Please note that I’m about to review The Rookie: Feds (2022), a TV show that hasn’t yet premiered. I got a sneak peek at the new ABC spinoff series while watching episodes 19 and 20 of Season 4 of The Rookie.
Here’s the official announcement: From the executive producers of the flagship series “The Rookie” comes “The Rookie: Feds” starring Niecy Nash-Betts as Simone Clark, the oldest rookie in the FBI Academy. Officer John Nolan (Nathan Fillion) and the LA division of the FBI enlist the help of Clark when one of her former students is a suspect in a terror attack.
In The Rookie: Feds, Special Agent Simone Clark joins the Bureau and enters the FBI Academy when she is 48 years old. However, the age limit for new agents is 36.
Reality Check – There are a few restrictive age waiver exceptions for applicants coming from other federal law enforcement agencies and some military veterans, however, no high school guidance counselor (even a highly qualified and astute one) has or will ever receive an appointment to the FBI after they have reached their 37th birthday. The entire concept of The Rookie: Feds is inherently wrong. Just wrong.
As a crime novelist myself, I’m fully aware of the necessity of making creative compromises with our plots. My mantra is – “The most important thing is your story.”
However, in FBI Myths and Misconceptions: A Manual for Armchair Detectives, my book on creating realistic FBI characters and plots, I discuss the two primary reasons a writer should, when possible, follow real life FBI policies and procedures when crafting their FBI plots and heroes and heroines:
- An educated audience will be mentally thrown out of the story each time they read or watch something that’s inaccurate. That’s not good. Writers should want to keep their readers and viewers engaged.
- The uneducated audience will watch the show and pick up inaccurate info about the FBI, in this case, the age requirements for joining.
I’ve been waiting for a realistic police procedural drama featuring a strong Black female FBI agent. I love Niecy Nash, but, sadly, this show is not it.
Season 4 of The Rookie is streaming on Hulu. Click here to watch the official teaser for The Rookie: Feds.
UPDATE: Although I agree that many of the outfits worn on the show by the Simon Clark character are not what most FBI agents would wear on the job, I do not agree with the judgemental and inappropriate comments and negative name calling directed at Niecy Nash just because she’s showing cleavage. The character portrays a female agent who is smart, cunning, and witty. Her clothing choices are not what bothers me about the show.
I am watching the first episode now and love Niecy Nash (RENO 911) but after listening to your show Jerri I kept pointing out things they got wrong, like when they tackle and start arresting a dad in front of a school and when the police show up the FBI agents are like “we got this” to the police.
Confused by all the negativity about a woman with curves in the comments, did not even notice it until I read the rude comments. But then again I have a rack that is hard to hide as well and could care less that my cleavage is offensive to the general public.
Yes, really hard to follow with so much cleavage. Other shows do the same, but I guess because he’s so big, we notice more. Isn’t like every show she does, it’s about her boobs, are those things insured? Cover up & STOP acting like a Captain or higher.
The real Rookie was better, they were Rookies not put in charge so much
I agree!! Her wardrobe should be professional her low cut tops are not appropriate for the role. I watched the program twice never again. The Rookie with Nathan is well written with a great cast and episodes that are realistic.
I don’t mind the character and it didn’t even occur to me about the age, however, her dress distracts the from the show. If the character dressed even a bit more appropriately, it’s not her figure I object to she is a curvy beautiful woman, it is the absolute ridiculousness of the FBI allowing that level of deviation of the “norm” in the dress code.
It isn’t supposed to be serious, at least I hope not, it’s supposed to be fun.
Yes, really hard to follow with so much cleavage. Other shows do the same, but I guess because he’s so big, we notice more
I love The Rookie so I really thought this show would be a good spin off but sadly it’s not. It insults our intelligence by its’ main character & her role in the plots. She is totally unbelievable in this role and it ruins the whole show. The other characters are passable so I may still watch especially if they make Niecy Nash a supporting character and not the main one.
I agree, she’s a rookie & doing so much for someone with no criminal background. It’s like she in charge too much
I’d never watch it , as it,s demeaning to all women . Shame on her for being so disgusting .
I totally agree. Take Nash out of leading role please!!!!! Those outfits are horrendous she wears and she can’t act.
I’m glad I found this review. I’ve been dying to see if anyone else thought Niecy Nash was too much. Her lines, her breasts hanging out in EVERY scene. I wanted to like the show but sadly, I do not like her character.
I’m with you! I like Niecy but I’m more of a realistic! I don’t think police of any office has fingernails that long or cleavage that low! I have stopped watching the show. Too much of a comedy !!!!
I like the Rookie and was looking forward to Rookie FED. But Niecy Nash-Betts is ruining the show. All the rest of the casts seems realistic and authentic. Its to bad they couldnt find another strong black female actress to replace her for the lead.
i WAS SURPRISED TO SEE THAT HER BULLET PROOF VEST WAS NOT LOW CUT
I’m pretty sure they cast her boobs as a second character on the show, lol… They got more airtime than some of the other characters.
