There is no denying that The Rookie was always destined for success. It was on a major network, had an intriguing hook, and featured a stacked cast of industry veterans. Although Nathan Fillion’s titular rookie is the central point of the show, there is no doubt that the TV series is made stronger by its ensemble. Their relationships, their dynamics, and shared history give a sense of familiarity that is all too easy for viewers to connect with. However, beyond the screen, certain actors have shared history and surprising connections. For instance, both Eric Winter and Jenna Dewan got their start in soap operas before transitioning to primetime TV. Dewan and Winter also played love interests in Witches of East End. Surprisingly, there’s a more interesting connection between Nathan Fillion and Melissa O’Neil.
While on screen, Fillion and O’Neil’s characters have a romantic history that’s long been forgotten on the show; as actors, however, both have had high-flying adventures in space. Before joining The Rookie, both Nathan Fillion and Melissa O’Neil coincidentally played captains of spaceships with crews of lovable rogues. What are the chances?
‘Firefly’ and ‘Dark Matter’ Deliver Two Distinct Sci-Fi Adventures
While Firefly, which starred Fillion as Mal Reynolds, was a critically acclaimed space western that has since garnered a loyal following and cult classic status, O’Neil’s Dark Matter remains vastly underrated. Dark Matter, which debuted in 2015, featured a crew who wake up on a spaceship with no recollection of who they are or what they are up to. Before long, they soon find themselves as reluctant vigilantes fighting for the little guy. While that premise is interesting enough, Dark Matter comes with its fair share of twists. O’Neil’s character, Two, steps up to lead this ragtag group — and she’s a certified bad-ass doing so. But that begs the question, besides just being space captains, what do O’Neil’s Two and Fillion’s Mal have in common?
Mal and Two Are More Than Just Space Captains
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It takes more than flying a ship to be considered a leader. Both Mal and Two are confident, decisive, and have storied pasts. While Mal has Fillion’s signature wit and charm, there’s an edge to it. He is not wide-eyed and trusting like The Rookie’s John Nolan or smug and like Castle’s Richard Castle, Malcolm Reynolds is a man who has been to war and survived. Mal fought for the Independents during the Unification War against the Alliance, and this undoubtedly had a massive influence on his character, especially fighting for the right cause and losing the war. Now, at the time of Firefly’s events, all the captain wants is to just keep himself and his crew alive.
Much like Mal, there’s a hard edge to Two as well. She is, after all, a criminal. Being the second to wake up on the Raza, she is dubbed Two. But when her dark past — along with that of the crew — is revealed, we discover her name is Portia Lin. Originally known as Rebecca, her backstory — like the rest of the crew’s — is anything but straightforward.
Both Mal and Portia have layered and complicated pasts. Portia, though, is on the Galactic Authority’s most wanted list for murder, arson, assault, theft, and piracy. As Two, however, she is kind, compassionate, and much like Mal, wants nothing more than to protect her crew. What’s interesting is that in an age with notable space captains like James T. Kirk, who are clear-cut heroes, we get the two who aren’t afraid to get their hands a little dirty. Admittedly, Two exists in deeper shades of gray than Mal. Still, it is always appreciated when our light-flying heroes exist beyond the established mould of grand heroes. Sadly, Firefly was wrongly and unfairly canceled after one season, while Dark Matter lasted for three seasons.
‘The Rookie’ Shows Us What Versatility Really Looks Like
By the very nature of their profession, actors often take on varied and different characters as a demonstration of their versatility and talents, so it comes as no surprise that their characters in The Rookie are completely different from their spacefaring roles. In The Rookie, Fillion’s John Nolan is optimistic and earnest — a stark difference from Mal’s hardened, pragmatic persona. However, both characters are played with equal tenacity and earnestness. While there is no illusion that John and Mal would be friends, there’s room to believe that they would have won each other over, developing a begrudging respect thanks to the fact that they are cut from the same cloth.
Just like John and Mal, Lucy Chen and Two are as different as night and day, but Melissa O’Neil is formidable as both. While Two is naturally suspicious and is always on guard, Lucy, even as a police officer who has been through a lot, still wants to see the best in people and every circumstance. Much like Nolan. In fact, she also shares Nolan’s optimism and unwavering hope in people. While Two and Lucy may be on opposite ends of the spectrum, Lucy is able to be a badass without Two’s hardened shell or emotional armor. It’s a comforting reminder of the complexity and varied nature of feminine strength. For all the adventures The Rookie delivers, we will sadly never see John, Lucy, and the Mid-Wilshire Patrol Division officers in space. Not that we’re complaining, the chaos we do get to see on the show is just as fun.
Want to watch John Nolan and Lucy Chen take no prisoners? The Rookie is now streaming on Hulu.
