Standoff

Ep 9 keeps the momentum going, at the highs of last week.

The procedural bones remain solid: calls spiral into complications, characters are forced to make choices under pressure, and the ripple effects linger just enough to matter.

Nathan Fillion's Nolan is still the anchor, though this week he feels more like a piece on the board than the driver of the action. It's not a bad thing - it gives space for the supporting cast - but it does mean his arc feels a touch muted. Bishop remains the perfect counterweight, firm without grandstanding, while Bradford finally gains some shade beyond "tough as nails." Chen and West continue to grow into their uniforms, balancing rookie missteps with emerging competence.

The direction is pacey, and while a few beats are predictable, the hour delivers enough tension and heart to keep you hooked. It's not a lecture, not filler - just a well-played network procedural with a bit of bite.

8/10 - steady, engaging, with characters earning their stripes.

Lucy spends the night with Nolan and while she is having a shower, the brother of the criminal killed by Nolan invades his house and attacks Nolan that defends himself and subdues the man. Now he has to lie to Commander Percy West to protect Lucy. Meanwhile, Isabel is found in an alley with a shot in her head and Talia, Tim, Angela, Lucy and West are assigned to arrest the criminal Marcus Vance, who shot her, in the dangerous Bronson Building. Soon they learn that their radios and cellular are jammed by a system in the basement and they need to fight for their lives.

"Standoff" is another great episode of "The Rookie". The conclusion of "Time of Death" is another top-notch episode with intense shoot-outs. The internal conflict of Nolan is silly and moralist and the weaker part of the show. My vote is nine.

Title (Brazil): "Confronto" ("Confrontation")

Wow what an episode. This for me has to be the stand out episode of the first season so far. I rate it higher than episode 8 too. A stand off in a block of flats with a gang of gun toting criminals, no radio contact, bad guys closing in on the officers. Real edge of the seat stuff. What a fantastic episode!!