This show needs to be taken off the air. Niecy dresses like a cheap whore. What female fbi agent in the real world dresses like her? The long finger nails, all the jewelry and the boobs that are always falling out of her cheap bad ass tops. She has ruined the show with her big shot language and looks. Fake fake fake cheap show.
I agree no FBI agent dresses like a cheap whore. Does she have to her boobs exposed so much!!!!!Clean up her roll or cancel the show.
Very police show with female characters has them dressing in an unrealistically suggestive manner. Skin tight jeans, inappropriately high heels and tank top shirts. The difference, they’re not as generously endowed as Niecy Nash. Look at Daniela Ruah on NCIS Los Angeles, she and Nash’s characters dress exactly alike in the suggestive fashion category. No one complains because her body isn’t full figured. The show isn’t believable but then again, what police show is?
Well said!!!
The Rookie Feds has a long way to go. I can’t stand that woman flaunting her boobs in every piece of clothing and even to her father. Get her wearing suitable attire and make the script more credible then maybe it will stand a chance.
I agree literally been looking for a site I could make a comment! The story does not need that element. It totally distracts and if you were in the FBI you definitely would not be dressed like that and especially a rookie. Please somebody make a change to this!!! Other then that the show is pretty good.
Yes, I thought the same thing & actually googled the show to see if there were any reviews!
What a crock. No way would in her dreams be a FBI agent. What a joke. I will definitely not watch this.
Can’t stand Niecy Nash in this role. We wanted to like it because of the original Rookie. We gave it a chance but Niecy is so annoying we will not be watching anymore episodes.
I agree! It’s the epitome of unprofessional and unrealistic!
I totally agree! AND half the crap she says has so many sexual innuendos she would never make it… she would have a dozen sexual harassment accusations every episode. Ridiculous! I love the rookie… really wanted to like this. I’m afraid people will stop watching both because of the damage this show is doing to the whole franchise. Side note, the rest is bearable…clean her act up, make it more real and professional before it’s too late.
Worse show ever. A total disgrace to the FBI.
BOOBS. BOOBS. BOOBS. That is all this show is selling.
Shame on you ABC!!!
I agree. Stupid show. Not a police dept. Im the world would let a detective or any employee runaround with 2 inches of makeup piled on their faceand boobs hangout with top cut down. To her waist. False eyelashes.
Looked cheaper than undercover hooker!!!!
I totally agree, WTH. I don’t think FBI agents dress like that. She needs to try a turtleneck!
I agree. Don’t like this show. Needs to stop showing breaststroke and wear better clothes. Sorry it’s all about her. There are other actors too.
This show will not last long at all. So sad that ABC has invested money in this spinoff to only lose viewers due to the amount of inappropriate cleavage shown. I get disgusted each time the camera pan around to this woman. Have some class for black women around the world and young ladies that follow.
Sincerely,
Coming from a big breasted woman who actually finds bra that fits!
I agree. This is a very bad image for young women of any color. A self centered, loud mouth, know-it-all that has only large breasts to show in every shot. Even character of dad tells her to unbutton one more. Thoroughly disgusting. Watched 2 episodes hoping for something decent to watch. Could not tolerate her ‘acting’ any longer.
I agree! We love all tv cop shows, we watch SWAT, the regular FBI, and Chicago PD so we thought we would like this new Rookie Feds, WRONG the whole show is about that ladies cleavage, boobs, her loud voice. We hate it as it’s not a good cop show, it’s just plain weird as I can’t imagine any of the other cop shows we watch that would do that to their viewers. ABC loses credibility on this one.
I agree I doubt FBI agent’s dress like her!
Who cares about the age requirement it’s the constant outrageous big cleavage hanging out.
We watched about 10 minutes of the first show “disgusting”, then though maybe the 2 nd won’t be as bad thinking she might cover up, she didn’t it was just as disgusting.
NO law enforcement officer would dress like this, unless of course if they are undercover dressed as a hooker.
Agreed. This is not a good reflection on women. Too much boobs. It looks very inappropriate!
I really love the rookie so I was looking forward to watching this! I am sorry I cannot take her seriously especially when you look at her all you see is BOOBS! Niecey it is an insult to woman to think you need to show these assets to get people to like the show. This is my primary reason for not watching the show and not getting through the second episode.
I am so glad that i am not the only one that thinks that about neicy.
Actresses have came a long way to be taken seriously. I can’t watch any more.
If you want to be taken seriously, button up.
Its a shame cause i like the rookie.
Completely agree. I loved the Rookie as well. This show is terrible! It is because of Simone! A pathetic character!
I really liked this show but with the way the star dresses I think it would be best to just remove her clothes from the waist up since she is determined to look like a slut why not help her along. What kind of example is she setting for the younger set. If the FBI are suppose to be professional this makes them out to be the laughing stock of law enforcement. What a joke. Hope it cleans up!
