John Reardon, Mayko Nguyen, Kevin Hanchard, Justin Kelly, and Rex
The fugitives have returned, not just as officers, but as legends. Hudson & Rex Season 9: Checkmate marks a dramatic evolution for the series as Detective Charlie Hudson (John Reardon) and his canine partner Rex are reinstated with full honors. Leading the newly formed, elite “Special Pursuit Unit” within the SJPD, they are granted the authority to hunt the untouchables—high-profile criminals who have operated above the law for too long.
With their names cleared but their faith in the system fractured, the team operates with a ruthless new autonomy. Sarah Truong (Mayko Nguyen) takes command as the Head of Forensics, deploying state-of-the-art, AI-driven crime scene reconstruction to uncover invisible truths. Meanwhile, Jesse Mills (Justin Kelly) ascends to the role of Cyber Security Chief, engaging in high-stakes digital warfare to protect the city from invisible threats.
However, their reinstatement triggers the arrival of a terrifying new adversary: “The Architect.” This criminal mastermind views St. John’s as a chessboard and its citizens as pawns. He leaves behind immaculate, puzzle-laden crime scenes specifically designed to challenge Charlie’s deductive brilliance and push Rex’s heightened senses to their breaking point. The crimes are cleaner, the traps are deadlier, and the stakes have never been more personal.
This season strips away the procedural safety net to explore the raw, cerebral bond between man and dog. Rex is no longer just a tracker; he is a detective in his own right, anticipating moves in a deadly game where one wrong step means death. In a battle of grandmasters, the ultimate checkmate will belong to the one with the sharpest instincts—and the sharpest teeth.