Talk about a misfire – that’s been the status quo of Officer Andy McNally’s (Missy Peregrym) relationship with Detective Sam Swarek (Ben Bass) since season one of Universal Channel’s hit procedural drama, Rookie Blue. As fans are roped into an action-packed fifth instalment with fresh faces, including Erin Karpluk (Being Erica), viewers are dying to know what will become of this drawn-out see-saw situation, writes Debashine Thangevelo.
THERE’S nothing like a bit of romance to add some zing to a show. Let’s face it, we often enjoy indulging in the emotional upheavals of our favourite characters in shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Bones, Covert Affairs, Hawaii Five-0 and The Mentalist, to single out a few.
Romance, like comedy or action for that matter, has often proved to be the perfect foil in a series that is dominated by its genre-specific story arc. It also adds a palatable amount of dramatic tension.
That’s probably why Rookie Blue has attracted a global following. Well, that combined with its gritty crime storytelling perched on personal journeys.
Similar to Grey’s Anatomy where characters have to grow within a storyline to lend realism to their story, Rookie Blue has done the same, while adding fresh faces to ensure the title doesn’t become redundant as the series grows.
In the fifth instalment of Rookie Blue, the officers are still reeling from the aftermath at 15 Division. And Officer Andy McNally (Missy Peregrym, pictured) worries about Detective Sam Swarek, more so after admitting to still being in love with him after he was shot in the cliffhanger of season four.
There are also a few changes at the precinct with Inspector John Jarvis (played by Oliver Becker) now in charge and determined to run a very tight ship. He causes waves by appointing an unenthusiastic Oliver Shaw to staff sergeant.
In an interview with tvline.com, Peregrym opens up about what lies ahead for her character.
“For both characters, the focus isn’t about anybody else. It really isn’t. It’s about how they can work together to be the best that they can be. And yet in figuring that out, they will have to tackle some pretty huge challenges before the season’s over.”
Just to get viewers up to speed on what went down in season four: the loss of Sam’s best friend, Detective Barber, really affected him. Although he began dating Officer Marlo Cruz and Andy moved on with Nick Collins, they struggled to conceal their feelings for each other.
The actress shares: “Sam really likes to have it all together and he doesn’t like being exposed. Andy has a gift of being empathetic and vulnerable and all these things. But Sam protects himself from that. It’s very hard for him to feel safe in those scenarios. He’s going to be pushed more and more. And Andy is going to have to accept some circumstances and realities a little bit.”
Peregrym points out that the pervading theme this season is, “Life is not a fairy tale”.
As for breaking Nick’s heart, she reveals: “He was extremely transparent. They are both pretty similar in that regard. Now, she misses her friend. There’s not really a friendship there anymore and that’s obviously a loss. They are also great when they work together and that’s gone. But, other than that, it’s all about Sam. It always has been.”
On the work front, Andy has to now train rookie Duncan Moore (Matt Murray) – and he is proving to be more than a handful.
Let’s just say things end on a sour note and Andy feels betrayed by him, more so because “she cared about him and really wanted him to succeed”.
Looks like the complications in Andy’s life continue to grow legs. Well, at least her relationship is back on track… almost!
Rookie Blue airs on Universal Channel (DStv channel 117) on Wednesdays at 8.50pm.