Connor Craig shook up The Rookie season 7 as Nolan's short-lived rookie. Here's why ABC needs to bring him back in season 8.
The world of The Rookie has never lacked compelling characters, but season 7 stirred fans with the brief yet striking introduction of Officer Connor Craig. Portrayed by David Gridley, Connor’s short stint as John Nolan’s rookie left a mark deep enough to ignite a wave of fan speculation and longing. With the show renewed for an eighth season, questions swirl: why was such a promising character sidelined, and more importantly, will we see him again?
Episode 12 of season 7, aptly set on April Fools’ Day, introduced Connor Craig as Nolan’s new trainee, a development met with initial disbelief. After all, Connor had spent nearly his entire rookie program under Sergeant McAdams, a figure revered as the LAPD’s top training officer. The oddity of his reassignment just before graduation caught Nolan off guard—and rightfully so. Connor arrived with none of the basic competencies expected of someone this deep into training. He couldn’t drive a squad car, write a ticket, or handle a domestic call. On paper, he seemed like a bust. In reality, he became one of the season’s most refreshing wild cards.
From Misfit to MVP: Connor’s Unexpected Transformation
What unfolded during Connor’s single episode arc was nothing short of transformative. Nolan, clearly frustrated yet unwilling to give up on him, set the stakes: one day to prove he deserved the badge. What followed was a tightly packed redemption arc, where Connor survived a citywide purge prank and even cracked a murder case—all within his first ride-along with Nolan.
As Nolan later discovered, McAdams had transferred Connor not due to incompetence, but because the sergeant was retiring and didn’t want Connor to be his legacy. McAdams’ harsh judgment—that Connor had “no instincts”—was contradicted by what Nolan saw firsthand. According to ScreenRant, Nolan accomplished more in a day with Connor than McAdams managed in a year.
The chemistry between the two was undeniable. Where Celina once brought spiritual eccentricity and instinctual sharpness, Connor balanced the equation with raw determination and a quiet, almost reluctant brilliance. He wasn’t just another quirky addition; he was someone with untapped depth, a refreshing contrast to the seasoned officers around him.
The Case for Connor’s Return
It’s puzzling why The Rookie would invest narrative time in building up such a dynamic new character, only to shuffle him offscreen by episode’s end. Commander Grey’s decision to move Connor to a quieter precinct feels not only abrupt but narratively counterproductive. Fans weren’t just intrigued by Connor’s character—they were eager to see Nolan in the role of a mentor once more, challenged by a recruit who doesn’t fit the mold.
TV Insider pointed out how the series has always thrived on mentorship dynamics, from Nolan’s own days as a late-in-life rookie to his guidance of Celina. Replacing that core relationship with static storylines risks undermining what makes the show emotionally engaging. Connor, in this context, isn’t just a compelling side note—he’s essential to preserving the show’s spirit.
Moreover, David Gridley delivered a performance filled with vulnerability and quiet strength. His portrayal of a seemingly hopeless rookie resonated because it mirrored Nolan’s own beginnings. There’s poetic symmetry in seeing Nolan guide someone as lost as he once was. That journey feels unfinished.
Will ABC Give Fans What They Want?
So far, there’s been no confirmation that Gridley will return for The Rookie‘s eighth season. But the show’s history of surprise callbacks and long-form character arcs suggests there’s hope. Connor has already been transferred twice; bringing him back as Nolan’s permanent rookie would not only make logistical sense—it would satisfy a narrative promise left hanging.
The ABC police procedural has built its legacy on second chances and personal growth. From Bradford’s emotional development to Lucy’s rise as a TO, redemption is in the show’s DNA. Letting Connor Craig disappear after a single standout episode would be a disservice not only to the character but to the fans who saw in him the next great rookie.
If there’s one lesson The Rookie has taught us, it’s this: the badge may be earned in the academy, but it’s proven in the field. Connor Craig earned his place. Now it’s time for the writers to let him keep it.
