The Great Jackson West Mystery: Did He REALLY Need to Go?
Okay, let's be honest. We were all a little heartbroken when Jackson West left The Rookie. One minute he's saving the world, the next...poof! Gone.
But did he *really* need to be written off? I have some thoughts. And they might be a tad controversial.
Was It the Actor? Or the Story?
First, let's address the elephant in the room. Sometimes, actors want to move on. Maybe Titus Makin Jr., who played Jackson, wanted new opportunities. Completely understandable!
But even if that's the case, couldn't they have given him a different exit? Like, a transfer to another precinct. Or witness protection.
Seriously, anything but THAT! That was cold!
The Show Needed Drama (Maybe Too Much?)
I get it. Shows need drama to stay interesting. Someone needs to get kidnapped. Someone needs a bad guy to hunt.
But killing off a beloved character? That felt a little...much. It felt like they went for shock value over substance.
Did they think we’d just forget about Jackson? Never!
My Unpopular Opinion: The Show Could Have Thrived *With* Him
Here's where I get a little bold. I think The Rookie actually lost something special when Jackson left. He brought a certain warmth and optimism to the show. It was a light in the darkness.
He was the perfect foil to the more seasoned cops. The eager rookie. The underdog you always rooted for.
He could have grown into an amazing officer. A mentor himself. Imagine the storylines we missed!
Other Characters Get a Pass?
Don't get me started on other characters who've made questionable decisions. Characters who’ve made mistakes that had no consequences.
Yet, Jackson, who was always trying to do the right thing, gets the ultimate punishment? It doesn't seem fair.
Maybe they wanted to show the realities of police work. That is what the series is about, after all.
Let's Be Honest, We Miss His Smile
Ultimately, I think we all miss Jackson's presence on the show. He was a likeable character that many fans could relate to.
He brought heart to The Rookie. And that's something you can't just replace.
So, was killing him off the right move? I'm still not convinced. Maybe it’s time for a flashback episode?
"Bring back Jackson! (As a ghost, maybe?)" – Every Rookie Fan, Probably
Okay, that's just me being dramatic. But seriously, I miss him. And I think the show does too, even if they don't want to admit it.
