We’re three weeks into the run of “The Rookie: Feds,” and the ABC dramedy, starring Niecy Nash-Betts, has the precise stuff to stay round for some time.
Nash-Betts (“Reno 911!,” “Claws”) is not any stranger to the small display screen — or to viewers of “The Rookie,” on which Nash-Betts’ ever-optimistic “Feds” protagonist, Simone Clark, was launched final season in a two-part episode of the Nathan Fillion collection — aka a “backdoor pilot” (learn: good likelihood for a derivative). Nash-Betts, who is aware of what she’s doing, provides splashes of quirkiness and humor to Simone, the oldest rookie within the FBI Academy. She’s a former highschool steering counselor who, after serving to Fillion’s LAPD officer John Nolan seize a terror suspect on “The Rookie,” is now coaching for everlasting spot in L.A.’s Particular Investigative Unit beneath the watchful eye of Particular Agent Matthew Garza.
(He’s performed by Felix Solis, who appeared in “The Rookie” backdoor pilot episodes and is best-known to “Ozark” followers as cartel kingpin Omar Navarro. As Garza, he pivots effortlessly right here to a considerably comedic, “what have I gotten myself into?” function. Frankie Faison can also be again as Simone’s father, Christopher “Cutty” Clark.)
What I’ve loved about “The Rookie: Feds” is the chemistry between Nash-Betts and her supporting forged. Kevin Zegers (“Insurgent,” “Worry the Strolling Lifeless”), in a tip of the meta cap, performs Brendon Acres, a chiseled-jaw actor who starred within the YA hit collection “Vampire Cop.” He’s chucked all of it to hitch the FBI coaching program alongside Simone. (Zegers starred in the 2011 film “Vampire”). They make a enjoyable odd-couple pair for his or her exasperated mentors, Particular Agent Laura Stenson (Britt Robertson) and Particular Agent Carter Hope (James Lesure). Stenson is tasked with curbing Brendon’s actorly, showbiz method (and his awkward gown code) whereas Hope — who’s coping with an impending divorce and Garza’s Machiavellian boss, Particular Agent in Cost Tracy Chiles (Courtney Ford) — tries to reign in Simone’s instinctive “I do know what’s greatest” decision-making (which, hewing to plain primetime collection components, is normally spot-on).
Nevertheless it’s Nash-Betts’ arresting enchantment that holds the collection collectively and supplies a robust basis for its combination of drama (there are scenes laden with blood, violence and homicide, so be forewarned) and lightweight comedy. Simone is earnest, impulsive and assured, but additionally self-deprecating and desperate to study the ropes over which she typically jumps and not using a second thought (in a approach that’s endearing, each to viewers and to her bosses). Her interaction with co-stars Zegers, Solis, Robertson and, particularly Lesure, is enjoyable to look at and, because the collection progresses, I’m guessing that side of “The Rookie: Feds” will likely be magnified as we study extra in regards to the characters’ backstories. And, whereas its story arcs veer into darkish areas (this is a police procedural, in any case), they concurrently parallel a lighter contact offered by the present’s writers and dealt with adroitly by its forged.
It’s not simple making a go of it in as we speak’s broadcast tv universe, which has misplaced a large chunk of its viewers to streaming platforms. However there’s hope on the horizon for a collection like “The Rookie Feds.” Linear (same-night) viewership on ABC for its premiere averaged over 2 million viewers, which dropped to 1.7 million for Episode 2. That’s actually nothing to put in writing dwelling about, however the collection was boosted by the “new regular” vis-a-vis digital-age scores: its premiere averaged over 6 million viewers with seven days of delayed viewing factored in, and that’s a very good signal. “The Rookie: Feds” was additionally ABC’s greatest collection premiere (by that customary) since 2020 and the debut of “Huge Sky,” which is now in its third season.
Give this one a look-see. I feel you'll benefit from the experience.
“The Rookie: Feds” airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on ABC.
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