Not everyone in The Rookie is as genuine as they initially seem. After Nolan is betrayed by Armstrong in the Season 2 finale, it becomes clear that few people are worthy of viewers' trust. The main cast continues to prove their loyalty to the LAPD, but secondary characters remain difficult to read.
In comparison to other police procedurals, The Rookie has a relatively small ensemble. It focuses on its core characters, and little information is given on the reoccurring. Although they aren't antagonists, there are a handful of characters who can be considered low-key villains.
Yvonne Thorsen
Yvonne's excessive personality isn't at all surprising given the Thorsen family's fame. She has a flare for the dramatic and a tendency to take things over the top. While she is one of the more entertaining characters in The Rookie Season 4, Yvonne prioritizes her public image over Aaron.
She puts her son in uncomfortable situations that she believes will be beneficial and even lies about being in Paris at the time of Patrick's murder. Yvonne may not have been the killer, but her dishonesty and obsession over how she's perceived drive a wedge between her and Aaron.
Sterling Freeman
Jackson and Sterling had the potential to be one of the best couples in The Rookie, making Sterling's betrayal particularly disheartening. Up until Season 3 Episode 7, "True Crime," there's no reason for viewers to suspect he has less than honorable intentions.
It's difficult to consider him a villain because Sterling's feelings for Jackson are real from the beginning. However, he keeps a massive secret that ends their relationship. Not only does Sterling lie about his identity, but he hides his involvement with Corey's cult.
Smitty
The officers at Mid-Wilshire know better than to put their faith in Smitty. He cares very little about his job and only does what's needed to get by. Smitty is of little help when it comes to real police work, and attempts to sabotage Nolan when he runs against him for union representative.
As revealed in Season 4 Episode 16, "Real Crime," Smitty is directly responsible for the formation of QAnon. However, it's difficult to consider him a true villain, as Smitty inadvertently created the conspiracy group while trying to start the fanfiction club for This is Us.
Donovan
It's understandable why Donovan is initially hesitant to trust Nyla with their daughter. She can't parent while she's undercover and her line of work puts them all in danger. However, Nyla has one of The Rookie and she gives up her UC operation in order to be closer to Lila.
Donovan's behavior comes from a place of love and concern for his daughter, yet it's clear that Nyla has turned over a new leaf. He attempts to keep Lila from her mom after she returns, despite how hard Nyla fights to prove herself. The two eventually reconcile but are once again at odds after falling into bed together.
Isabel Bradford
Isabel isn't portrayed as a bad person, but the way she treats Tim is difficult to watch. She abandons her husband in the middle of the night and lashes out at him due to her drug addiction. Tim understands that Isabel is sick and does everything he can to help, but she takes advantage of his love for her.
Isabel asks him to remove illegal drugs from her apartment, knowing he could lose his job and go to jail for his involvement. Thankfully, Isabel gets the help she needs and makes amends with Tim. Yet, it's difficult to watch one of The Rookie be treated so poorly.
Pete Nolan
If there's one thing Pete is good at, it's causing chaos. Nolan and Pete are complete opposites, but that's part of what makes their dynamic so entertaining. Nolan can never turn down his little brother when he needs help, no matter how sticky the situation.
Unfortunately, Pete never learns from his mistakes, as exemplified when he shows up at Nolan's house in The Rookie Season 3. Although it turns out to be a false alarm, Pete ditches his girlfriend when he thinks she's pregnant.
Emmett Lang
Emmett is initially portrayed as a kind person and his interest in Lucy appears genuine, but there are many reasons why he can still be considered a low-key villain. Although his heart is in the right place, Emmett interferes when Tim teaches his rookie a stern lesson.
However, Lucy doesn't need to be saved. To make matters worse, Emmett breaks up with Lucy over text without so much as an explanation. His absence is likely due to actor availability, but the way he's written off paints Emmett in a bad light.
Skip Tracer Randy
Skip Tracer Randy is all-too-easy for viewers to love, but those on the show find it a bit more of a challenge. There's no denying that he's an entertaining presence, as his interactions with Nolan cater to the comedic side of the dramedy.
However, he makes dangerous calls and endangers lives on a case in order to obtain his bounty. Randy only ends up being a real threat to himself, but he can't be trusted to follow orders or be a team player.
Chris Sanford
Chris and Lucy's relationship doesn't bode well with fans who are rooting for Chenford to happen in The Rookie. Given the trajectory of the show, it's only a matter of time before the fan-favorite pairing comes to with what's between them. However, there are quite a few reasons why Chris puts viewers on edge.
Not only does he make a bad first impression, but Chris finds himself singing "Dream a Little Dream of Me"–the song Lucy sang when buried alive–right in front of her. Although it causes traumatic memories to resurface, Lucy believes Chris when he tells her it was an accident. Yet, this is just one of many red flags ing the theory that Chris is working with Rosalind.
Morris Mackey
Because of how quickly viewers become attached to Aaron, it's easy to feel his frustration. Morris is the source of much of Aaron's troubles, as he lets the reality show go too far. He cares little about Aaron's well-being and does whatever he can to cause drama on camera.
Morris's intrusion of Aaron's privacy and disrespect for his career causes an altercation with Patrick's father. The show starts to become a hindrance, rather than a way to rehabilitate the Thorsens' image. However, Every Rose has a Thorsen does exonerate Aaron, as Morris's murder exposes Patrick's killer.