The Rookie - The Red Place - Preview: The Darkest Episode Yet

Jan 19, 2026 - 18:00
The Rookie - The Red Place - Preview: The Darkest Episode Yet

The Rookie takes a left turn in one of the darkest episodes the show has ever done.

The show departs from its typical lighthearted format in a focused episode that’s all about nearly everyone working together on one case. Nolan (Nathan Fillion) has to interrogate a suspected murderer…without letting him know that he’s a suspect.

What follows is a tense hour that strips away most of the humor and leans fully into suspense and psychological pressure. Even the side plot is heavy. The episode trusts its cast, particularly its guest actor (David Krumholtz) to carry long, uncomfortable scenes - and it pays off. “The Red Place” is unsettling, gripping and emotionally heavy, proving that even eight seasons in, the show is still willing to take risks and push its boundaries.

Character of the Week: John Nolan

Nolan shines in this episode by using his everyman cop persona to whittle down every shred of information from a complicated suspect.

BONUS: Lucy Chen is an extremely strong contender for this spot with an emotional monologue.

Ship of the Week: Wopez

It’s a special date for Angela and Wesley… 

Dialogue Teases:

  1. “If art sits on the floor for longer than 2 days, it lives there now.”

  2. “Freaked you out? This I gotta see.”

  3. “I’ll see you never. Thanks for breakfast. Get out of here.”

  4. “Little pigs, get your asses in here.”




Do you have any theories for “The Red Place”? What are you most excited about? Who’s saying the teased lines? Comment below all your thoughts about The Rookie!

Be sure to catch The Rookie live on ABC at 10PM on Tuesdays or catch up on Hulu the next day!



If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs support, help is available.

Visit https://impact.disney.com/findsupport/ to learn more.



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