The Rookie Vetoes Nolan and Bailey’s Love Triangle for Something Better
The Rookie’s “The Con” takes John Nolan and his fiancée Bailey Nune to his hometown to go through his mother’s things after her passing. While the episode involves some over-the-topic antics one expects from John’s mother — even after her death — it also fortifies John and Bailey’s relationship. Equally so, it confirms that John and Bailey can have healthy friendships with other women in his life without The Rookie using those as a source of drama — subverting stereotypes and fans’ expectation for a love triangle.
Like John’s scenes with Genny Bradford in Season 5, Episode 9, “Take Back,” John connects with an ex-girlfriend during “The Con,” and never once do those moments signal that The Rookie plans to create drama. Instead, Stacy’s reappearance is rewarding for longtime fans. and proves that Bailan can be as solid a relationship for the show as fan-favorites Wesley Evers and Angela Lopez or Chenford.
The Rookie’s Genny and Stacy Work Better as Nolan’s Friends – Not Love Interests
While actors Peyton List and Nathan Fillion had great chemistry in “Take Back” when John stopped by Genny’s new house, it never played as overtly romantic. He visits in order to help her make some home repairs. Genny came to Los Angeles with two children after a divorce, and John visited Genny’s home in a happily committed relationship. It wouldn’t have made narrative sense for either character to entertain a romantic connection.
Instead, The Rookie found a much stronger dynamic in the friendship they created through shared experiences. John joked about providing “stoic manly opinions” in place of Genny’s now-transferred brother Tim, but Genny and John ended up having an honest conversation about divorce, starting a new chapter in Los Angeles and navigating parenthood throughout that process. John’s perspective on his childhood after his father left became valuable when Genny wondered how to breach the topic of her ex-husband’s distance from her kids. That genuine connection was so much better for both characters — in the episode and going forward.
Similarly, Stacy’s return to The Rookie — she also appeared in the pilot — feeds into the plot more than it does any romantically-driven character arc. She’s a familiar face in Foxburg who helps John finalize decisions about his mother’s estate. It’s exciting to see John reconnect with someone who helped him redirect his life to becoming a police officer. However, the best part of Stacy’s appearance is her quickly-established banter with Bailey… which highlights that she, too, doesn’t need to be involved in a love triangle.
How The Rookie’s ‘The Con’ Exemplifies Bailan’s Strengths
Refreshingly, The Rookie’s “The Con” never insinuates that there will be any mixed feelings between John and Stacy or jealousy between Stacy and Bailey. On the contrary, the first interaction between the three characters makes that abundantly clear when Bailey and Stacy joke about trading embarrassing stories about John because Stacy grew up with him. Bailey notably quips with John about Stacy being “the one that got away.” It’s never accusatory or awkward because Bailey is confident and comfortable in her relationship. Moreover, Bailey and Stacy get along well even when John’s not around.
TV shows often pit female characters against each other, especially when they have dated the same person. It’s a welcome change of pace that The Rookie shoots down that expectation with Bailey and Stacy. Bailey’s ability to be good at most things — including getting along with most people — makes her unlikeable to some viewers. However, it’s one of her greatest assets, especially in a potentially emotional and high-stress environment like the one she faces in “The Con.” The episode highlights exactly why she’s a great match for John.
Instead of helping him reframe his perception of his manipulative mother, Bailey fully supports John’s decisions and shows up for him with love. John repeatedly expresses his love for Bailey and commends her skills. Bailan is head-over-heels in love and entirely committed to each other and “The Con” exemplifies that. One healthy relationship is better than any overdramatic love triangle.
