Now that Celina is no longer Nolan's rookie, he needs a new one in The Rookie — the bad news is that the perfect person for the job has come and gone. The police procedural show's foundation is rooted in the LAPD's rookie program (as its title alludes to). The series began with Nathan Fillion's character as the oldest rookie on the force, and as of late, he's the one training the "boots." Nolan's first was Celina in season 5. She survived the program and graduated in The Rookie season 7, meaning Nolan is now a training officer (TO) without a rookie.

ABC renewed The Rookie for an eighth season, which will air during the 2025–2026 TV season.

As of episode 13, the only rookie in the Rookie season 7 cast is Miles Penn, whose training officer is Bradford. Lucy was teaching Seth Ridley at the beginning of the season. Unfortunately, his chronic lies and suspicious behavior resulted in Lieutenant Grey washing him out of the LAPD's rookie program in episode 10. Surely, the ABC series will introduce more newbies, especially because the network renewed it for an eighth season. However, The Rookie already had the perfect candidate to fill Nolan's vacant rookie spot and, for some reason, let him go.

The Rookie Season 7, Episode 12 Introduces Connor — Nolan's Best Rookie Candidate

Connor Is A Mess At The Beginning

The Rookie season 7, episode 12 gives Nolan his first rookie after Celina — Officer Connor Craig, played by David Gridley. Since it's April Fools' Day, though, Nolan is reluctant to believe the news. It certainly doesn't help when he learns that Connor spent the first 12 months of the 13-month rookie program being trained by Sergeant McAdams, who many believe to be the LAPD's best TO. It just doesn't make sense to Nolan why Connor wouldn't finish his probation with McAdams. Nevertheless, Connor is telling the truth, making him Nolan's first rookie after Celina.

Once Nolan takes Connor out on patrol, he certainly wishes it was all a prank because the new Rookie character isn't exactly the LAPD's finest. Connor can't drive the shop or write a simple ticket, and he's never handled a domestic disturbance. Essentially, he didn't learn anything about how to be a cop during his time with McAdams. Nolan later learns why that is.

Nolan is obviously the best teacher for Connor, given how he got through to him and made him a better police officer in only one day — something that the so-called best training officer in the LAPD couldn't do in a year.

Nolan confronts McAdams, who its that he transferred Connor to another station because he is about to retire and doesn't want Connor to be his last rookie. McAdams explains that Connor has "no instincts." Still, Nolan doesn't want to give up on Connor like his previous TO did. He gives the newbie until the end of the day to prove himself worthy of being a police officer. To everyone's surprise, Connor steps up to the plate by surviving a citywide purge "prank" and solves a murder. However, Rookie episode ends with Grey transferring Connor to a "much quieter" division.

Why The Rookie Needs To Bring Back Connor To Be Nolan's Permanent Rookie

Nolan Is The Best TO For Connor

It didn't make sense why The Rookie season 7 episode would spend so much time developing Connor's character and his relationship with Nolan just to toss him to the side by the end. Not only did he prove himself capable of being a cop, but Connor also demonstrated why he should be Celina's replacement. As a result, he deserves a chance to be Nolan's permanent rookie.

Nolan is obviously the best teacher for Connor, given how he got through to him and made him a better police officer in only one day — something that the so-called best training officer in the LAPD couldn't do in a year. They seemed like the perfect fit for one another. Connor also brought something new and exciting to The Rookie, given his unique backstory. Even so, Grey foolishly transferred Connor to another station. David Gridley could still theoretically (and should) return to the ABC series as Nolan's next rookie, though.

Will Connor Ever Return To The Rookie (How?)

David Gridley Isn't Expected To Reprise His Role In Season 7

Based on the end of The Rookie season 7, episode 12, Connor isn't expected to return to the show anytime soon. ABC also hasn't released any casting news surrounding David Gridley becoming a more permanent member of the cast, meaning Connor might be gone for good. However, if he is to return, the police procedural series could easily assign Connor as Nolan's rookie again. Connor has already been transferred twice in The Rookie; a third time wouldn't hurt.