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Why did Jackson leave The Rookie? – The exit in

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Why did Jackson leave The Rookie? – The exit in season 4

 Why did Jackson leave The Rookie? – The exit in season 4
Photo: Tony Rivetti/ABC
Entertainment

Why did Jackson leave The Rookie? – The exit in season 4

by John August 13, 2025

The Rookie, a crime drama crafted by Alexi Hawley for ABC, hails from the United States and follows the world of policing. It is making waves in Australia and is considered one of the most-watched series in Australia. One of its rising stars, Jackson, left the Rookie, sparking new discussion among the viewers. Fans were left shocked by the sudden departure of the much-loved character from the hit police drama.

This article explores why did Jackson leave the Rookie suddenly and the factors that led him to make this decision.   

Meet Jackson West in the Rookie   

In season one of The Rookie, Jackson West appeared as a young and aspiring officer in the Los Angeles Police Department. Titus Makin Jr. played the role of Jackson West as the son of the exalted International Affairs commander. He endured intense strain to meet expectations. His bravery, high ethical standards, and loyalty to his fellow officers significantly attracted the Australian audience over the years. 

His romantic chemistry with his partner and the guidance he received from the older officers helped him a lot in bringing warmth and relatability to the show. By the time the third season arrived, Jackson had become an essential character of the plotline. 

The abrupt exit in season 4

At the start of season 4, fans of The Rookie were shocked by a moment. In the very first episodes of the dramas, the character of Jackson encountered a heartbreaking ending, an unexpected and violent death that creates a very sad and shocking atmosphere in the show. This sudden departure was completely unexpected for the viewers, with no chance for the character to develop a goodbye arc. 

The swiftness of Jackson’s departure surprised every Australian fan watching online. Many rumours started to spread among the viewers perceived why the writer decided to wipe out a fan favourite character.  

Behind-the-scenes reasons for departure 

While the show itself gave Jackson an abrupt departure, the actual reason lies backstage. Titus Makin Jr., who appeared as Jackson West, suddenly left the Rookie due to concerns about portraying a Black police officer surrounded by real-world events like the Black Lives Matter movement.

He perceived it was crucial to address deep-rooted issues within policing, and the show’s portrayal did not fully address his concerns. Therefore, he decided to depart from the season, and his character was eventually written out with a short, off-screen death scene.  

Why did Jackson leave The Rookie?

Here is a more detailed breakdown of why Titus Makin Jr decided to depart from the Rookie:    

  • Personal opinions: Titus Makin Jr. felt obligated to face the issues of racial issues and police brutality, especially with incidents like the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.  
  • Legitimacy: Himself having issues with feeling comfortable playing the Black police officer when there is so much to recognise in the proprietary issues with police protocols.  He felt that, although representation in the show tried to take an assumed look at the issues, they still could not.
  • Exit strategy: Finally, Makin Jr. decided to leave the show, following his moral compass, and wanting to speak openly about his concerns. 
  • Character’s destiny: Jackson West was depicted as dead in the debut of season 4. He was shot by kidnappers in a short, on-screen death scene.  

Saying goodbye to Jackson West

The writer decided to portray Jackson’s character as dead instead of recasting the role. His unexpected death marked a major turning point in the series’ storyline. The sudden death also added emotional weight to the beginning of season 4. Jackson’s absence struck a chord with both the characters on screen and the audience watching at home. The reaction of the remaining squad was portrayed in a way that honoured bravery, sacrifice, and the authenticity of Jackson.

Australian fan reaction to Jackson’s exit 

The Australian fans expressed their heartfelt feelings of disappointment and sadness on social media platforms. Many of the fans suggested that Jackson’s arc still had ample opportunities, whether in the matter of professional growth, personal relationships, or guiding new officers. The views of Jackson were appreciated by others, acknowledging that actors often deal with complicated personal and job-related dilemmas that ordinary fans would rarely have insight into. 

The recent zeal of Titus Makin Jr. 

Titus Makin Jr. has kept a relatively low public profile after departing from The Rookie. He is focusing on his music career under the moniker Butterfly Ali, traversing various acting roles, being involved in different creative projects. He has launched new music and continues to develop his sound as an artist. It is also reported that Titus is involved in live performances and behind-the-scenes work related to his musical work. He expressed his gratitude to them for all the support that had been given to him for his art. 

Will Jackson West return on The Rookie?

In the medium of television, character resurrection mostly takes place, and this is especially true with drama. Jackson was no longer heard of again, nor did he ever show up again on The Rookie. No other version is mapped out to return him, therefore it now appears that now that they have gone through the trouble of sending him away in a proper manner, memory, best wishes, and/or perhaps some other universe must suffice.

Important takeaways for the viewers:

  • Jackson West was well-loved and an important character on The Rookie. 
  • His passing in season 4 was shocking and packed with emotion.
  • Titus Makin Jr.’s choice to depart from the Rookie was supposedly based on personal and creative factors.  
  • The show introduced his departure to begin a new story and explore the emotional impact on other characters. 

Conclusion  

To put it in a nutshell, the unexpected departure of Jackson West marked an unforgettable memory for Australian fans. His exit marked a game-changer for the series. While his presence is still missed, there is no doubt that both the show’s creator and Titus Makin Jr. made decisions that were well-suited to their respective future. Whether or not Aussie will see Jackson in The Rookie, his character left a legacy of bravery, loyalty, and solicitude that continues to resonate with fans.

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