Jackson West, portrayed by Titus Makin Jr., was unexpectedly written out of “The Rookie” in a dramatic turn of events. His character’s departure occurred in the Season 4 premiere, titled “Life and Death.” The episode revealed that Jackson, along with fellow officer Angela Lopez, was kidnapped in the Season 3 finale. His death was confirmed when security footage showed Jackson being shot in the back by his kidnappers.
This event marked the end of Titus Makin Jr.’s time as a series regular. The decision to kill off Jackson was a result of Makin’s personal choice not to return for the upcoming season. In an interview with TVLine, showrunner Alexi Hawley discussed how the team needed to wrap up Jackson’s story in a way that honored his importance to the show.
Makin had been a beloved character since his introduction as a rookie cop. Over the seasons, Jackson West became a key part of the team at the Los Angeles Police Department. His growth and development were central to the storyline, making his sudden death all the more impactful for fans.
The writers were tasked with creating a meaningful and respectful exit for Jackson. While the decision was ultimately made due to Makin’s choice to leave, they wanted to ensure his death wasn’t a trivial one. Jackson’s death was both tragic and significant, allowing the show to maintain its emotional weight while also closing a chapter on his character’s journey.

Jackson west and Angela Lopez (Image via Getty)
In the same interview, Hawley emphasized that the writers had a responsibility to ensure Jackson’s exit felt earned. The show had built up his character over several seasons, and it was important that his departure resonated with the audience. They carefully crafted his final moments to reflect the relationships he had built with his fellow officers, particularly Angela Lopez, who had been by his side since the beginning.
Jackson’s death was not just a plot device but a narrative decision that affected multiple characters. His absence left a noticeable void, particularly for Angela, who had developed a close bond with him. His death also marked a shift in the dynamic within the precinct, forcing the team to cope with the loss of a trusted friend and colleague.
Jackson West’s death was a carefully planned moment in the series, and it served as both a tribute to the character and a way to move the story forward. The decision to say goodbye to Jackson was ultimately a combination of Makin’s personal choice and the show’s need to evolve, making it one of the more emotional and memorable exits in the series.

A middle-aged man, John Nolan, starts fresh as the oldest rookie at the LAPD, balancing his life challenges while navigating police work, learning the ropes in a dangerous but rewarding profession. The show blends crime procedural drama with personal growth and relationships.
The F/V Saga was a staple of Deadliest Catch for over ten seasons, battling tough weather and facing mechanical issues. However, fans are left wondering what happened to the Saga and whether it will make a return to the show. Here’s a look into the ship’s journey and current situation.
The F/V Saga is no longer under the command of its former captain, Jake Anderson. It appears the ship is now up for sale. Fans began to worry when the Saga was missing from the first few episodes of Deadliest Catch Season 17. Although the ship had been in service for more than forty years, its absence from the show is not due to wear and tear.
Jake Anderson shared in a Deadliest Catch recap episode that he no longer owned the Saga, citing a situation he referred to as “squirrely.” This cryptic remark led fans on Reddit to speculate about the reasons behind the ship’s departure. One theory gaining traction was that co-owner Lenny Herzog faced some tax problems, which could explain the shift in ownership.

Jake Anderson (Image via Getty)
If the tax theory is accurate, the general consensus on Reddit is that Jake Anderson had little power over the situation. One user explained, “Jake pretty much-lost everything but his name in the deal. Once the IRS decides to take what they want, there isn’t anything you can do about it.”
In addition, there’s a possibility that the Saga is up for sale. A listing on DockStreetBrokers, which was shared on Reddit, appears to feature a ship identical to the Saga. Though the listing does not explicitly confirm it’s the Saga, the photos and footage suggest it’s the same vessel. The asking price for the ship is $1,800,000. For those with deep pockets, this could be an opportunity to own a piece of Deadliest Catch history.
While Jake Anderson continues his work as captain on the F/V Northwestern in Deadliest Catch Season 20, it remains uncertain if the Saga will make a return to the show. Unless the ship is bought and reintroduced into the series, its crabbing days on screen may be over. This is the story of what happened to the F/V Saga on Deadliest Catch .