Season 8 of ABC's police procedural drama, "The Rookie," is poised to deliver another explosive installment, following a major plot twist at the conclusion of Season 7. The Mid-Wilshire police department faces new challenges as Monica Stevens, portrayed by Bridget Regan, has brokered an immunity deal, leaving them to contend with the mastermind behind recent events. Simultaneously, the District Attorney's office saw Sean Del Monte (Michael Trucco) withdraw from the D.A. race after a violent attack by the Eastern Front while with his son, setting the stage for potential shifts in leadership.

Shawn Ashmore, who plays A.D.A. Wesley Evers, recently shed light on several key developments for his character and the upcoming season. Ashmore discussed Wesley's potential entry into the District Attorney race, acknowledging the opportunity. Reflecting on Wesley's journey from defense attorney to A.D.A., Ashmore notes that the question of him stepping into a D.A. role has always been a looming possibility, and Season 8 may explore this opportunity further.

A significant aspect of Wesley's professional life in Season 8 involves his intricate relationship with Monica Stevens. Ashmore revealed that Wesley was initially kept in the dark about Monica's immunity deal in the Season 7 finale. If it were up to him, Wesley would prefer to keep as much distance as possible from his ex. However, recognizing Monica's value as an asset to the FBI in ongoing cases, Wesley, as a professional, will prioritize what is right for the scenario. Despite this professional stance, Wesley remains acutely aware of Monica's self-centered nature and maintains his guard when dealing with her. Ashmore clarified that Wesley has unequivocally communicated his position to both Angela and Monica, emphasizing that he has moved on from his past relationship with Monica and is content in his current marriage to Angela.

The return of Liam Glasser (Seth Gabel), the murderer last seen in Season 7, Episode 15, talking to Abigail Tierney, presents a major obstacle for Wesley in the new season. Ashmore confirmed that the Liam Glasser murder case from the previous year will continue to create friction and challenging situations for Wesley moving forward. This storyline will necessitate increased collaboration with Mekia Cox, who plays Detective Nyla Harper, given Harper's significant involvement in the original case and the ensuing fallout from how certain aspects were handled.

Beyond professional challenges, fans can anticipate more scenes depicting the cherished relationship between Angela (Alyssa Diaz) and Wesley. Ashmore enthusiastically confirmed that Season 8 will feature "great, great scenes" and significant relationship development between the couple. He expressed his enjoyment, and that of Diaz, in portraying their simple, one-on-one family moments. The show will continue to explore their slightly antagonistic, yet endearing, "push and pull" dynamic, which Ashmore finds to be a lot of fun for the actors and contributes to the characters' charm. Angela's strong will and refusal to "go softly into the night" is precisely what Wesley loves about her, making their dynamic work well.

"The Rookie" Season 8 is scheduled to premiere on January 6 on ABC in the U.S., promising to delve deeper into these character arcs and unfolding plotlines.