The Rookies

Just wanted to say that I've been watching reruns of The Rookies on TVLand and still say it's a great show. I'd rather watch ones like this than some of what they have on TV now. I'm happy that TVLand is airing these great 'classic' shows. Hopefully they will be on for quite some time.

*TRIGGER WARNING*

I've been watching this on my Roku which is airing this for free-I have always loved the nostalgia factor of old 1970's cop shows-and I have to admit, I was a bit shocked at several of the reviewers' contention here that this series "doesn't hold up" in modern times. Then I noticed that all the reviews that make this assertion were written in the early 2000's.

That is, before 2020.

Before the BLM protests/riots.

Before buildings were again being vandalized or out-and-out destroyed in the name of free speech.

Before crowds were again overturning police cars, and calling police officers "pigs," and threatening them with death, simply for doing their jobs.

Before thinly veiled threats against political candidates were again a commonplace sight in public arenas.

Before suspicion and distrust of the establishment again became the order of the day.

Quite simply, the reason these reviewers thought that this series didn't hold up was simple:

They didn't know what was coming (or "coming again," if you prefer).

The powers that be may delete this review if they wish, but the fact remains-

Each of the above scenarios has been shown both on the evening news in the last five years...

...and was dealt with repeatedly as themes on episodes of this show.

Suddenly, for some reason, I think "The Rookies" is very relevant again, and thus "holds up" extremely well. Everything old is new again.

In the 70's, a hip action television series had equally hip and exciting theme music. The Rookies theme is no exception. The music prepared us for the hard edged drama that was to come. The music had a definite urban edge. The audience was prepared for the hard street scenes and the gritty action that these police dramas promised.

When viewing vintage series', the music sets the mood and reflects the era that the series is part of. In my opinion, 70's television theme music that perfectly reflected the times and expressed the programs that they were representing.

"The Streets of San Francisco" , Chico and The Man, The Rookies, The Courtship of Eddie's Father and Maude are exceptional theme songs.

If you are looking for a really cool cop show then the rookies is the show for you. It may have been made back in the 70's but the stories are really good. It also benefits from the fact that Kate Jackson is in it. She brings a clean polished performance each time she is on. And the 3 Rookies (actors) have a really great chemistry.

I'm so glad to say that this summer on August 7, 2012 Shout Factory is releasing The Rookies Season 2 on DVD. It's been a good number of years since Season 1 but the waiting is finally going to be over! Season 2 has some great episodes that I still remember. Such episodes are "Cauldron" which puts both officers Terry and Willie in the hands of a madman who leaves them both stranded in the desert without any hope of being rescued. There's also "Time Lock" about a bank robber who holds Terry Webster and 3 female bankers hostage inside the bank. There are other episodes that I can't think of right now but I know are some great ones. So, let's enjoy the second season and hope that the remaining seasons 3 and 4 can also be released!

nelson cruz