We’re three weeks into the run of “The Rookie: Feds,” and the ABC dramedy, starring Niecy Nash-Betts, has the correct stuff to stay round for some time.
Nash-Betts (“Reno 911!,” “Claws”) isn’t 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 probability 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 steerage 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 underneath 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 solid. Kevin Zegers (“Insurgent,” “Concern the Strolling Useless”), 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 within 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 strategy (and his awkward costume 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 straightforward primetime collection method, is normally spot-on).
Nevertheless it’s Nash-Betts’ arresting enchantment that holds the collection collectively and supplies a powerful 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 usually 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 probably be magnified as we study extra concerning 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 solid.
It’s not straightforward making a go of it in at present’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 definitely nothing to put in writing dwelling about, however the collection was boosted by the “new regular” vis-a-vis digital-age rankings: its premiere averaged over 6 million viewers with seven days of delayed viewing factored in, and that’s an excellent signal. “The Rookie: Feds” was additionally ABC’s greatest collection premiere (by that customary) since 2020 and the debut of “Massive Sky,” which is now in its third season.
Give this one a look-see. I feel you’ll benefit from the trip.
“The Rookie: Feds” airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on ABC.
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