Like it or not, one of Season 7’s most divisive characters may be exactly what John Nolan — and the show — desperately needs in Season 8.
An Unlikely Necessity?
Season 7 of The Rookie introduced (or elevated) a character that fans were quick to turn on — Bailey Nune (as an example). Whether it was her unyielding personality, questionable decisions, or simply the way she disrupted the existing group dynamic, Bailey became a frequent target of fan frustration online. Reddit threads and fan forums were flooded with criticism, labeling her everything from “unbearable” to “totally unnecessary.”
And yet, by the end of Season 7, it became clear: as John Nolan’s story starts to drift into narrative safety, it’s characters like Bailey — abrasive, complicated, and imperfect — who might just be the key to pushing it forward again.
What Nolan Is Missing
After seven seasons, Nolan has evolved into a respected, seasoned officer. But while he’s gained rank and experience, he’s lost something else along the way: tension. Internal conflict. The very human struggles that once made his journey so compelling.
That’s where a character like Bailey — or anyone equally disruptive — becomes essential. Love her or hate her, she represents:
- A challenge to Nolan’s worldview.
- A source of emotional and ethical friction.
- And most importantly, a catalyst for decision-making that has real consequences.
Nolan needs to be pushed. And right now, not many characters on the show are doing that.
Not Loved, But Necessary
Not every returning character needs to be a fan favorite. In fact, some of the most memorable arcs in long-running dramas come from characters we love to hate. If Season 8’s writers are smart, they’ll recognize that bringing Bailey back doesn’t mean making her more likable — it means making her relevant.
This could be done by:
- Digging deeper into her backstory.
- Creating real stakes in her relationship with Nolan.
- Or even setting her up as a narrative foil — someone who reflects Nolan’s weaknesses and unresolved growth areas.
For Nolan — And for the Show
The Rookie finds itself at a critical juncture. Several supporting arcs have run their course. Many characters have settled into predictable rhythms. If the show wants to maintain momentum and avoid stagnation, it needs friction. And no one brings that better than Bailey did in Season 7.
Sure, her return might frustrate some fans — but it’ll spark conversation. It’ll challenge Nolan. It’ll force growth. And that’s what compelling television is made of.
Final Thoughts
It’s strange to admit, but Season 8 of The Rookie might just benefit from the return of the very character we all wanted gone. Not because we love her — but because Nolan still has more story left to tell, and he can’t tell it alone.
