We’re back! The Rookie: Feds 1×21 “Bloodlines” is an episode that we feel is left halfway. It’s not bad but it’s not as good as it could have been. Time to analyze why. Ready?
Here we go!
Iconic Storylines Recycled in The Rookie: Feds 1×21 “Bloodlines”

The Rookie: Feds 1×21 “Bloodlines” discusses the nature of serial killers. Were they born to kill or did their circumstances make them the way they are? It’s not a novel debate, but it always works to maintain interest. And this episode is no exception.
There is something in human nature that attracts us and The Rookie: Feds 1×21 “Bloodlines” leaves the answer open to what serial killers are concerned. Which is okay because we don’t know the answer yet. Maybe we never will.
The problem is that this is one of the few points where the episode worked. The serial killer who kidnaps a team member sounds familiar to us. It’s a recycled storyline from The Rookie. From one of the most iconic episodes of the show, titled “Day of Death.”
Do you know something? There’re certain episodes of a series that are too good, too symbolic for anyone to touch. “Day of Death” is one such episode. So no, we don’t like it at all that The Rookie: Feds 1×21 “Bloodlines” decided to recycle the plot.
When Something Starts Badly…Ends Worse

And we like the way The Rookie: Feds 1×21 “Bloodlines” ended up doing things even less. Laura’s humanity is one of her most distinctive traits, but no one believes that she will empathize with a serial killer as if he were the victim.
Nor is it understandable that a rescue operation by a federal agent ends up with an operation between two men. Especially when The Rookie: Feds 1×21 “Bloodlines” was announced as a crossover and the cops could have helped in the rescue.
Finally, the murderer’s suicide makes everything somehow worse than it already was. After all, we were hoping for a sense of justice at the end of The Rookie: Feds 1×21 “Bloodlines.” However, suicide makes it quite impossible to feel like justice is served.
So yeah, all wrong with this.
Right Decisions

On the contrary, one of the points that did work in The Rookie: Feds 1×21 “Bloodlines” was the team formed by Antoinette and Elena. We love Elena’s evolution. She came to the team thinking that everything would be temporary. Elena didn’t think she’d fit in with all the craziness that comes with being a federal agent, but somehow she did and she’s already a part of it.
The last of the points that worked in The Rookie: Feds 1×21 “Bloodlines” was Laura moving into her new house and her breakthrough in her relationship with Mark. It feels good when you can get something for yourself. Laura had been fighting for her house for a long time and here she is.
And the best part is what happened between her and Mark. A long-distance relationship is always difficult and they had to face many obstacles. So the words that were said feel like a turning point and a statement of intent.
Those words feel like they are now going, to be honest with how they feel and how they are getting through so far. The key is commitment but the question is: will they be on board to commit for the long haul? We will see…
Other Stuff in The Rookie: Feds 1×21 “Bloodlines”

- Yeah, not a crossover yet. Not even close.
- I really, really wish the marketing of the show on these kinds of episodes wouldn’t focus on, you know, trying to fool the fandom.
- Laura’s plot in this episode definitely rings a bell for us. And it doesn’t even reach the sole of the shoes to The Rookie storyline. Sorry, not sorry.
- It would be good if they got down to work to come up with original ideas.
- Brendon and Antoinette are in *that* phase and we like it!
- Cutty doesn’t look as old as he is!
The Rookie: Feds season 1 airs Tuesdays at 9/10 on ABC.