The Return of a Controversial Character in ‘The Rookie’: Alexi Hawley Talks About [Spoiler] and David Krumholtz’s Role in Episode 803

Episode Overview: "The Red Place" from The Rookie

SPOILER ALERT: This report contains details about Episode 803, “The Red Place,” of ABC’s The Rookie.

In a season marked by the return of notable characters, The Rookie reintroduced Seth Ridley, portrayed by Patrick Keleher, in its latest episode. Seth, a rookie cop known for his web of lies, was previously seen during Season 7, culminating in a dramatic turn when he took a bullet to save fellow officer Nolan, portrayed by Nathan Fillion, resulting in the amputation of his lower leg.

After his absence since the season finale, Seth’s character faced a challenging reunion with fellow rookie Miles, played by Deric Augustine. Their initial interaction, starting with Miles’s clumsy attempt at reconciliation—“I think we started off on the wrong foot”—quickly soured.

“It’s not fair. I came clean to everyone, I’ve confessed every lie, every sin. Nobody has forgiven me for anything that I’ve done,” Seth expressed, highlighting his frustration. Miles countered, “What you did hurt people who care about you. It will take a lot more than an apology to fix that,” prompting Seth to react defensively and ask Miles to leave.

However, reconciliation followed when Seth later approached Miles, admitting, “You’re right man, the self-pity has got to stop, I want to do better.” The two agreed to engage in a journey of radical honesty, symbolized by their handshake.

Seth’s journey also sees him adjusting to life changes, including a new living arrangement with rookie Celina, as Lucy, his previous roommate, has moved in with Tim.

In tandem with character development, the episode featured a gripping criminal storyline. Nolan’s seemingly minor arrest of Ezra Kaine, a trespasser at a local recreation center, spiraled into the revelation of a cold case involving a murdered Oregon couple and their missing daughter, Samantha. Ezra, who referred to himself as “demon Aamon, the Seventh Spirit, Marquis of Hell,” had abducted Samantha, intending to make her his “soulmate.” The tense plot unfolded with the successful rescue of another kidnapped young woman.

Behind the Scenes: Seth’s Redemption Arc

Showrunner Alex Hawley discussed the decision to reconnect audiences with Seth, emphasizing the complexity of redemption. “What does it take to redeem? Can you redeem a character who really has not just f*cked up, but crossed the lines?” he pondered. Hawley indicated that Seth has significant growth ahead, particularly in understanding the lasting impact of his actions on others.

As discussions about victimhood arise, he remarked, “Sometimes you do stuff that’s bad, and you should pay for it,” setting the stage for a nuanced exploration of Seth’s journey.

Character Appearances and Future Developments

As for Seth’s future in the series, Hawley confirmed, “He’s back a few more times this season, at least,” hinting at ongoing character development. Hawley noted that Seth technically could become a cop again, contingent upon passing physical evaluations.

He also reflected on Miles’s awkward opening line to Seth, acknowledging, “That was painfully awkward on purpose.”

In a casting highlight, Hawley shared his excitement over securing David Krumholtz for the role of Ezra Kaine. He noted the importance of subtlety in portraying the character’s complexities, emphasizing the balance with his co-star, who portrayed the victim.

Regarding future appearances, Hawley maintained a sense of uncertainty, stating, “I don’t know necessarily how to bring him back yet, but never say never.”