The Rookiehas utilized a show-within-a-show format for multiple episodes.

The last time The Rookie used the format was in Season 5 with the episode “Double Trouble.”

The true-crime documentary episodes provide a fun break from the show’s usual format.

nathan fillion in The Rookie Season 3 Episode 7

Image Via ABC

Since it began,The Rookiehas always played around withits dramedy dynamic.

However, these episodes present issues forthe LAPD officers who take undercover assignments.

The first true crime episode comes after Lucy gets her first taste of undercover work.

Eric Winter and Melissa O’Neil in The Rookie

Via ABC

The true-crime documentary episodesfrequently show Lucy and Harper as interview subjects involving unusual cases.

It’s presumed that the fictional true crime filmmakers within the show are well-known and popular.

Lucy is a true crime fanatic and was excited about being interviewed in the “True Crime” episode.

Matt Damon as Colin Sullivan talking to Jack Nicholson as Frank Costello in a movie theater in The Departed

Her undercover identities still get actively used when needed.

Lucy continued performing undercover assignments through Season 6, and its not like she’s wearing a heavy disguise.

It would effectively compromise her undercover identity and endanger her life.

Eric Winter as Tim and Melissa O’Neil as Lucy undercover as criminals in The Rookie and looking at each other

Image via ABC

Therefore, it’s ludicrous forLucy to regularly go undercover and participate in documentary interviews.

The same goes for Harper.

Sava also appeared in the documentary episode “Double Trouble.”

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Starting over isn’t easy, especially for John Nolan who, after a life-altering incident, is pursuing his dream of joining the LAPD. As their oldest rookie, he’s met with skepticism from those who see him as just a walking midlife crisis.

The Rookiefinally returns for Season 7 on Tuesday, January 7 on ABC.

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The Rookie