The Rookie’s Seth Ridley: Liar? Hero? Second Chance?
Seth Ridley has ridden a rollercoaster on The Rookie Season 7 that fans can never forget. Seth, who no one seemed to take seriously and who pretended to have cancer to score a few bucks once upon a time earlier this season, was back at the Mid-Wilshire precinct in Episode 16 with a lot to fight for. Confronted with hate, doubt, and shame, he sought out change.
This article delves into Seth’s intricate redemption arc, his brave deed, and whether he has a future in the LAPD. Perspectives from actor Patrick Keleher also provide insight into the character’s intentions, conflict, and ambiguous destination. It’s a deep dive into a character fans love to hate — but may soon love to root for.
Former Star Reporter Seth Ridley Is Reunited With The Lies Of His Past
On The Rookie Season 7 Episode 16, called “The Return,” Seth Ridley returns to the force after being previously fired for pretending to have cancer. When he won a lawsuit to go back to work, his fellow officers shunned him.
His former trainer, Lucy, is distant, but her friend Tamara (who’s dating Seth now) requests a second chance for him. John Nolan is assigned to be Seth’s new TO, and he gets a second chance. Seth works to prove he’s changed, putting more effort and care into his job than before.
Seth Earns Unlikely Respect With A Risky Play
Things get intense in the episode when a gunman takes Nolan hostage. Seth leaps in to protect him, and he takes a bullet that lands him with a significant injury — his leg has to be amputated. It’s this astounding act that prompts other officers to reconsider him.
Despite having lied all his life, that one bold act may be the beginning of stripping his past and lies away. Actor Patrick Keleher states that this is Seth attempting to do the right thing and demonstrating that he wants to remain a good cop.
Actor Patrick Keleher Describes Seth’s Moral Dilemma
Patrick Keleher, who portrays Seth, says the character is troubled, but not evil. “Seth wants to help people, be a good cop, but deceit is ‘deep at his roots,’ he said. Keleher says he hopes fans will someday learn what happened to Seth as a child that led to his transformation into this man. He knows Seth is attempting, but his past is a hindrance to him. It’s the actor’s honest take that allows viewers to see Seth not just as a liar, but as someone trying to fight old habits.
Can Seth Ridley Remain A Cop?
Seth’s injury raises significant questions. Can he continue to be a cop after losing his leg? Keleher asked actual former LAPD officers he had on set, and they told him that if you lose a leg, it’s game over.
However, the series offers one last glimmer of hope. In the closing scene, Nolan visits Seth in the hospital and gives him words of encouragement. And while Seth’s fate in the uniformed ranks remains unknown, the episode closes on an optimistic note that leaves open the possibility that Seth may still have a place in the department after all.
Redemption, Honesty, And Opportunity To Change
Lies were Seth’s specialty for most of the first half of Season 7. However, in Episode 16, he finally confesses to the concocted cancer scam, with a particular emphasis on telling Tamara, the only person he had truly believed.
This moment, combined with the heroic act he commits, gives the impression that Seth may be transforming. Even if the rest of the team isn’t willing to forgive him just yet, this game should give fans a reason to believe he can work his way back into their good graces.
FAQs
Who is Seth Ridley on The Rookie?
Patrick Keleher plays Seth Ridley. He has had roles in indie short films and also worked as a writer, director, and more.
Why did Seth Ridley deceive others into thinking he was dying of cancer?
Seth’s lying was a ploy for sympathy and a potential means of avoiding challenging responsibilities. The full extent of it is unclear. However, actor Patrick Keleher indicates that it may relate to childhood trauma.
Did Seth die from his gunshot wound?
No, says Seth, who survived but lost a leg. That act of heroism saved Officer Nolan — and changed people’s perceptions of who he is.
Will we see Seth again in future episodes?
Keleher said he won’t reappear this season, only to disappear again. It’s not clear whether the character will appear in future seasons.
Is Seth still dating Tamara?
Is it true that in the not-yet-aired Episode 16, Tamara and Seth are still dating, and she encourages others to do the same as Seth?
Final Words
For Seth Ridley, his story on The Rookie is about mistakes and second chances, and the hope of redemption. Fresh off his latest role as Mr. Darling/Captain Hook, actor Patrick Keleher adds some layers to a multi-dimensional character who may, flawed nature be damned, have what it takes to be a true hero.
As his role in law enforcement remains uncertain, Seth’s bold decisions and candid confessions make fans wonder what will happen next. Whether he comes back or not, Seth’s arc shows that people can evolve — and that sometimes, the most fractured characters have the most to give.
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