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Episode guide

The Rookies

93 episodes · 4 seasons · 1972–1976 · ABC

← Show package · 1970s

Season

Season 1

23 episodes

  1. S01E01 Concrete Valley, Neon Sky

    In the introductory episode of the series, the presence of several street gangs contributes to a tension-filled atmosphere. The Rookies are assigned with the challenge of maintaining order amongst the rivaling street gangs, with Willie Gillis arising as the mediator between the gangs.

  2. S01E02 Dead, Like a Lost Dream

    Cops vs. cops as internal-affairs personnel investigate rumors of police shakedowns. Prime suspects: Ryker's rookies.

  3. S01E03 The Informant

    The Informant — Season 1, Episode 3 of The Rookies. Aired 1972-09-25. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  4. S01E04 The Commitment

    The Commitment — Season 1, Episode 4 of The Rookies. Aired 1972-10-02. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  5. S01E05 Covenant with Death

    Covenant with Death — Season 1, Episode 5 of The Rookies. Aired 1972-10-09. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  6. S01E06 Time is the Fire

    Time is the Fire — Season 1, Episode 6 of The Rookies. Aired 1972-10-16. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  7. S01E07 The Bear That Didn't Get Up

    The Bear That Didn't Get Up — Season 1, Episode 7 of The Rookies. Aired 1972-10-23. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  8. S01E08 Dirge for Sunday

    Dirge for Sunday — Season 1, Episode 8 of The Rookies. Aired 1972-10-30. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  9. S01E09 The Good Die Young

    The Good Die Young — Season 1, Episode 9 of The Rookies. Aired 1972-11-13. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  10. S01E10 To Taste of Terror

    To Taste of Terror — Season 1, Episode 10 of The Rookies. Aired 1972-11-20. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  11. S01E11 A Deadly Velocity

    A Deadly Velocity — Season 1, Episode 11 of The Rookies. Aired 1972-11-27. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  12. S01E12 A Bloody Shade of Blue

    This episode centers on a pair of masked thugs who are on a vendetta to kill police officers. In the opener, they are on a rooftop and shoot a guy named Karl Miller that they assumed was a cop, because they had previously (not shown) seen him dressed as a cop from a masquerade party. The SCPD investigates the motive of the thugs, who target Officer Terry Webster as their next victim. They shoot at him in his police car, shattering the windshield glass into his eyes, temporarily blinding him. During his hospital stay, he bonds with a nurse, Lynn Everett. She helps him and they form a friendship. After Terry is released from the hospital--his eyes still bandaged--he and Lynn go on a picnic, where the criminals chase them down, with the intention of killing Terry, so he can't identify them. Lynn calls for help, Terry helps subdue the thugs and he regains his sight at the end. This episode is very touching and emotional, from Terry being scared that he may never see again, to Lynn sharing that she led a sheltered life and had never communicated with a black person before and didn't know how to. This is one not to be missed!

  13. S01E13 A Very Special Piece of Ground

    A Very Special Piece of Ground — Season 1, Episode 13 of The Rookies. Aired 1972-12-18. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  14. S01E14 Rabbits on the Runway

    Rabbits on the Runway — Season 1, Episode 14 of The Rookies. Aired 1972-12-25. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  15. S01E15 Tarnished Idol

    Tarnished Idol — Season 1, Episode 15 of The Rookies. Aired 1973-01-08. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  16. S01E16 Crossfire

    Crossfire — Season 1, Episode 16 of The Rookies. Aired 1973-01-15. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  17. S01E17 Snow Job

    Snow Job — Season 1, Episode 17 of The Rookies. Aired 1973-01-29. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  18. S01E18 Point of Impact

    Point of Impact — Season 1, Episode 18 of The Rookies. Aired 1973-02-05. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  19. S01E19 Three Hours to Kill

    Three Hours to Kill — Season 1, Episode 19 of The Rookies. Aired 1973-02-12. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  20. S01E20 The Wheel of Fortune (a.k.a.) The Wheel of Death

