Although there are still a handful of episodes left before the finale, The Rookie season 7 has officially brought one ongoing storyline to a close. Nolan and Bailey have been trying to adopt a child since Bailey decided against IVF in season 6. The couple meets with a social worker in season 7, episode 13, “Three Billboards,” to begin the process, but their application is denied. While she applauds their characters, the social worker admits that Nolan and Bailey may never be able to adopt due to the amount of danger in their lives.
Nolan and Bailey are heartbroken by the news, but The Rookie is known for leaving threads to revisit down the line. When speaking with ScreenRant, showrunner Alexi Hawley confirms that Bailey and Nolan have made peace with the fact that it’s just the two of them. He shares that, while first responders can adopt, the writers wanted to address the reality of their unique situation and the extreme danger the couple faces. Check out Hawley’s full response below:
ScreenRant: Bailey and Nolan were told they can’t adopt. Has that storyline officially come to a close?
Alexi Hawley: I think it has. I think that’s a road, sadly, with a lot of low points for them. But I think that’s also a reality for lots of people. The part, [especially], where they couldn’t have a kid biologically was very recognizable.
I do think that, at the end of the day, just the sheer volume of near-death experiences that they both have on the daily… obviously, first responders can adopt, so we’re not saying that, but [it’s] the reality of their unique situation. But I think they’ve come through it and, for now at least, have made their peace with [the fact] that it’s just the two of them.
ScreenRant: They are both danger magnets.
Alexi Hawley: They really are, which is why the show works. If they were less danger magnets, the show wouldn’t be as fun.
An Overview Of Bailey And Nolan’s Relationship In The Rookie
Jenna Dewan First Appears In Season 3, Episode 14, “Threshold”
Bailey and Nolan’s first interaction in The Rookie season 3, episode 14 also serves as Dewan’s first onscreen appearance. She knocks on his door in a towel when locked out of the neighbor’s house, and they immediately strike up a conversation. Nolan brings her to Angela and Wesley’s wedding, although the event takes an unforgettably tragic turn.
Nolan and Bailey begin a romantic relationship in The Rookie season 4, but the road to happiness doesn’t come easily. Before Nolan can propose, he is introduced to Jason Wyler, the abusive husband Bailey has been trying to escape. Jason is eventually put behind bars, and Nolan and Bailey are married in The Rookie’s 100th episode, “The Hammer.”
The couple decides to expand their family and consider IVF treatment before landing on adoption. Jason breaks out of prison alongside Oscar in the season 6 finale, and their relationship is once again tested. Bailey tips off a hitman named Malvado about Jason’s location right before he is shot and killed. However, Hawley confirms to ScreenRant that Malvado’s death in The Rookie season 7, episode 14 means that Bailey’s secret is safe (at least for now).
