9 Times John Nolan Was the Butt of the Joke on The Rookie
John Nolan, the everyman protagonist of ABC’s The Rookie, embodies the audacious spirit of a mid-life career change. Trading blueprints for handcuffs, Nolan joined the LAPD at an age when most are contemplating retirement, not rookie training. This singular decision, while admirable, instantly set him apart, making him a perpetual fish out of water and, consequently, the delightful butt of many jokes. Far from diminishing his character, these moments of lighthearted mockery endeared him to viewers, highlighting his resilience, earnestness, and the often-absurd reality of starting anew. From his first day to his tenure as a Training Officer, Nolan’s journey has been punctuated by nine memorable instances where he became the precinct's favorite punching bag.
1. The "Geriatric Rookie" Nickname:
This is perhaps the most enduring and pervasive joke leveled at Nolan. From his very first day, his age was a constant source of amusement for everyone, especially his Training Officer, Talia Bishop, and later, Nyla Harper. The endless stream of "old man" jokes, "Grandpa Nolan," or the classic "Geriatric Rookie" became a running gag that transcended seasons. Whether it was about his knees, his early bedtime, or his supposed inability to understand modern slang, Nolan's age was the low-hanging fruit everyone loved to pick.
2. His Struggles with Physical Training (Early Seasons):
While Nolan eventually got into impressive shape, his initial attempts at the police academy's rigorous physical fitness tests were a stark reminder of his years away from peak physical condition. Watching him huff and puff, struggling with the run or the obstacle course, was played for laughs against the backdrop of his younger, seemingly effortlessly fit peers. These moments were relatable for anyone who’s ever tried to get back into shape, making Nolan's pain our comedic gain.
3. His Perplexing Love Life:
Nolan's dating escapades often provided ample fodder for his colleagues. His early relationship with Lucy Chen, the subsequent awkwardness, and his later, sometimes short-lived, romances with women significantly younger than him (or, conversely, the complicated dynamic with District Attorney Lopez) were frequently subjected to teasing. His attempts at being cool or romantic often backfired comically, leaving him flustered while his peers delivered witty one-liners about his choices or general dating ineptitude.
4. The Mid-Life Crisis Origin Story:
The very premise of the show—a man selling his house and moving across the country to become a cop after a life-altering event—was a goldmine for jokes. Nolan's colleagues would often good-naturedly mock his "mid-life crisis" decision, questioning his sanity or offering sarcastic congratulations on his "bold new path." This highlighted the absurdity of his situation while also subtly underscoring his courage.
5. His Naivete and Earnestness:
When Nolan first joined the force, he was brimming with an almost childlike optimism and a sincere belief in the black-and-white rules of policing. This often clashed with the jaded cynicism of seasoned officers like Angela Lopez or Nyla Harper. Nolan’s attempts to see the good in everyone, or his earnest questions about procedure, would frequently elicit eye-rolls and sarcastic remarks, painting him as the innocent lamb among wolves.
6. His "Contractor" Skills Intersecting with Police Work:
Before becoming a cop, Nolan was a successful contractor. While these skills occasionally proved surprisingly useful (like fixing a broken lock or understanding building schematics), they often popped up in comically inappropriate contexts. His attempts to apply contractor logic to police work, or his colleagues' quips about him needing a toolbox instead of a gun, served as a funny reminder of his prior life.
7. His Unhipness and Lack of Social Media Savvy:
Nolan, much like any older millennial or Gen Xer, often found himself hilariously out of touch with modern trends, particularly in technology and social media. His struggles to understand TikTok, his befuddlement with slang, or his attempts to connect with younger generations through "their" culture usually ended in cringe-worthy but hilarious failure, making him an easy target for tech-savvy rookies and TOs alike.
8. The Irony of "The Rookie" Becoming a Training Officer:
Perhaps the ultimate meta-joke, Nolan's progression from "the rookie" to a "training officer" was rich with comedic potential. The idea of the oldest, initially least experienced officer now being responsible for molding new recruits was inherently funny. This was particularly evident with his first trainee, Celina Juarez, whose spiritualistic beliefs and unconventional methods often left Nolan flummoxed, reversing the dynamic where the "teacher" often looked more confused than the "student."
9. His "Dad" Vibes and Unsolicited Advice:
As Nolan matured on the force, he naturally began to exude a "dad" energy, often offering unsolicited wisdom or protective advice to his younger colleagues. While well-intentioned, these moments sometimes came across as slightly patronizing or just plain dorky, prompting playful jabs about his over-protective nature or his tendency to sound like a cheesy motivational speaker.
Despite being the frequent recipient of humorous jabs, John Nolan's character never felt diminished. Instead, these moments of lighthearted ridicule humanized him, making him relatable to anyone who's ever felt out of place, underestimated, or simply a little behind the times. The jokes were a testament to his unique position in the LAPD, highlighting his journey from a wide-eyed novice to a respected, albeit still occasionally mocked, officer. Ultimately, the laughter at Nolan's expense wasn't mean-spirited; it was the affectionate banter of a precinct that, despite all odds, had come to embrace its Geriatric Rookie.
