We’re back! The Rookie Season 8 Episode 13 ‘The Thinker’ surprises us with Seth’s return, seeking a second chance, while Bailey and Nolan tackle an adrenaline-fueled case. Ready?
Here we go!
Second Chances in The Rookie Season 8 Episode 13 ‘The Thinker’

We were surprised to see Seth in The Rookie Season 8 Episode 13 ‘The Thinker.’ And, honestly, he was too naive to think he was going back to where it all happened. Beyond the lies, he almost killed Tim and Lucy. He didn’t set out to put them in danger. That much feels true. But covering it up after the fact? That was a choice. And it’s hard to ignore how badly that could’ve ended. Just because they’re okay now doesn’t really change what he did or how serious it was.
We get why Lucy gives him another chance. Even if she probably shouldn’t, even if everything in her is telling her not to. That’s who she is. But once all the details are out—what actually happened that day, how close they came to not making it—it kind of shuts the door on Seth being reinstated. There’s no real way around that. Perhaps in another department, in another city, Seth could start over and become a police officer. But not in Los Angeles. And it’s only fair that he doesn’t.
That said, it was brave of Seth to come forward to Tim and Lucy, willing to accept his mistakes and ready to start over in The Rookie Season 8 Episode 13 ‘The Thinker.’ In a strange way, though, this might be exactly what he needed. We finally see him own what he did and understand that actions have consequences. Because sometimes, telling the truth and saying sorry doesn’t fix things. Sometimes, it just means you have to accept what comes next. Actions have consequences.
And it’s good for Seth to live with them. In fact, we consider it essential to his change. He could hardly be a truly different man if he continued to refuse to accept responsibility and face the consequences of his actions.
MORE: The Rookie Season 8, Episode 12 Review: ‘Spy Games’
Repairing Relationships

We’re happy that Grey and Luna are doing somewhat better and are willing to fix what’s not working in their marriage in The Rookie Season 8 Episode 13 ‘The Thinker.’ It’s a big step forward that Grey understood what her job means to Luna. He understand that it’s not just a job. It’s about feeling fulfilled, doing something she loves. Just like being a cop is for Grey. So I guess we’ve passed the point of trying to make her quit. And we’re celebrating!
It wasn’t fair that Luna had to quit if Grey wasn’t going to do the same. And honestly? Luna calling that doctor out was overdue. Way overdue. He had that whole charm thing going on, and yeah, it worked for a while. But that doesn’t mean it was harmless. He knew she was married. He knew exactly how he was coming across.
And now, for him to act clueless? To pretend he had no idea, or worse, to imply that Luna imagined it or misunderstood everything—as if she were delusional—is honestly insulting. He wasn’t confused. He was fully aware. And if Luna had taken things further, it’s hard to believe he would’ve been the one to stop it. And pretending otherwise in The RookieSeason 8 Episode 13 ‘The Thinker’ is just selfish and makes him a complete jerk.
The guy was resorting to the typical excuse of “I’m not in a relationship, so I’m not responsible for anything.” But that’s what it is: an excuse. Because he does bear some responsibility for flirting and continuing to push things to the limit. In short, for not setting boundaries.
Luna accepted her responsibility here, and this guy wants to get away scot-free by feigning ignorance? No way, honey. So Luna did a wonderful job of setting the record straight in The Rookie Season 8 Episode 13 ‘The Thinker.’
MORE: The Rookie Season 8, Episode 11 Review: ‘Aftermath’
Other Stuff in The Rookie Season 8 Episode 13 ‘The Thinker’

- Was what happened with Bailey, Nolan, and her rookie entertaining? There were better cases, but yes. However, it was a waste of time. This isn’t a firefighter show, it’s a police show. We don’t care what happens to Bailey’s job or her rookie, #sorrynotsorry.
- Instead of Bailey and her rookie, we should have seen much more of how Wesley was doing with losing the election, Nyla, Angela… but we only got Bailey and Nolan playing the heroes.
- And that’s the second time in a row. We’re tired.
- Wesley should have won that election. And it’s unfair that he didn’t because of Vivian’s dirty tricks. But the world isn’t fair.
- We loved that everyone threw a party to support and cheer on Wesley. They’re such a family.
- Celina’s boyfriend is cute, really. It’s just… he’s not the right one for her.
- They hit the jackpot! But we’re glad Smitty isn’t disappearing. And yes, we’re surprised by this too.
- Chenford acting like a married couple at work will always be beautiful to us.
- Tim asked Lucy for permission before doing anything regarding Seth. We noticed. She was the one most affected by his lies, so it was his decision. Our baby is the best.
The Rookie Season 8 airs Mondays at 10 pm on ABC.