WARNING: This article may contain some spoilers in The Rookie season 3 episode 3. Read at your own risk.
Officer Doug Stanton's (Brandon Routh) storyline will be further fleshed out in the upcoming The Rookie season 3 episode 4. There are many things that needed to be explored when it comes to this character, but it's clear that he's not one of the good guys.
The Rookie season 3 episode 4 sees more of Doug and his actions within the police department. This character is the latest addition in the current installment. He worked for the LAPD for 11 years, and now, he's Jackson West's (Titus Makin Jr.), new training officer.
Stanton is aggressive, tends to break the rules, and is considered a bad cop. Since West was stuck working with this person, his position in the department might be jeopardized. He recognized that more problems could arise if he'll be "educated" by this kind of police.
West is aware that Stanton is a bad cop. He already witnessed his racism, as well as abusing his power as a cop. West wanted to make a change, so he spoke up -- even though it could put his career on the line. He asked other people in the department to help him deal with his new training officer.
In The Rookie season 3 episode 4, titled "Sabotage," West will try to figure out how to get away with this situation. He'll be working with other people within the department -- especially with Sergeant Wade Grey (Richard T. Jones). They're going to do everything to get out of the current situation.
When West's relationship with Stanton escalated, he started working with Sergeant Grey in order to find a solution to what's happening. But then, even though the two will be teaming up, there is no guarantee that things will be settled in The Rookie season 3 episode 4.
Although West is doing the right thing, Stanton won't back down. There'll be some complications coming along the way. The latter isn't open to accepting punishment, and he's seemingly not guilty of his wrongdoings. This arc may further continue as the story progresses.
The current installment has been featuring stories surrounding the policing world, reflecting the real-life current events. Police reform is one of the major themes this season, which means that the series brings more timely topics moving forward.
The Rookie season 3 episode 4 airs on Sunday, Jan. 24, on ABC.
