This season of The Rookie has had a bunch of wild storylines. However, there has been one that seems to be falling under the radar. Celina's newest boyfriend, Rodge, was introduced in season 5, episode 13, "Daddy Cop," in a cold open that is one of the best of the series. After pulling over a car, a band in an open garage plays a song called "Cop Cuties" about Nolan and Celina. Nolan, clearly annoyed, tries to confront them, but they close the garage door. This is the beginning of a one-sided rivalry.

Throughout the series, Rodge appears again. It is in the second half of The Rooke season 7 when Rodge returns and takes on a much more recurring role as Celina's boyfriend. Nolan finds him extremely annoying, but puts up with him for Celina's sake. The strong relationship between Nolan and his first rookie is so important to him, and he just wants what's best for her. If she believes that it is Rodge, then Nolan is willing to give him a chance now that he's a bigger part of The Rookie season 7's cast of characters. At first, I did not like Rodge either, but he has since grown on me like I believe he will with Nolan. Nolan may not believe it, but Rodge is actually good for the characters and good for the show.

Rodge Is There To Make People Laugh In The Rookie

His Humor Brings Laughs When The Drama Can Be A Lot

Zander Hawley as Rodge playing guitar and singing with a band member in The Rookie season 5 episode 13

The Rookie season 7 has been a roller coaster of drama. From the wildfires that almost killed Lucy and Tim to Nyla hunting down a serial killer, there hasn't been a moment of pure comedy that the show is accustomed to until Rodge was introduced. He is not there to be part of the drama, but breaks it up well. His relationship with Celina seemed a bit jarring at first, but as time has gone on, he has proven to be able to bring the laughs that have been lacking so far this season. As he develops in the show, he's slowly leaving behind the music jokes and is expanding to show the audience that he is more than just a musician.

How The Rookie’s “Daddy Cop” Singer Became Celina’s Love Interest Explained By Star

EXCLUSIVE: The Rookie's Celina actor Lisseth Chavez explains how the show's "Daddy Cop" singer became her character's new love interest.

Posts 1

The rivalry between Rodge and Nolan gives the fans something goofy to look forward to every week. Celina is someone whom both of them care very deeply about. Nolan will do whatever it takes to make her happy, even if that means putting up with the guy who keeps writing songs about how good he looks in his police uniform. The dynamic between the two of them is very funny and needs to be explored further in the show. His innocence and honest view of the world are reminiscent of Nolan in the first season in the sense that both try to see the truth in people. This is why Nolan has such a dislike for Rodge: Rodge reminds him of an exaggerated version of himself.

Celina And Rodge Are Good Complements For Each Other

Their Relationship Makes So Much Sense

Rodge showing Celina something on his phone in The Rookie season 7, episode 10

Celina is a very charismatic woman who is always willing to help her friends with whatever they need. Her wild superstitions have saved her and her coworkers more than once in the field, and she is generally a great judge of character. Although we have seen her go on a couple of dates now and again, Rodge is the first one to really stick. He is goofy, fun, and extremely laid back, and, as such, they complement each other extremely well. They are both comfortable enough with who they are as people and do not try to change each other. They feel like a real couple instead of a joke, which is what Rodge was originally used for in the show.

They feel like a real couple instead of a joke, which is what Rodge was originally used for in the show.

The communication between them is the best part about them. Though their relationship is still fairly new, it is easy to see how healthy it is. When she talks, he genuinely listens. One of the most important things about this new romance is the amount of space they have. Rodge is a great side character for now, but he needs time to develop his relationship with Celina and with the other LAPD squad before The Rookie audience can truly welcome him in. The bits and pieces of him that we have seen so far are a promise that everyone will fall in love with him, like Celina.

Enjoy ScreenRant's primetime coverage? Click below to sign up for my weekly Network TV newsletter (make sure to check "Network TV" in your preferences) and get the inside scoop from actors and showrunners on your favorite series.