With only a handful of episodes remaining inThe Rookieseason 7, the writers can’t circle back to every plot, including one of John Nolan and Bailey Nune’s most important storylines.The seventh season of the ABC police procedural series contains 18 episodesand nine main characters. Consequently, there isn’t much room to thoroughly and continuously develop everystory inThe Rookieseason 7, especially ones that technically have resolutions (no matter how lazy they might be).
ABC renewedThe Rookiefor an eighth season, which will debut during the 2025–2026 network TV season.
While speaking withScreen Rant, showrunner Alexi Hawley confirmed thatone storyline inThe Rookieseason 7 had ended. When asked ifNolan and Bailey’s adoption journey had come to a close,Hawley said, “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.” So, viewers shouldn’t expect any baby talk between Nolan and Bailey during the last few episodes ofThe Rookieseason 7.
Nolan & Bailey’s Attempt To Adopt In The Rookie Explained
The Couple Wanted To Adopt A Child
Towardsthe end ofThe Rookieseason 6, Bailey decided she wanted to have a baby. She and Nolan got married at the beginning of the season, and she was desperate to expand their family. Since Bailey couldn’t bear children and IVF treatments would be so expensive,the only road Nolan and Bailey could take if they wanted a child would be adoption.Unfortunately, that route didn’t work out either.
Nolan and Bailey met with a social worker to discuss their adoption options and chancesinThe Rookieseason 7, episode 13. After learning about their perilous jobs (Nolan as a police officer and Bailey as a Swiss Army knife), the social worker informed the couple that no adoption agency would accept their application. They consistently put themselves in danger, even more so than a typical cop or paramedic/firefighter. SinceNolan and Bailey’s lives are constantly at risk,an adoption agency wouldn’t want to give them a baby just for them to make the child an orphan once again.
The Rookie Moving On From Nolan & Bailey’s Adoption Storyline Is Good
The Adoption Trope Is Overused
Despite having an abrupt ending,The Rookieseason 7 moving on from Nolan and Bailey’s adoption storyline is wise.Yes, it was strange how easily the couple accepted their fate. However, adoption plots can be found in almost every procedural show on network TV. For example, KellySeveride and Stella Kidd are trying to adopt a child inChicago Fireseason 13(and it’s not the first time aChicago Firecouple or character has gone down this route when wanting to become parents). It’s a tired arc that tends to feel more repetitive than exciting.
Patrick Kelehe
Seth Ridley
Aside from being an overused trope,The Rookieseason 7 not revisitingNolan and Bailey’s adoption journey is a huge relief because the outcome is realistic.Nolan and Bailey being denied the right to have kids is a reality for many, especially for those with dangerous careers. So, the ABC series introducing a magical cure to their problem would just be frustrating and eye-roll inducing. PerhapsThe Rookieseason 8will circle back to the topic, but for now, leaving Nolan and Bailey’s adoption storyline be is for the best.
What’s Next For Nolan & Bailey After The Rookie Ends Their Adoption Arc
Nolan & Bailey’s Relationship Remains Solid
With only so many episodes left inThe Rookieseason 7, there is not much for Nolan and Bailey to do (at least, as a couple).Nolan will likely get another rookie,seeing as Nathan Fillion toldTV Guide, “Nolan will continue to be a TO and continue to pass his wisdom down to other rookies [in the back half of season 7]” during an interview in March 2025. As for Bailey, though, it’s unclear where herRookiecharactergoes next.
The one thing we know for certain is that villains likeMonica Stevens and Oscar Hutchinson will return before season 7 ends.The Rookieneeds to conclude their villain arcs once and for all. So, Nolan will likely be busy trying to catch them alongside his colleagues. However, only time will tell what kind of storylinesThe Rookieseason 8 has in store for Nolan and Bailey, both as a couple and as individuals.
