Aaron Thorsen deserves a comeback in The Rookie Season 8 – Here’s why 

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Aaron Thorsen and Tim Bradford (Image via ABC)
Aaron Thorsen and Tim Bradford - The Rookie (Image via ABC)

The Rookie season seven left fans noticing the absence of Aaron Thorsen (played by Tru Valentino). After three full seasons of character development and growth, his sudden exit felt like an unfinished chapter. The only explanation given was a quiet transfer to the North Hollywood Division. There were no on-screen goodbyes or proper closure, which makes his return in season eight more than necessary.

Aaron had one of the most unique story arcs in the series. Once a wealthy young man accused of murder, he turned his life around and joined the LAPD. His story of redemption was powerful and different from any other character on the show. Over time, he proved himself to be more than just his past, gaining trust from both his colleagues and viewers, and maybe it's time to bring him back.


Aaron's absence in The Rookie season seven was felt deeply

What made Aaron’s disappearance even more confusing was how little the other characters mentioned him. For someone who had formed strong bonds with the team, especially fellow rookie Celina, it felt out of character that his absence wasn’t addressed in a meaningful way. That silence only made fans more eager to see him return.

Before he transferred, Aaron was on a path to becoming an officer who stood out. He was gaining experience, showing maturity, and finding his place in the LAPD. Although his emotional struggles were becoming more prominent, especially after being shot in season six, his growth was something fans were invested in. Writing him off just as he was becoming a true rookie left his story incomplete.

There’s also the unanswered question of his relationship with Celina. Their bond was one of the highlights of the show, a blend of friendship, mutual support, and shared off-duty fun like playing Dungeons & Dragons. Before leaving, Aaron admitted his feelings for her, creating an awkward moment. While she didn’t return those feelings romantically, Celina still wanted to be his friend. That connection deserves a chance to be explored further.

A return in The Rookie season eight could bring closure to that storyline, or even open up new possibilities for them. But before the show even considers a romance, it needs to bring Aaron back to explore how their friendship has been affected by his transfer. Fans saw how much they meant to each other, and simply moving on from that without explanation doesn’t feel right.

Aaron’s break from Mid-Wilshire makes sense from the point of the character. After being shot and going through emotional challenges, a transfer to another division could offer him breathing room. It’s realistic for someone in his position to want space. However, that space shouldn’t last too long, because he is a great character. The Rookie has avenues open to bring him back, and season eight will hopefully include that.

His comeback could add emotional depth to The Rookie season eight. He could return with new experiences, improved skills, and a different perspective shaped by his time in North Hollywood. Reuniting with the team, especially Celina, would not only satisfy viewers but would also do justice to the time the show spent building his character.

The Rookie has always done a great job giving its characters meaningful arcs. But Aaron Thorsen was written off without a proper exit or continuation. Three full seasons of development can’t just go to waste. His story isn’t over, and season eight is the perfect place to pick it back up.

You can stream The Rookie on Hulu.


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Edited by Ayesha Mendonca