I firmly believe this underrated character deserves a better story in The Rookie Season 8 (& it's not Monica)

Having seen The Rookie Season 7 play out, I had one thought in mind—not about the non-stop shootouts or the constantly spiraling drama, but about one character who was unfairly relegated to the sidelines. No, I'm not talking about Monica, though her storyline certainly had missteps. I'm referring to Jason Wyler—a character brought in with all the makings of a compelling story, only to be relegated to an afterthought of a subplot.

It was frustrating to see it unfold, especially in a series that's also famous for its above-the-surface-level character development. Now, don't roll your eyes and tell me, "He was just another villain." Let me tell you something: Jason possessed the kind of understated menace and deliberate presence most crime dramas take multiple seasons to build. But The Rookie let it fall through their hands.

His storyline was lacking in narrative heft, his motivations were as thin as paper, and his relevance to the overall plotline felt forced. I truly think that if any single character warranted a narrative do-over in Season 8, it's him.

The spark was seen in The Rookie, and then it vanished

As soon as Jason Wyler appeared on the screen, I suspected he'd be more than a throwaway villain. He was introduced in an enigmatic, low-key, malevolent manner that was definitely intended to shake up more than one plot thread. He was not loud or flashy, but that unnerving quiet that makes you take notice. With his connections to Elijah Stone and Monica Stevens, Jason was in the ideal position to become an extended-character player who could test the LAPD legally and psychologically.

But then the narrative came to an abrupt halt. No building, no gradual reveal of traumas past or inner turmoil. The plot jumped right over all the subtlety, reducing him to a boilerplate role that could have easily been taken on by any nameless bad guy. And for a show that has generally done a good job of making its villains human, too, that felt jarring.

Jason's arc in The Rookie was not just underdeveloped; it was wasted

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Season 7 did not do Jason justice. His on-screen time was cut up and distributed so thinly, it read like a checklist instead of an arc. In one episode, he's introduced; the next, he's making small waves; and then instantly, poof—he's tied up. That's not a plotline; that's neglect of the narrative. There were no psychological complexities, no personal backstory to delve into, and no emotional stakes.

It was simply a cold, clinical addition to Monica and Elijah's story. And worst? It had no payoff. That stings, especially because it had the potential. Jason could have been someone we loved to despise, an amoral chess player who trod the fine line between justice. And he was relegated to a footnote. And I watch The Rookie for character depth, so that disappointed me.

This neglect didn't exist in a vacuum in The Rookie

What made Jason's squandered arc even more harmful was the way it undermined the surrounding characters as well. His romance with Monica never went anywhere. His ability to harass or intimidate Wesley Evers—a character well-entrenched in legal ethics—was never teased out. He could've disrupted Angela Lopez's detective skills or caused a conflict of interest within the force. But none of that was explored.

I couldn't help but consider how Jason's character might have added depth to so many other current storylines. It's not merely what he didn't get to do—it's what his absence kept from others. When a show botches one character, the ripple effect can destabilize an entire cast. And I believe that's precisely what has occurred here.

There's still time to fix it in The Rookie Season 8

Here's the better news—Season 8 is an opportunity to correct course. The Rookie has a track record of bringing back characters, and Jason's story need not end. If it's through trial, surprise return, or even behind-the-scenes collaboration, there's ample space to get him back on screen and provide him with the arc he was due. He doesn't have to own the season or be a series regular—he just has to count. That requires providing him with solid motivations, a richer backstory, and significant interactions with the main cast.

There's also the possibility of flipping the script. Perhaps Jason is more than a manipulative menace. Perhaps there's something more complex—trauma, betrayal, twisted notions of justice. Even a flashback episode might provide us with some insight into what motivates him. It's not about making him popular—it's about making him human. And with the show's increasing interest in institutional corruption, legal loopholes, and personal ethics, Jason might be the ideal wild card to add to the mix.

Not redemption, just improved writing

Let me make something clear: I'm not asking for Jason to be redeemed or provided with some great dramatic hero moment. That's not what this is about. I want consistency, depth, and purpose. If you're going to create a character with huge implications and then sweep him under the rug, it not only slights the character but also the viewers paying attention as well.

We’ve seen The Rookie handle complex characters well—take Elijah, for instance. He’s morally bankrupt but fascinating to watch. Jason could be that, too, if he’s given the right material. At the very least, he should be more than just a tool to push someone else’s story forward. Because right now, that’s all he’s been.

Ultimately, I'm still a fan of The Rookie. I'll be watching Season 8, hoping that it restores the multi-layered writing I know this show is capable of. But I'll be watching for Jason Wyler too. Not because he's my favorite character, but because his arc symbolizes something greater. A message that no character, regardless of how small, should be underutilized. Jason was owed better in Season 7, and it's not too late to make that right.

Hopefully, The Rookie takes the opportunity to finish the story they started but did not complete.