The Rookie's sophomore episode, Crash Course, is a bit of an improvement over its pilot offering. Character complexity is blossoming ever so slightly, and while there is still a LOT of subplot action crammed into the time slot, the need to include a list of calculated shock factors in the plot line has thankfully faded. There is plenty of humor and heart in Crash Course and a number of interesting on-the-job situations to keep the viewer entertained.
Nathan Fillion is nothing short of fabulous in his role as the 40-year-old rookie cop, and both Afton Williamson (as his training officer) and Mercedes Mason (as his captain) are the strongest compliments to his character's heart of the show. His fellow rookies are interesting, but not quite strong enough to keep the viewer's full attention throughout the episode - the viewer could too easily ignore the story arcs of the other rookies on screen without degrading the episodic experience; hopefully that will be rectified as the series progresses. The other major weakness of the show is the character Sgt Grey; who is thus-far sadly paper-thin in dimension and motivation. While his reasons for petty behavior were officially called out in the pilot episode, they still cannot be justified; harassment is still harassment (especially in today's professional environment) and it is already getting boring. But Richard T Jones is much stronger on screen than what is given to him in the script, and this episode is already pointing his character in the direction of emotional evolution.
In short, The Rookie is finding its groove; and that is good news for all of us.