Why Captain Zoe Andersen Was Killed By Rookie – Her Death Explained

Although death is part of the job in the procedural process focused on the LAPD The newbiethe passing of Captain Zoe Andersen (Mercedes Mason) was particularly shocking. The newbie is now entering its seventh season and, across more than 100 episodes, has chronicled the career trajectory of John Nolan (Nathan Fillion), who began the series as the LAPD’s oldest rookie, graduating from the Police Academy at age 40. . He eventually trained new crops of officers, but in the first season, very few people trusted the older rookie.

However, one person who realized Nolan’s value was Captain Andersen. Having served in the United States Pentagon Police and the Navy, Andersen brought a work ethic full of discipline and order to the LAPD. But although she was extremely strict and tough, she was also compassionate and caring, traits that many TV cops lack. Andersen recognized that Nolan’s life experience as a 45-year-old rookie was an advantage on the job, not a hindrance. During their time together, Andersen really took him under his wing, which is why his death in The newbie the first season hit Nolan particularly hard.

Captain Zoe Andersen was shot dead by Midas in the first season’s debut

The rookie showrunners didn’t plan to kill her off, but opted for dramatic effect

In one of The newbieof the most disturbing deaths, Captain Zoe Andersen was killed in Season 1, Episode 16, “Greenlight” in a deadly altercation with Southern Front gang member Cole Midas. (Grant Harvey). In the episode, Andersen and Nolan are ambushed and restrained by Midas’ gang. Tied to a chair, Andersen is thrown into a pool and drowned. But Andersen proved to be a heroic fighter to the end. She is able to not only free herself, but also dismiss several gang members in a shootout. Unfortunately, Midas is fatally shot in the neck by Andersen.

Andersen’s death not only showed that she was a strong and formidable police captain, but also that no one is safe in The newbie. Police procedurals see their characters in extreme life-or-death scenarios for seasons on end, but it’s rare for many members of the main cast to be killed off. Andersen’s death is a punch in the gut not only for John Nolan, but also for fans of The newbieand that’s exactly why she was removed from the show, despite that not being the original intention. Showrunner Alexi Hawley said in X“…we talked about it in the writers’ room. But ultimately, it felt like the most dramatic and powerful way to impact our story.“

Where is Captain Anderson actress Mercedes Mason now

Mason has made appearances on NCIS: Los Angeles and American Horror Stories

Before being released The newbie, Captain Andersen actress Mercedes Mason was no stranger to police procedural series. She appeared as a guest star in The closest, NCIS, CSI: NYand Castle (starring her The newbie co-star Nathan Fillion), to name a few. However, Mason’s other most notable role besides Mason was as the doomed Ofelia Salazar in Fear the undeadfeaturing the actress in a much more antagonistic role than Captain Andersen.

After your passing The newbie, Mason continued to appear on TV shows, as the recurring character DEA Agent Talia Del Campo in NCIS: Los Angeles and as Michelle in an episode of American Horror Stories. She also appeared in the film Little Dixie like Julie Reed and Guns and Moses as Liat Rosner. Although her IMDb page doesn’t list any upcoming projects, it should only be a matter of time before Mercedes Mason appears on TV screens again. As she proved in The newbieshe is the heart and soul of any project she appears in.