The Rookie Has Avoided 9-1-1 Season 9's Biggest Problem (But It Can't Forever)

As it heads into season 7, The Rookie has thus far managed to avoid the same big challenge that 9-1-1 season 9 now finds itself grappling with: replacing its fallen captain. Captain Zoe Andersen was a huge part of The Rookie's original cast of characters. As the Commanding Officer of the Mid-Wilshire Division, she played an integral role in the inaugural season.

Thus, it came as a shock when Anderson was shot and killed by Cole Midas in front of the horrified John Nolan, who was then a green rookie on the force. Her death was the first major death of the show, and shaped several characters under her watch, particularly Nolan and Wade Grey.

Since then, audiences have often wondered why The Rookie still hasn't had a replacement for Captain Andersen, considering how important her role was in the show, both for the characters and simply for the logistics of how law enforcement works. They recently got an answer, and while it makes sense, it's also not a realistic permanent solution for the show.

The Rookie Has Avoided 9-1-1's Current Replacement Captain Problem

It's Simply Sidestepped The Captain's Role Altogether

At the panel for The Rookie at SDCC 2025, which ScreenRant's Rachel Foertsch attended, showrunner Alexi Hawley mentioned that after Captain Zoe Andersen's death in season 1, he felt it was too hard to replace her. Thus, the show has never done so. As he explained, unless it's an episode where they specifically need a captain, it's just not something they're focusing on.

In doing so, The Rookie has so far managed to avoid the challenge that's now facing 9-1-1 for its upcoming season 9: how to replace its captain after a tragedy. 9-1-1 season 8 shockingly killed Captain Bobby Nash, and now season 9 is left with the big question of who will replace Peter Krause's character as the captain of the 118.

While the most logical choice for his replacement is to promote one of the current firefighters on the show, it's also possible that 9-1-1 could decide to bring in an outside character to fill his shoes. The latter option would likely anger fans and the crew of Station 118 alike, as, no matter how qualified or cool the person is, they'd be seen as a usurper.

However, even the former option is likely to ruffle feathers, as no matter who is chosen, it's inevitable that some viewers will prefer a different character be promoted to replace Bobby. It's a bit of a no-win situation for 9-1-1, and the show's upcoming season will face a significant challenge to move past its decision to kill off Bobby, which still has fans outraged months later.

The Rookie Can't Avoid Filling Captain Andersen's Role Forever

Eventually The Story Will Require A Character In That Position

Though The Rookie clearly hasn't suffered from not replacing Captain Andersen, as that was six seasons ago, it likely won't be able to get away with leaving the role unfilled forever. As Hawley acknowledges, there will likely come an episode or storyline where the role of a captain is necessary; it's slightly odd that a captain hasn't been included in several of the storylines already.

It will be especially strange to keep that crucial departmental role on the backburner in the upcoming The Rookie season 8, which is partly set in Prague. The overseas location hints that the show will open itself up to international intrigue and crime. This highlights the need for a higher authority figure in the LAPD, as it's completely unrealistic for local U.S. law enforcement to be involved in an international investigation otherwise.

The one thing working in The Rookie's favor is how long ago Captain Andersen died. She was murdered by Cole Midas in season 1, and while other characters in The Rookie continue to be influenced by her, the sting of her loss for both characters and the audience has lessened. If the show were to finally replace the fallen captain, the passage of time would certainly ease the transition.

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