The Return of Familiar Foes in The Rookie Season 7

The seventh season of The Rookie has already been packed with drama, action, and gripping storylines, but according to Nathan Fillion, the star of the show, the LAPD isn’t out of the woods just yet. Fans of the ABC series can expect the return of two formidable villains from seasons past: the cunning attorney Monica Stevens, played by Bridget Regan, and the charming but deadly Oscar Hutchinson, played by Matthew Glave. These characters, with their complex motives and sharp wit, promise to shake things up in ways that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Monica Stevens: The Cunning Attorney with a Vengeance

Monica Stevens, the sharp-witted and notoriously manipulative attorney, is making her grand return to The Rookie in Season 7. Fillion describes Monica as "the terrible red-headed lawyer" and a "nasty lady," traits that Regan brings to life with exceptional skill. Known for her ruthless tactics and ability to think several steps ahead, Monica has been a thorn in the side of the LAPD since her introduction in Season 5. As the ex-fiancée of Wesley Evers and a lawyer for questionable clients, Monica has consistently worked with criminals who are at odds with the LAPD. Her anti-heroic antics have even landed her in life-threatening situations, but she always manages to stay one step ahead of her enemies.

This season, Monica is expected to continue her usual antics, causing chaos and challenging the LAPD at every turn. Fillion teased that Monica hasn’t changed her ways, which means fans can expect more of her sharp wit, cunning strategies, and ruthless decisions. Her return promises to bring a fresh wave of tension to the show, as the LAPD will once again have to navigate her complex web of lies and manipulation.

Oscar Hutchinson: A Charmer with a Knife in His Hand

Joining Monica in her return to The Rookie is Oscar Hutchinson, another fan-favorite villain who has been a thorn in the LAPD’s side since Season 1. Fillion describes Oscar as "affable and charming and hilarious," but warns that his charm is just a facade. "Don’t turn your back on him," Fillion quips, "he will literally stab it." Oscar’s true nature is that of a self-serving opportunist who only helps the LAPD when it benefits him. This season, however, it seems Oscar’s motives are more self-serving than ever, and the LAPD will have to be on high alert.

Oscar’s history with the LAPD is long and complicated. He first appeared in Season 1 when he escaped from a prison bus during transit. Since then, he has consistently caused trouble, including wounding attorney Wesley Evers during a courthouse escape attempt in Season 2. Despite his antagonistic nature, Oscar has occasionally assisted the LAPD in past seasons, particularly during a prison riot in Season 2 when he helped save the warden. However, his "help" has always come with strings attached, and fans know to never fully trust him.

The Twisted Partnership Between Monica and Oscar

The dynamic between Monica and Oscar is set to take center stage in Season 7. The two villains crossed paths in Season 6 when Monica became Oscar’s lawyer during his attempt to sue Officer Nolan. Their partnership deepened later in the season when Monica agreed to help Oscar escape from prison, in exchange for information about her own home invasion and attack. This twisted alliance not only showcased their cunning but also highlighted their shared ability to outsmart even the most formidable opponents.

In Season 7, both Monica and Oscar have managed to stay under the radar, but their return promises to reignite the flames of chaos and tension. With Monica’s legal prowess and Oscar’s charm, the LAPD will have to bring their A-game to outwit these two masterminds. Fans can expect a series of intense showdowns and twists as these two adversaries push the LAPD to their limits.

What’s in Store for Season 7

Fillion expressed his excitement about the returning characters, noting that one of the joys of long-running TV shows is the ability to bring back characters that fans are already invested in. "Something I actually love about long-running television series is that you can introduce a character and then bring them back and have everybody be already invested in that character," he said. This sentiment is echoed by Mekia Cox, who plays Detective Nyla Harper. Cox described Oscar’s storyline in Season 7 as "fun," but also warned that this time, Oscar is not returning to help the police. Instead, he’s in a new and more dangerous position, one that will challenge the LAPD in ways they haven’t seen before.

The return of Monica and Oscar is just the tip of the iceberg for what promises to be an explosive season. With their complex motives, sharp wit, and penchant for chaos, these two villains are set to bring out the best in the LAPD. As the season unfolds, fans can expect more thrilling moments, unexpected alliances, and high-stakes situations that will keep them guessing until the very end.

The Excitement Builds

Season 7 of The Rookie is proving to be one of the series’ most dynamic and unpredictable seasons yet. With the return of Monica and Oscar, the LAPD will have to navigate a web of lies, betrayal, and danger. Fans of the show can look forward to seeing how these two fan-favorite villains challenge the characters they’ve grown to love. As always, The Rookie continues to deliver on its promise of gripping storytelling, complex characters, and heart-pounding action. The LAPD may have weathered many storms, but with Monica and Oscar back in the mix, they’re about to face their toughest challenges yet.

Tune in to The Rookie on ABC every Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET to catch all the drama, suspense, and excitement of Season 7. With Monica and Oscar’s return, this season is one you won’t want to miss!