Ep 12. Brave Heart

Officer John Nolan has seen it all in his career as a police officer, but nothing has ever prepared him for the events of "Brave Heart," the 12th episode of the third season of The Rookie. Just when Nolan thought he had seen it all, he finds himself face-to-face with his own mortality and a question of ethics.

The episode kicks off with the LAPD dealing with a series of stolen cars. Nolan, along with Officers Lopez and Harper, try to track down the suspect, but things take a turn for the worse when the thief crashes the car and flees the scene. Nolan pursues the suspect, but he's ambushed and left for dead.

As Nolan lies in a coma, the rest of the team struggles to deal with their feelings of guilt and responsibility. However, they soon realize that Nolan's terrible situation is a call to action and that they must all band together to find the person responsible for their friend's injury.

Meanwhile, the department has bigger fish to fry, and they soon launch an internal investigation to find out what really happened to Nolan. Among the many questions they're asking is whether or not the officers followed the proper protocols during the investigation of the stolen cars. This investigation quickly becomes a major focus of the episode, as the department tries to determine who is really responsible for what happened to Nolan and why.

Nolan's fate hangs in the balance throughout the episode. His family and colleagues wait anxiously for any sign of improvement, as he slowly recovers from his injuries. However, the doctors warn that there might be long-term damage to Nolan's brain, which could prevent him from ever returning to work.

Despite his grave condition, there are moments of hope throughout "Brave Heart." The LAPD finally captures the man responsible for Nolan's injuries, and he quickly confesses his guilt. Meanwhile, Nolan's police colleagues respond with bravery and determination, showing their true colors in the face of danger.

The episode takes a serious turn as the station confronts questions about the ethics of the LAPD. As the internal investigation moves into full swing, it becomes clear that there are some very serious issues that need to be addressed.

Despite the heavy themes, "Brave Heart" still manages to include some light-hearted moments, such as when Jackson and Chen try to play matchmaker for Harper. There are also moments of sadness, as Nolan's family grapples with the idea of never getting to see him again. However, there are also moments of hope, as Nolan slowly begins to recover and respond to commands.

As the episode comes to a close, we see the whole department come together to support each other. Despite the danger and setbacks they all face, their bond remains as strong as ever. The episode ends with Nolan's future still unclear, but there is hope that he will someday recover and be able to return to the job he loves.

"Brave Heart" is a moving and intense episode that is sure to leave audiences on the edge of their seats. With its strong performances and serious themes, this episode of The Rookie is not to be missed.