The Rookie showrunner Alexi Hawley has teased just how much of a threat Jason (Steve Kazee) poses to Nolan (Nathan Fillion) and Bailey (Jenna DeWan) in season 7 of the police procedural. The Rookie season 6 finale ended on a shocking cliffhanger, with Monica (Bridget Regan) breaking both Oscar (Matthew Glave) and Jason out of prison. The latter is Bailey’s ex-husband, whose rage toward her means he’s likely going to target her now that he’s free. However, there’s been no confirmation yet about when he’s going to show up, and how his presence will impact Nolan and his new wife.
Speaking with TVLine, Hawley revealed how on-edge Nolan will be during the start of The Rookie season 7, which takes place just a few weeks after the end of season 6. The showrunner teased the protagonist will get blindsided by bad information about where Jason is, while he continues to prioritize Bailey’s protection. He also confirms her ex-husband will be the primary focus of season 7’s first half, though doesn’t reveal when he’s going to show up. Check out what Hawley had to say below:
It’s been a few weeks, time enough for Nolan to heal up [from being shot in the butt] – though whether he’s healed up enough or not is a bit of a debate in Episode 1. He’s trying to get back on that horse more quickly than he should. But he’s feeling very pressured, because [Bailey’s escaped convict ex-husband] Jason is out there, as is Oscar, but Jason is more of the existential threat to Nolan’s family. We come in with that sense of, “We have to catch this guy before he comes for my wife and myself,” only to — spoiler! — get thwarted by the fact that they have bad information.
Jason will ultimately pose the biggest threat in the first half of the season; he is sort of the existential threat because he is a threat to the family, Bailey especially. But we’ll also lean into some of the trauma of Bailey’s relationship with Jason that maybe she hasn’t processed yet, the abusive relationship she was in with this guy. That percolates up in the fear of the reunion, because part of the drama of the first half of the season is, “When is he going to show up?” And that sense of always being afraid is not healthy, obviously.
What Hawley’s Comments Mean For Jason’s Appearance In The Rookie Season 7
Nolan & Bailey Will Be Facing Imminent Danger
Hawley’s confirmation of Jason’s importance in The Rookie season 7 means Nolan will be spending much of the first half looking over his shoulder, knowing he’s in danger. However, Jason is unlikely to show up in the first few episodes, not just to build up his return, but also due to Bailey’s confirmed absence when the season starts. DeWan’s real-life pregnancy meant she couldn’t show up as the firefighter lieutenant right away, making it more than likely her character’s ex-husband will also remain off-screen until she comes back.
The Rookie season 7 premieres in January 2025, and given what happened in season 6, the upcoming episodes need to fix and introduce many things.
Jason’s prominence as season 7’s first big threat also means Monica and Oscar might be taking a backseat until later episodes, despite season 6’s finale setting them up as core enemies. The Rookie cast will also be losing Tru Valentino as Aaron Thorsen from the start, another key focus that will push the lawyer’s presence into further episodes. Even so, the fact Jason is still out for revenge means nobody is safe, with everyone in the LAPD needing to be on the lookout to protect Nolan and Bailey.
Our Take On Jason’s Return In The Rookie Season 7
This Could Be His Final Confrontation With Nolan & Bailey
Since Jason’s just been released from prison but won’t appear right away, it seems he’ll be biding his time to ensure he’s able to strike Nolan and Bailey when they least expect it. The buildup means this could be his final confrontation with them, potentially resulting in him going back to jail, or his death. Since The Rookie season 7 promotional material hasn’t revealed too many details about what his plans are, there are plenty of ways his upcoming storyline could transpire.
