The Rookies

Season 3

The exploits of three rookie police officers in a large unnamed Southern California city are followed in this weekly series. Mike Danko is a married former marine, Willie Gillis is a recent college graduate and Terry Webster joined the police as part of a special minority recruitment plan. Their supervisor is Lt. Eddie Riker and Jill is Mike's worried wife who works as a nurse at the local hospital.

Where to Watch Season 3

24 Episodes

An Ugly Way to Die
E1
Episode 1An Ugly Way to DieAfter Officer Gillis departs from the precinct, Webster reluctantly accepts rookie Chris Owens as his new partner. Fresh from the academy, Officer Owens is eager to help Webster catch an arsonist who's purposely killing firemen.
Key Witness
E2
Episode 2Key WitnessThe 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 to give information to the rookies. They do not know that the killers are now after the witnesses.
Legacy of Death
E3
Episode 3Legacy of DeathChris 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 compensation.
Death at 6 A.M.
E4
Episode 4Death at 6 A.M.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 partner is killed, but Chris wonders whether the dangers of police life are worth it.
Walk a Tightrope
E5
Episode 5Walk a TightropeTwo 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
E6
Episode 6JudgmentThe 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 their next target when he prevents their plans for the judge.
Johnny Lost His Gun
E7
Episode 7Johnny Lost His GunA drug bust goes down, but Terry chases one of dealers, who gets away. An old friend of Mike's from Vietnam shows up, but seems cagey. Chris and Terry come to believe, after a bit of investigation, it appears that Mike's friend is a drug pusher. Mike goes to have a talk with Johnny, but the drug pushers take both Mike and Johnny hostage. Not all is at it seems, however.
Prelude to Vengeance
E8
Episode 8Prelude to VengeanceThe 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 charged with the robbery.
Vendetta
E9
Episode 9VendettaMike Danko is teamed with Pete McCall who is returning to the force after being severely wounded ten years previously. Unknown to anyone Pete is planning vengeance on Tivoli and Ducas, the two responsible for his injuries.
The Old Neighborhood
E10
Episode 10The Old NeighborhoodLt. Ryker goes back to his old neighborhood and finds old friends and an old love being threatened by a vicious protection racket. Everyone is terrified to finger the guilty parties until a teenager, who could have been Ryker's son, takes action.
A Test of Courage
E11
Episode 11A Test of CourageIt's a test of courage for Terry's friend Johnny Dane when he's shot in both legs during a gun battle with two thieves who rob sporting goods stores of guns. Johnny's challenge, what if he loses a leg?
The Assassin
E12
Episode 12The AssassinA 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 to assassinate.
Blue Christmas
E13
Episode 13Blue ChristmasIt'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 entertaining their niece who is upset over her parents' separation.
Take Over
E14
Episode 14Take OverAfter a syndicate boss is arrested, his thugs takeover the precinct with the help of an ex-police officer. They aim to free their boss and his ailing brother, but they soon find out that Ryker and Webster aren't about to let that happen.
The Saturday Night Special
E15
Episode 15The Saturday Night SpecialReturning vacationers purchase a gun for protection, but a burglar shoots the owner, who is paralyzed. The gun goes on a journey, from teens, to a punk murderer, to the punk's cousin A liquor store owner is killed. The teen makes an attempt to find the gun so he can turn the gun in.
The Hunting Ground
E16
Episode 16The Hunting GroundMike gets a new partner he shares a lot of common interest with. But Luke is a man obsessed, blurring the lines between law and vengeance. When Mike fears he'll become just like him, he quits. Terry pleads with him to change his mind. Mike realizes he is a good cop.
Solomon's Dilemma
E17
Episode 17Solomon's DilemmaA 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 boy illegally and the kidnappers are the natural parents.
Angel
E18
Episode 18AngelThe rookies must find ample evidence to arrest Tommy, who introduces young girls into unsavory careers for monetary gain.
The Shield
E19
Episode 19The ShieldAn officer is shot and killed by a man who assaulted a woman in her home. Officer Webster isn't sure if the man they've arrested for the crime is the right man even though the victim and three officers at the scene positively identify him. The Rookies must discover if it's a case of mistaken identity.
S.W.A.T. (1)
E20
Episode 20S.W.A.T. (1)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 Webster. (This Rookies episode served as the pilot for the S.W.A.T. series).
S.W.A.T. (2)
E21
Episode 21S.W.A.T. (2)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 rookie Terry Webster.
A Deadly Image
E22
Episode 22A Deadly ImageA 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 persuades her to use her friendship with Ryker for his criminal gain.
Cliffy
E23
Episode 23CliffyA young mentally - challenged man witnesses a murder. Written by Mark Slade, who plays Cliffy and directed by Georg Stanford Brown, who plays Terry. Cliff's dream is to be a policeman. In the meantime, the killers keep an eye on Cliffy, while prejudiced neighbors want him to move out.
Nightmare
E24
Episode 24NightmareKate 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, who claims to be a doctor.