    The Wheel of Fortune (a.k.a.) The Wheel of Death — Season 1, Episode 20 of The Rookies. Aired 1973-02-19. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  21. S01E21 Life Robbery (a.k.a.) Tribute to a Veteran

    Life Robbery (a.k.a.) Tribute to a Veteran — Season 1, Episode 21 of The Rookies. Aired 1973-02-26. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  22. S01E22 A Farewell Tree From Marly

    A Farewell Tree From Marly — Season 1, Episode 22 of The Rookies. Aired 1973-03-05. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  23. S01E23 Easy Money

    Easy Money — Season 1, Episode 23 of The Rookies. Aired 1973-03-19. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

Season

Season 2

23 episodes

  1. S02E01 Cauldron

    Cauldron — Season 2, Episode 1 of The Rookies. Aired 1973-09-10. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  2. S02E02 Margin for Error

    Margin for Error — Season 2, Episode 2 of The Rookies. Aired 1973-09-17. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  3. S02E03 Deadly Cage

    Deadly Cage — Season 2, Episode 3 of The Rookies. Aired 1973-09-24. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  4. S02E04 Frozen Smoke

    Frozen Smoke — Season 2, Episode 4 of The Rookies. Aired 1973-10-01. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  5. S02E05 Get Ryker

    Get Ryker — Season 2, Episode 5 of The Rookies. Aired 1973-10-08. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  6. S02E06 Cry Wolf

    Cry Wolf — Season 2, Episode 6 of The Rookies. Aired 1973-10-15. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  7. S02E07 A Matter of Justice (a.k.a.) Justice for Jill Danko

    A Matter of Justice (a.k.a.) Justice for Jill Danko — Season 2, Episode 7 of The Rookies. Aired 1973-10-22. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  8. S02E08 Blood Brother

    Blood Brother — Season 2, Episode 8 of The Rookies. Aired 1973-10-29. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  9. S02E09 Code 261

    Code 261 — Season 2, Episode 9 of The Rookies. Aired 1973-11-05. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  10. S02E10 Prayers Unanswered, Prayers Unheard

    Prayers Unanswered, Prayers Unheard — Season 2, Episode 10 of The Rookies. Aired 1973-11-12. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  11. S02E11 Down Home Boy

    Down Home Boy — Season 2, Episode 11 of The Rookies. Aired 1973-11-19. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  12. S02E12 Lots of Trees and a Running Stream

    Lots of Trees and a Running Stream — Season 2, Episode 12 of The Rookies. Aired 1973-12-02. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  13. S02E13 Another Beginning for Ben Fuller

    Another Beginning for Ben Fuller — Season 2, Episode 13 of The Rookies. Aired 1974-01-14. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  14. S02E14 Sound of Silence

    Sound of Silence — Season 2, Episode 14 of The Rookies. Aired 1973-12-17. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  15. S02E15 Trial by Doubt

    Trial by Doubt — Season 2, Episode 15 of The Rookies. Aired 1974-01-07. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  16. S02E16 The Authentic Death of Billy Stomper

    The Authentic Death of Billy Stomper — Season 2, Episode 16 of The Rookies. Aired 1974-01-14. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  17. S02E17 The Late Mr. Brent

    The Late Mr. Brent — Season 2, Episode 17 of The Rookies. Aired 1974-01-28. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  18. S02E18 The Teacher

    The Teacher — Season 2, Episode 18 of The Rookies. Aired 1974-02-04. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  19. S02E19 Eyewitness

    Eyewitness — Season 2, Episode 19 of The Rookies. Aired 1974-02-11. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  20. S02E20 Something Less Than a Man

    Something Less Than a Man — Season 2, Episode 20 of The Rookies. Aired 1974-02-18. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  21. S02E21 Rolling Thunder

    Rolling Thunder — Season 2, Episode 21 of The Rookies. Aired 1974-02-25. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  22. S02E22 Time Lock

    Time Lock — Season 2, Episode 22 of The Rookies. Aired 1974-03-04. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  23. S02E23 Death Watch

    Death Watch — Season 2, Episode 23 of The Rookies. Aired 1974-03-18. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

Season

Season 3

24 episodes

  1. S03E01 An Ugly Way to Die

    An Ugly Way to Die — Season 3, Episode 1 of The Rookies. Aired 1974-09-09. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  2. S03E02 Key Witness

    Key Witness — Season 3, Episode 2 of The Rookies. Aired 1974-09-23. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  3. S03E03 Legacy of Death

    Legacy of Death — Season 3, Episode 3 of The Rookies. Aired 1974-09-30. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  4. S03E04 Death at 6 A.M.

