ABC’s The Rookie has always benefited from bringing in new characters over the past seven seasons. Now that the original rookies have become established officers, the Los Angeles Police Department Mid-Wilshire Division has needed new blood. Not all rookies have survived their training — RIP Jackson West (Titus Makin Jr.) — and others have simply transferred away from the precinct. Fans were disappointed to learn that Aaron Thorsen (Tru Valentino) would be departing The Rookie ahead of Season 7. But even if these exits are disappointing, they also mean that there’s an opportunity for new characters to come onto the scene and to flourish. While two new rookies have entered the department this season, only one of them deserves to be a permanent member of the Mid-Wilshire family.
Miles Is a Breath of Fresh Air on ‘The Rookie’
At the beginning of this season, Lucy Chen (Melissa O’Neil) is tasked with being a training officer, and her new recruit is a youngster named Seth Ridley (Patrick Keleher). The eager-to-please rookie has entered the department with his buddy, another upstart named Miles Penn (Deric Augustine). Miles is a Texas transplant with a bit of a cocky attitude and a cowboy-ish style. Tim Bradford (Eric Winter) is assigned Miles as his boot, and he quickly discovers that Miles is pretty challenging to train. Miles worked as an officer for two years back home in Sugarland, so he assumes he knows everything already and is reluctant to follow orders at times. His cockiness borders on disrespect on occasion (even when he throws out a few ma’ams or sirs to smooth things over). But beneath the bravado, it’s clear that Miles has a good heart and does want to become a better cop. There are times when his over-confidence gets him into trouble, but he can also admit to his mistakes when he’s called out for them.
In the first half of Season 7, it has already become clear that Miles is a great addition to The Rookie. He has an interesting background, which helps explain some of his ego and assists in helping his character stand out from more run-of-the-mill rookie candidates. Before Miles became a cop, he was about to go pro with his football career when he stupidly jumped off the roof of a building at a fraternity party. He blew out his knee, thus ruining his chances of making it big. Miles also racked up debt before the accident, spending money he didn’t have; he thought he could just pay everything back once he began playing football professionally. Miles ends up moving to Los Angeles, where he thinks he’ll have a better chance of fulfilling his destiny of achieving great things. However, housing in LA is super expensive, and he finds himself living in his car. Eventually, he gets some digs in the RV park where Smitty (Brent Huff) resides. All of these elements of Miles’ past create a rich background for the character, and provides the season with a fresh perspective. As a Southern gentleman, former athlete, and unhoused officer, Miles is very different from the colleagues he’s working with, and these differences allow for a more unique point of view within the precinct.
‘The Rookie’ Has a Lot To Explore With Miles’ Character
It remains to be seen whether Seth and Miles will make it to become fully-fledged officers. But Miles does have a chance to flourish under Tim’s direction. Miles started his training with a tendency to act before thinking things through (which has created some dangerous situations for himself and his fellow cops). He doesn’t always follow protocol, especially if it means that he can look like more of a hero when saving the day. His ego has gotten in the way on several cases, but the more experience Miles gets, the more his arrogance is starting to be tempered. Like with any rookie, there is so much for Miles to learn, and he’s beginning to find out that listening to his superior officers (and learning from their vast experience) is more important than showing off his skills.
But it’s not just Miles’ career as a cop that makes him an interesting addition to The Rookie universe. The series has also explored Miles’ recent breakup with his long-time girlfriend, which provides a deeper backstory for his character. In Episode 5, Miles’ girlfriend, Camilla (Tyra Joy Smith), surprises him by moving to LA to be with him. Even though he’s happy to be reunited with her, Miles has doubts that he’s still actually in love. Camilla breaks up with him first before he can break up with her in Episode 6. She doesn’t want to lose herself while he pursues his dreams. Although the romance is over, Miles can now carve out his path and attempt to leave his past in Texas. Miles will likely also be open to dating now, which could provide some fun and light-hearted storylines for upcoming episodes of The Rookie.
‘The Rookie’ Should Keep Miles Around for Good
Although it makes sense that the department would see some officers come and go, it does seem like Miles would make a great permanent addition to the precinct. His confidence (even if it’s sometimes misplaced) is enjoyable to watch, and his fish-out-of-water persona makes for some amusing interactions with his fellow officers. Celina Juarez (Lisseth Chavez) has become one of the best parts of the series now that she’s almost done with the rookie stage of her training. In that same vein, Miles could also become a steady source of drama (as well as comedic relief) if he sticks around to become a constant figure at the Mid-Wilshire division. Also, Miles still has a long way to go before he becomes an effective officer, so it would make sense for him to remain with the rest of the crew as he continues with his career.
There are so many opportunities for growth for Miles’ character. It seems as though Seth’s lies (about multiple girlfriends dying, and also probably about having cancer) will catch up with him sooner or later. If Seth washes out, Miles could still retain his position, and the department would likely be even more invested in him becoming a successful member of the force. That makes Miles the perfect rookie to continue on with the rest of the officers, and making him a series regular could provide the show with plenty of compelling storylines going forward.