I agree!
I love the show!! Ms. Nash makes the show!! It does show where she’s calming her voice!! People watching the show know it’s not the actual FBI!! PLEASE, just enjoy the show!
I completely agree with these comments…The Rookie is one of my favorite programs and I really looked forward to this but the premises within the plot and sub plots are so unrealistic as to be laughable and there is NO WAY a personality like hers or his would be allowed. There is already so much on TV that speaks so poorly about the FBI that I had really hoped this would not be like a “slap-stick” parody. Such a missed opportunity.
I know i’m going to get slammed for this but even if we ignore
– The age limit
– The fact she seems unable to obey any order and her annoying personality
– The absolutely riciulous constant cleavage which would probably be forbidden in any professional place
Isn’t there any physical test before joining the FBI ? aren’t you supposed to be able to run and be in a general good shape ?
I know about the whole body positivity thing but still…
I agree!! Too much cleavage!! OMG!!
I totally agree. Is her dress code appropriate for an FBI agent? Come on!
I agree! I am a woman, but I get sick of seeing cleavage everywhere. I wish women still had some modesty. I like her normally, but her voice was driving me crazy and had to turn it
Agree!!!! Worst show ever!
aside from the rest of the rubbish storyline, how come nobody reported a firetruck and 4 firemen missing to the local police
Unfortunately, this show won’t last. It’s cute but between all of her Large cleavage and the over the top acting I’m already not interested in the show. I wish they had made it more like the Rookie and gave it some substance.
I agree. Don’t like this show! Too much bust!
Her voice is WAY too annoying to get through the first episode
This show is a disgrace for law enforcement and black women. Nash is beyond unbelievable. Can we just go ahead and acknowledge that NO-ONE in federal law enforcement would permit such inappropriate dress? Her oversized, gigantic breast are always on display and add to her ridiculousness. The acting is subpar and she is WAY over the top (as she is in everything). Horrible casting choice. I went back and finished the first episode and tried REALLY hard to watch the second but I had to just stop. I felt like I was losing intelligence the longer I watched this train wreck of a show. Hollywood should be ashamed of themselves being “low-key” (or maybe not) portraying black women as idiots and character-versions of successful, intelligent women.
I couldn’t agree more!
AMEN Christie. It plays as a Comedy, but herr “spillage” is a distraction (Sunday night’s white dress was ridiculous). If you have to resort to this for male ratings, it’s SAD. I can watch this realizing it doesn’t represent reality, and she’s quirky enough to be likeable, but bouncing boobs makes her look like one.
Agree. This show is a bad joke.
This show is utterly ridiculous! I didn’t last an episode.
I literally googled key words to find someone who was brave enough to write about the impossibility for a 47 year old to be an FBI rookie! That’s 10-11 yrs past the deadline!
The entire show is based on her age, so it’s already derailed.
I hope your article reaches far and wide. It’s not like Reno 911, where absolutely nothing had to be accurate because it was slapstick. The Rookie is drama with a hint of comedy… Not supposed to be slapstick; therefore a level of accuracy is needed, especially when it’s a fact than cannot be twisted, turned or manipulated in any way shape or form.
I agree. The premise of Rookie:Feds just doesn’t work.
You’re so right. I wish the producers and writers had done more research.
Agree…stop before it starts airing. Nash needs to get a job where she covers up her old age cleavage as its obvious the broadcast wants to flaunt, but not attractive, cover up.
I agree with the cleavage comment. I’m sure they can find some more appropriate tops for her. Other than that it seems like a good show. I’m sure Feds don’t dress like that
What a woke load of crap! You got the age requirements wrong. It’s 37 because agents are forced to retire at 57 and that gets them to a 20 year retirement. If the story is how unfeasible, why would I watch this crap show?
No. I got the age requirement right. You can be 36 and join the FBI but you cannot have reached your 37th birthday.
From the FBIJobs.gov website:
“You must complete the SASS process and enter on duty no later than the day before your 37th birthday.”
I like how they tried to correct YOU … an actual FBI agent LOL!
“Woke”? How is it “woke” to dismiss a TV show starring a Black actor? I would expect that if the reviewer had said it’s a great show because it stars a Black woman. Do you have a problem with the reviewer saying he likes Niecy Nash?
I think you guys just use “woke” as an insult for everything.
Wake up.
I wish people who don’t know what woke means would stop using the word.
First, I’m sorry I called you “he” even with your picture right there and everything!
Second, the only people who even use “woke” are the people who don’t know what it means.
Wokeness has nothing to do with it. Blame the ignorance on the writers and producers of this mess of a show.
Will never watch this unrealistic crap! You mentioned the age requirement, which you got wrong, but the character is annoying as crap.
I must correct you. I got the age requirement right. You can be 36 and join the FBI but you cannot have reached your 37th birthday. 37 year olds need not apply.
From the FBIJobs.gov website:
“You must complete the SASS process and enter on duty no later than the day before your 37th birthday.”