    Death at 6 A.M. — Season 3, Episode 4 of The Rookies. Aired 1974-10-07. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  5. S03E05 Walk a Tightrope

    Walk a Tightrope — Season 3, Episode 5 of The Rookies. Aired 1974-10-21. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  6. S03E06 Judgment

    Judgment — Season 3, Episode 6 of The Rookies. Aired 1974-10-28. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  7. S03E07 Johnny Lost His Gun

    Johnny Lost His Gun — Season 3, Episode 7 of The Rookies. Aired 1974-11-04. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  8. S03E08 Prelude to Vengeance

    Prelude to Vengeance — Season 3, Episode 8 of The Rookies. Aired 1974-11-11. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  9. S03E09 Vendetta

    Vendetta — Season 3, Episode 9 of The Rookies. Aired 1974-11-18. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  10. S03E10 The Old Neighborhood

    The Old Neighborhood — Season 3, Episode 10 of The Rookies. Aired 1974-11-25. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  11. S03E11 A Test of Courage

    A Test of Courage — Season 3, Episode 11 of The Rookies. Aired 1974-12-02. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  12. S03E12 The Assassin

    The Assassin — Season 3, Episode 12 of The Rookies. Aired 1974-12-09. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  13. S03E13 Blue Christmas

    Blue Christmas — Season 3, Episode 13 of The Rookies. Aired 1974-12-16. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  14. S03E14 Take Over

    Take Over — Season 3, Episode 14 of The Rookies. Aired 1974-12-30. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  15. S03E15 The Saturday Night Special

    The Saturday Night Special — Season 3, Episode 15 of The Rookies. Aired 1975-01-13. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  16. S03E16 The Hunting Ground

    The Hunting Ground — Season 3, Episode 16 of The Rookies. Aired 1975-01-20. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  17. S03E17 Solomon's Dilemma

    Solomon's Dilemma — Season 3, Episode 17 of The Rookies. Aired 1975-01-27. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  18. S03E18 Angel

    Angel — Season 3, Episode 18 of The Rookies. Aired 1975-02-03. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  19. S03E19 The Sheild

    The Sheild — Season 3, Episode 19 of The Rookies. Aired 1975-02-10. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  20. S03E20 S.W.A.T. (1)

    S.W.A.T. (1) — Season 3, Episode 20 of The Rookies. Aired 1975-02-17. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  21. S03E21 S.W.A.T. (2)

    S.W.A.T. (2) — Season 3, Episode 21 of The Rookies. Aired 1975-02-17. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  22. S03E22 A Deadly Image

    A Deadly Image — Season 3, Episode 22 of The Rookies. Aired 1975-02-24. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  23. S03E23 Cliffy

    Cliffy — Season 3, Episode 23 of The Rookies. Aired 1975-03-03. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

  24. S03E24 Nightmare

    Nightmare — Season 3, Episode 24 of The Rookies. Aired 1975-03-17. Full plot synopsis not yet on file; see the show package for context.

Season

Season 4

23 episodes

  1. S04E01 Lamb to the Slaughter

    When burglar Brad Gifford is arrested, his cop-hating, now orphaned son, Jody, is taken to Lambert Hall where he is befriended by Ryker, a former orphan himself. Jody is just beginning to trust and like Ryker when his father escapes custody and comes for him.

  2. S04E02 Reading Writing and Angel Dust

    After the tragic death of a bright high school student, the Rookies put in a team effort to get the pushers off the school campus. They get some help from a pusher who is pretending to scorch for the source.

  3. S04E03 One-Way Street to Nowhere

    Mike is critically injured when he tries to capture the leader of a militant group and Terry is taken hostage.

