Titus Makin From ‘The Rookie’ Explains Hesitation on Returning to Season 3 Production
Titus Makin, who plays Jackson West, battled with leaving The Rookie after the police brutality with Breonna Taylor and George Floyd came to light, not wanting to continue the show without addressing the political situation.
The following article may contain spoilers to The Rookie, please read at your discretion
“A lot of people are finding a voice, and I found that for myself, where I was like, ‘Oh wow, I’ve been complacent,'” Makin tells Entertainment Weekly, “I woke up one morning and I was watching the news, and I was like, ‘I can’t do this. I can’t go play a cop on a show and not talk about the fact that I’m a Black cop.’ My character hadn’t addressed any of that.”
Makin also explains how he brought his concerns to the showrunner, Alexi Hawley. According to Makin, Hawley was understanding and open to exploring the idea on the show, instead of choosing to ignore the problem that reflected the importance of the “Black Lives Matter” movement.
I am immensely grateful to @titusmakin for being so frank and open with me about his journey returning to #TheRookie this season & the crucial role tonight’s episode played.https://t.co/r9lTsPJHe9
— Maureen Lee Lenker (@themaureenlee) January 18, 2021
As a result, The Rookie and Makin began diving into the subject matter of racism within the criminal justice system on Sunday, January 17 with the new episode, “La Fiera.” Hopefully, this will continue through the new season so fans can see more of this side of the show, educating the importance of reform within the criminal justice system. Right now, systemic racism is a heavily active topic, with many calling for more light on the issue, especially in the entertainment industry.
The Rookie: Titus Makin on Jackson’s decision, season 3 – This is an amazing interview. I’m so glad TPTB were not only willing to discuss @titusmakin’s concerns but incorporate them into the storyline. https://t.co/k1Jox5ZdQE
— Kristin (크리스틴) (@cabooklover) January 18, 2021
The show used West’s, portrayed by Makin, new training officer, Doug Stanton, to shed light on the racial injustice when profiling. In “La Fiera”, Stanton continuously made micro-aggressions and ended up tackling then arresting a young African American man who didn’t fit any part of the suspect description, except the ethnicity. The situation between Stanton and the young man quickly escalated when Stanton pulled out his loaded pistol and pointed it at the “suspect’s” face when the family, who was unarmed, pleaded for the officer to stop. West, appalled by the situation, reported Stanton to Sgt. Grey, who proposed an investigation, but West persisted that more action and repercussion should be taken to avoid incidents like those.
you’re the man @titusmakin on and off screen! so grateful you are part of a show that is allowing for and advocating for these stories to be told and these conversations to be had. Jackson is a hero and has come so far, proud to see him stand up and fight back against injustice👏🏼 https://t.co/Zgb3PkAXh8 pic.twitter.com/pdNkUySNGG
— Rachel (@Rachie323) January 18, 2021
As a show about patrol officers, it is important to Makin that they continue to explore and expose the injustices of the police force on The Rookie, giving a critical voice to the climate around him.
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