it’s nearing its conclusion. According to Deadline, the series has been renewed for season 8. Potentially, it will make an appearance in ABC’s fall schedule of 2025 or debut midseason in January 2026. Regardless, viewers are eagerly awaiting what lies ahead for Nolan, Bailey, Lucy, Tim Bradford (Eric Winter), Miles Penn (Deric Augustine), and the rest of the sharp-witted characters.

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2025-05-01 17:28