  4. S04E04 Someone Who Cares

    An unidentified nine-year-old girl is accidentally hit by a car after two hedonistic "swinging single" men spike her lunch with narcotics. Before she dies, she begs Terry for help. Terry, reluctant to let her die a Jane Doe, investigates.

  5. S04E05 Ladies Day (a.k.a.) Ladies Kill, Too

    Jill Danko is working in a women's prison, fighting an outbreak of diphtheria. In order to protest for better food and working conditions, inmates take Jill and Dr. Malcolm hostage.

  6. S04E06 Reign of Terror

    Young crooks Pat Stevens and Glen Barton rob ticket agent Brewster and shoot rookie Chris. The scene is witnessed by mailman Charlie Brooks, who is adamant about not getting involved.

  7. S04E07 Death Lady

    A female officer is blamed for her partner's death during a jewelry store robbery. With her new partner, Mike, she sets out to solve the crime and prove her worth to the police department.

  8. S04E08 Measure of Mercy

    The Rookies must investigate a robbery at Memorial Hospital. The blood bank was robbed and its contents sold to the black market, leaving an infant at the hospital on the critical list.

  9. S04E09 A Time to Mourn

    Chris' sister makes a surprise visit on her brother. He is suspended after conducting an unauthorized bust of the man who molested her.

  10. S04E10 The Torch Man

    An ex-convict out on parole desperately wants to go straight, but is sought after by his ex-cellmates to use his safe-cracking abilities in a robbery.

  11. S04E11 Invitation to a Rumble

    Terry is run down by a car driven by the leader of a street gang in his old neighborhood. When one of the members of the gang is overheard calling for an ambulance, he is forced to kill Terry or he will be killed by the gang for betrayal.

  12. S04E12 Reluctant Hero

    A rookie accidentally overpowers a professional assassin and is named "hero." The assassin vows to kill the rookie and escapes with Jill as a hostage, offering to exchange her for the rookie.

  13. S04E13 Dead Heat

    Chris and Terry have their patrol car stolen by teenage vandals while investigating a major robbery in a department store, and three heavily armed killers trap them there.

  14. S04E14 The Voice of Thunder

    After a series of Sunday bombings of porno bookshops and massage parlors sweep the city, Chris and Terry recognize the same girl at the scene of each incident. The dangerously schizophrenic top fashion model believes she is being instructed by a supreme being.

  15. S04E15 The Code Five Affair

    The rookies stake out an abandoned factory where a heroin deal is about to take place, and are able to seize the drugs and arrest all but one man. This man must get the heroin back from the police.

  16. S04E16 Shadow of a Man

    Forest, a tough career cop, takes $10,000 from the scene of a robbery after his partner is killed by the robbers. Lt. Ryker puts an undercover investigator on the case to retrieve the money.

  17. S04E17 Eye for an Eye

    A man who was forced to spend eighteen years in prison for a crime he did not commit is determined to get the men who framed him.

  18. S04E18 Sudden Death (a.k.a.) Return From the Past

    Mike, a former helicopter pilot in Vietnam, becomes the prey of a deranged ex-POW who blames the policeman for his capture by the Vietcong.

  19. S04E19 From Out of the Darkness

    Terry vows to find the murderer of Dan Kennedy, a retired cop turned security guard. Dan was the father of a blind girl, Terry's former girlfriend.

  20. S04E20 The Mugging

    After a woman is fatally assaulted by three junkies, her son, a doctor in the same hospital where Jill works, announces his intention to get revenge against the three, who were released from jail on a technicality.

  21. S04E21 Blue Movie, Blue Death

    The Rookies are given undercover assignments in order to smash a syndicate-owned porno film company responsible for the deaths of some of its actors.

  22. S04E22 Deliver Me From Innocence

    A frightened sixteen-year-old boy is forced to take the blame for the crimes of a junkie he has become mixed up with. The two had committed a burglary and escaped after killing a cop. The boy is Terry's current girlfriend's brother.

  23. S04E23 Journey to Oblivion

    A gambler kills his creditor and is witnessed by Jill Danko, whom he and his accomplice must now do away with.