With the end of the official 2010-2011 TV season just around the corner, we here at theTVaddict.com thought now might be as good a time as any to assure our fellow TV Addicts that all is not lost. Suffice it to say, there will be plenty of reasons to avoid those so-called “great outdoors” this summer and ample opportunity to unwind on your comfy, albeit heavily air conditioned, couch. And here with your first of those reasons are stars Missy Peregrym and Gregory Smith with a preview of ROOKIE BLUE’s much anticipated second season.
ROOKIE BLUE caught everyone’s attention last summer with its heart-felt and personable tales of a quartet of rookie police officers enduring the trials and tribulations of their first year. Returning for its second season, the red-hot summer series returns with a bang when one of the team gets shot, which sends after-shocks and ripple-effects throughout the upcoming season.
Missy Peregrym and Gregory Smith took time out of their busy schedules to share a bit about the show and what to expect.
Commenting first about the astounding success of the series, both Missy and Greg admitted that the show’s first season ratings exceeded their wildest expectations. They were initially nervous to see how it would do in a competitive primetime timeslot during the difficult summer months. But, as the ratings came in each week, they were stunned. In fact, one of their producers told them to not get too excited because there must have been some mistake. But the ratings were in fact that good and the second season pick-up was quickly ordered. To have that boost of confidence from both the viewers and the network has made it a pleasure to work on the show.
Then, despite comparisons to other procedural dramas, Missy and Greg said that their focus is strictly to do the best job possible on a show that is giving them creatively a lot to work with. They love the dual exploration into their character’s personal and professional lives; and the second season will continue with that tension between the professional/personal lives of the rookies and how each affects the other.
Providing a few teasers of what to expect, Missy shared that her character Andy is now living with her boyfriend Luke and while that is great, some tension arises when Luke’s ex-girlfriend and ex-partner transfers into the division. The fact that this other woman clearly wants him back and is a ranking superior to Andy stirs up a brewing problem.
Despite the personal tensions, due to the fact that neither Andy nor Dov (Greg’s character) need training officers this season, it places them in positions where they have to rely on themselves and each other. In addition, they are now able to delegate responsibilities, choose their own partner, and they will be the first on the scene – which means they have to be ready for anything; and being on the frontlines and in charge means you can be a target too – as Andy quickly finds out.
Another change that will be felt is Andy’s heightened awareness that Sam is no longer her training officer, which had made it taboo for them to date. With Luke’s ex back and causing problems, that previously forbidden opportunity will weigh on Andy’s mind as the season unfolds.
Then talking about how he prepared for both the physical and mental aspects of the role, Greg humorously shared that he did some extra training – just keep up with Missy! In all seriousness, he said they all had participated in cop boot-camp before season one and he also did a few ride-alongs in order to get a feel for what that aspect of the job actually felt like. Thus, he can see the parallels between the reality versus what is portrayed on the show – though reality is a lot more dangerous and taxing. He also admitted that he loves his character Dov’s misguided enthusiasm and roll-n-roll attitude, which creates a lot of opportunities to watch Dov squirm. He also said that this season stories will show more of Dov’s personal life and a little bit more of his serious side, which will help the audience understand why he is the way he is.
Both Missy and Greg also admitted that they have taken more initiative to talk to the writers this season, pitching ideas for their characters. Though Missy said that she was very satisfied with where the writers have taken her character. Both Greg and Missy admitted that they love delving more into the characters after reading each script and appreciate the open door policy with the writers.
Finally, as a big tease – and perhaps a fake storyline — as for what Greg would like to see more of for Dov, he joked that he thinks Dov has a man-crush on Sam. Though he sheepishly admits the writers have not really taken the bait on that idea. So to help foster the idea subliminally, Greg goes out of his way to mimic his co-star Ben Bass in scenes. It is all ‘cause Sam Swarek is such a bad-ass and, in his mind, Dov thinks it would be cool to be more like him.
So with a physical trauma, a few wrinkles in the Andy-Luke relationship and Dov’s secret fascination with Sam, the second season of ROOKIE BLUE promises to be a fun-filled ride. Be sure to tune in when ROOKIE BLUE returns on Thursday, June 23rd at 10PM on ABC (Global TV in Canada) 
Tiffany Vogt is a contributing writer to TheTVAddict. She has a great love for television and firmly believes that entertainment is a world of wondrous adventures that deserves to be shared and explored – she invites you to join her. Please feel free to contact Tiffany at Tiffany_Vogt_2000@yahoo.com or follow her at on Twitter (@TVWatchtower).