The Rookies: Season 3
Season 3 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of The Rookies Season 2.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 3 Progress Shield
An Ugly Way to Die
Sep 9, 1974
Terry Webster breaks in his new partner, junior rookie Chris Owens, searching for an arsonist. Someone is responsible for the murder of several firemen, all young, dark-haired and
Key Witness
Sep 23, 1974
The murder of a construction company owner is witnessed by a woman and her married boyfriend, a doctor. Because of the possibility of a scandal, the doctor will not allow the girl
Legacy of Death
Sep 30, 1974
Chris is partnered with a patrolman who gets involved in suicidal situations so that he might be killed in the line of duty and his family would be secure with financial compensati
Death at 6 A.M.
Oct 7, 1974
Four young people out for excitement in a stolen pickup become fugitives from the law when their fun turns into murder and robbery. Rookie Chris Owens is on the case after his part
Walk a Tightrope
Oct 21, 1974
Two law students, seeking revenge for the death of a girl, frame Terry Webster, whom they hold responsible for the murder of a store guard.
Judgment
Oct 28, 1974
The son and daughter of a man who recently died in prison are determined to kill the judge who sentenced him. The rookies must guard the judge and find the criminals. Terry becomes
Johnny Lost His Gun
Nov 4, 1974
Mike is alarmed to find out from his wife and fellow rookies that an old Air Force friend of his is a heroin pusher.
Prelude to Vengeance
Nov 11, 1974
The rookies befriend the girlfriend of a robber after Terry delivers her baby and in return becomes the criminal's target. Unless the rookies can catch this man, the girl will be c
Vendetta
Nov 18, 1974
A policeman who was injured in a market holdup returns to the force after a ten year recovery, in pursuit of the man he thinks is responsible for shooting him.
The Old Neighborhood
Nov 25, 1974
Lt. Ryker steps from behind his desk to investigate a protection racket in the neighborhood where he grew up.
A Test of Courage
Dec 2, 1974
The Rookies must find those responsible for holding up gun shops throughout the city.
The Assassin
Dec 9, 1974
A photographer friend of Chris' accidentally catches a hired assassin in one of her shots. The rookies must protect the girl and at the same time figure out who this man is trying
Blue Christmas
Dec 16, 1974
It's Christmas Eve and after settling a number of routine disturbances around town, the rookies enjoy a Christmas dinner at the home of Jill and Mike Danko. Jill and Mike are also
Take Over
Dec 30, 1974
After a syndicate boss is arrested, the rest of the gang plot to take over and continue their work. They are intent on killing Lt. Ryker. The rookies must put the rest of this
The Saturday Night Special
Jan 13, 1975
The dangers of owning a gun are explored when the rookies have to avenge the accidental shooting of a man who bought a gun to protect his family.
The Hunting Ground
Jan 20, 1975
Mike's eager new partner proves to be a little too eager when he is found spending his off hours hunting for pushers because his younger brother died of an overdose.
Solomon's Dilemma
Jan 27, 1975
A woman's son is kidnapped in a supermarket parking lot but when questioned by the rookies she denies the entire incident. Her and her husband are afraid because they adopted the b
Angel
Feb 3, 1975
The rookies must find ample evidence to arrest Tommy, who introduces young girls into unsavory careers for monetary gain.
The Shield
Feb 10, 1975
The rookies are involved in a case of mistaken identity when they charge the wrong man with the murder of a policeman.
S.W.A.T. (1)
Feb 17, 1975
Harrelson is the head of the Special Weapons and Tactics team, a unit trained to handle unusually volatile situations. His hard-nosed attitude about police work irks rookie Terry W
S.W.A.T. (2)
Feb 17, 1975
Conclusion. Harrelson is the head of the Special Weapons and Tactics team, a unit trained to handle unusually volatile situations. His hard-nosed attitude about police work irks ro
A Deadly Image
Feb 24, 1975
A look into Lt. Ryker's more sensetive side has him befriending a young, mixed-up girl who reminds him of the daughter he was forced to give up for adoption. The girl's boyfriend p
Cliffy
Mar 3, 1975
A mentally retarded man, who longs to be a policeman, witnesses a murder in a gas station. But he has difficulty informing the police of what he saw.
Nightmare
Mar 17, 1975
Kate Jackson takes center stage in this thriller-styled episode. After being involved in a car accident on a stormy night an injured Jill becomes the prisoner of a disturbed man, w