The Rookie lost one of its best characters way too soon - here's all about it

ABC's police procedural drama series The Rookie premiered in 2018 and quickly became a fan-favorite series in the genre. It follows the story of Joh Nolan, a rookie in the LAPD, in his forties. The narrative of the show depicts how Nolan struggles to become a part of the force and also presents stories of other characters.

Since Season 1, numerous actors have joined or left the series, or have been killed off the show. However, some of these characters leave such an impact that their leaving the show leaves a void in the fans' hearts as well as the series. One of these impactful characters was Mercedes Mason's Captain Zoe Anderson. She was passionate, became Nolan's mentor and friend, and was the authoritative figure of the LAPD's Mid-Wilshire Division.

However, even after being one of the main characters and a fan-favorite, Anderson was killed off in Episode 16 of The Rookie Season 1 while saving Nolan. It's been 7 seasons since then, but the void that the character created has still not been filled.

More on this in our story.

The Rookie: Captain Zoe Anderson was killed off too soon

Mason's Zoe Anderson had been part of The Rookie since the pilot episode. She became a beloved character due to her different treatment of Nolan. When everyone around him was skeptical about his joining the force in his forties, especially Sgt. Grey, now a lieutenant, did not support Nolan and his attempt to join the force at that age.

However, Captain Anderson saw beyond Nolan's age. She thought his years of experience would add value and make him a better police officer. She took him under her own wing and trained him to be better. By being the first character who see Nolan's potential, Anderson also revealed her different and more thoughtful perception of things.

Furthermore, her camaraderie with Grey was also one of the highlights of the episodes. Their 'good cop-bad cop' approach toward managing the Division did not undermine each other's Authority but added to the greater good. Her character was important in Nolan's life and the Mid-Wilshire Division, which made her loss more shocking and heartbreaking.

In Episode 16, titled Green Light, in The Rookie Season 1, Anderson and Nolan get kidnapped by Cole Midas of the Southern Front. While Nolan fights his way back to safety, Anderson gets with Midas, who pushes her into the swimming pool while she is tied to a chair. Although she successfully saves herself from drowning, Midas shoots her in the neck, which ultimately kills her.

Her death was a shocking event in The Rookie Season 1. Furthermore, the show has not been able to replace her presence in the show yet. While Grey took over her responsibilities, there hasn't been a permanent successor to Anderson in the Division yet.

The death provided a shock value but did not benefit the show in any other way. Not just the official position, Anderson's character was also important as she provided a more grounded and humble look toward life in general, and wanted to do good for the force. Therefore, she needed to be a part of the show for a longer time than just one season.

Why was Zoe Anderson killed in The Rookie Season 1? Reasons explored

While Zoe Anderson's death in Season 1 was heartbreaking for fans, creator Alexi Hawley revealed more details about the shocking death on X. He revealed that killing Anderson was not always the plan, but they reached the decision after discussing it for a long time. As per CBR, his tweet read:

"We went back and forth about it in the writers' room. But it ultimately felt like the most dramatic and powerful way to impact our story"

In another reply, he further explained how the decision was made to impact Nolan's life in a big way. He wrote:

"It's heartbreaking. But the stakes of this new life Nolan has chosen are all too real, and we can't run away from them creatively."

While Anderson might not be a part of the Division anymore, she is still in the memories of the characters and also appeared in a flashback scene in Season 3 of The Rookie.

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