WARNING: This article contains major spoilers for The Rookie season 2 finale. Read at your own risk.
The Rookie season 3 hasn't yet officially renewed by ABC, given that the series has just recently concluded. Despite the uncertainties, a lot of stories were left and needed to be explored moving forward. One of the biggest questions here is whether or not Harold Perrineau will return as Armstrong.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, series creator Alexi Hawley confirmed that they have plans to include Armstrong when The Rookie season 3 premieres. His return would probably wrap up of some of his stories left in the season 2 finale.
Hawley said there's always been a plan, given that Perrineau's appearance is three-parter. His character already appeared in the two-part season 2 finale and his third appearance would be in the 301, which is the premiere of The Rookie season 3.
In the second part of the season 2 finale, John Nolan found himself in the greatest danger so far. He realized that his friend and mentor Detective Nick Armstrong was an informant for the Armenian mob. He tried to prove it to everyone, but his actions put him in a risky situation.
Armstrong managed to stay one step ahead of Nolan. He planted the evidence against himself in Nolan's house to frame him. It looks like Nolan has to deal with several problems moving forward, and this could affect both his professional and personal life.
Hawley teased that Armstrong will be back to tell the "other side of that story, the cliffhanger and everything." Nolan's life may also turn upside down because of what happened, with Hawley teasing it would put everything to the test.
Armstrong has a lot of credibility and a lot of people inside the department respect him, while Nolan is just a rookie. The latter is in a tough situation and he has a big hill to climb. This particular storyline will play out in the potential The Rookie season 3.
As of this writing, the renewal status of The Rookie season 3 remains uncertain. If ever the network renewed it, filming may not start anytime soon. The cast and crew may not be able to begin shooting because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since there's a potential delay, CarterMatt noted the series may not entirely pick up where they exactly left off. Yet, based on Hawley's interview, there's still a way to make it happen. Nolan's storyline needs to be properly addressed, and it's exciting to see the things he's going to do to clear his name.
