The Rookie episode 20 (finale) spoilers: The test of ‘Free Fall’

Next week on The Rookie episode 20, all of the cops are going to see their training put to the ultimate test. Given that this is the finale, can you really be shocked that they’re about to be put one of their harshest crises yet? We’re talking here about something that could jeopardize the entire city of Los Angeles and (insert dramatic music now) they may be the only people capable of stopping it. This is where John Nolan can save the day and prove to all the doubters how good a cop he can be … not that we really think he needs to prove anything at this point. Don’t the past 19 episodes speak for something? Sure, there are some flaws and mistakes in the mix, but also victories. Human victories. Professional victories. We know what Nolan can do.

On the other side of this episode, we’re going to have a better sense of who these people are, but more importantly (provided that there is a season 2), where they are going. These characters aren’t going to be rookies forever, which is probably going to throw a lot of irony into the mix in the event this show lasts for four or five seasons. Who’s an actual rookie at that point? Hard to really change the title to The Veteran or just Cops — we feel like the latter is probably taken already.

Let’s get now to share a little more news as to why this episode matters so much. Check out the official The Rookie episode 20 synopsis below:

“Free Fall” – As the rookies prepare for a big exam to see who moves on to the next stage of training, Officer Nolan and Officer Bishop are called to the scene of a murder and learn that the victim may be tied to a potential terrorist attack on the city of Los Angeles, on the season finale of “The Rookie,” airing TUESDAY, APRIL 16 (10:00-11:00 p.m. EDT), on The ABC Television Network, streaming and on demand.

Could someone die amidst the investigation?

You gotta be prepared for it, especially since executive producer Alexi Hawley has already thrown down the gauntlet and signaled that he’s not exactly afraid to kill someone off. Just look at what happened with Mercedes Mason departing the series already this season.

Yet, it’s almost in thinking about this that we feel a little more confident that everyone else will emerge from the finale okay. We don’t know why The Rookie would want to suddenly give us a bloodletting the likes of which we haven’t seen since the Red Wedding, but if they want to do that, they better have a good reason. (We do think there could be some cast change-ups moving into the second season, but we’re thinking more in terms of new additions than departures.)

For some more discussion on The Rookie season 2 and the odds of it happening…

We’ve got a full renewal debate feature over at the link here, and we strongly suggest checking it out.

What do you want to see on The Rookie episode 20, and how do you envision this season coming to a close? Share right away in the comments.