The relationship between John Nolan and Bailey Nune—affectionately dubbed “NolBa” by fans—has been a cornerstone of later seasons in ABC’s hit police procedural, The Rookie. Nolan, already a father to Henry, has long expressed a desire for a stable, fulfilling family life. Bailey, a fiercely independent and multi-talented individual, has shown a capacity for deep care and commitment. Their marriage in Season 6 was a highly anticipated event, solidifying their commitment, and naturally, the next step for many couples is expanding their family. The rumored plot point for The Rookie season 7, episode 13, where the couple seriously addresses adoption, promises to be one of the most poignant and significant storylines of the entire series.
This potential episode, strategically placed deep into the season, would allow for a lengthy, complex narrative arc leading up to it, focusing not just on the outcome, but on the emotional and practical realities of the adoption process itself.
💔 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Adoption
Adoption is a journey fraught with hope, vulnerability, and legal complexity. For a couple like Nolan and Bailey, their professional lives—one a police officer and the other a firefighter/reservist—could both be a benefit and a hurdle. Their background in public service, dedication to community, and proven stability would likely weigh positively on an adoption application. However, their high-risk professions introduce unique challenges that a potential storyline would be remiss not to address.
The episode would likely delve into the Home Study, a foundational and often intrusive step in the process. This involves social workers scrutinizing every facet of the prospective parents’ lives: their marriage, finances, childhoods, and even the safety of their home. For characters with histories as complicated as those in The Rookie—Nolan’s “oldest rookie” beginnings and Bailey’s run-ins with troubled family members—the Home Study provides rich ground for dramatic tension and character exploration. It forces them to confront and articulate their past traumas and triumphs, proving their readiness to parent.
Furthermore, the show could explore the nuances of different adoption types. Will they pursue foster-to-adopt? This path is incredibly noble but often involves the heartbreak of reunification before a permanent placement can be made. Will they consider private domestic adoption, which involves navigating the delicate relationship with a birth mother? Or perhaps international adoption, bringing its own set of unique cultural and logistical challenges? The type of adoption they choose would profoundly shape the emotional landscape of the episode.
⚖️ Navigating the Legal and Professional Hurdles
One of the most compelling aspects of this potential storyline is how The Rookie would handle the legal hurdles. The show has always excelled at weaving real-world procedural elements into its drama. The lengthy wait times, the endless paperwork, the need for legal representation, and the agonizing feeling of being judged are all realistic elements that would resonate with viewers who have gone through the process.
Nolan’s career as a Training Officer and Bailey’s as a firefighter are inherently unpredictable. A crucial plot point could involve a last-minute emergency call preventing one of them from attending a critical meeting, or the stress of a particularly dangerous case casting doubt on their home stability in the eyes of the agency. This is where the support system of the LAPD and LAFD families would come into play. We could see Sgt. Grey writing a character reference, or Lucy Chen and Tim Bradford (Chenford) stepping up as emergency contacts and babysitters, showcasing the strong community bond that makes the show so popular.
💡 The Importance of Representation
Television has a powerful role in normalizing and educating the public about different family structures. By having two widely beloved characters like Bailey and Nolan pursue adoption, The Rookie validates the experience of countless families formed through this path.
Crucially, the episode has the opportunity to explore open vs. closed adoption—the relationship, or lack thereof, with the birth parents. An open adoption storyline would be particularly meaningful, demonstrating that love is not finite and that respecting the birth parents’ role is a sign of maturity and unconditional love for the adopted child.
Ultimately, The Rookie season 7, episode 13 is poised to be an emotional touchstone. It’s not just about adding a child to the family; it’s about Nolan’s enduring dream of stability and Bailey’s capacity for unconditional love. The episode will likely conclude with a message of hope, affirming that building a family is a complex, challenging, but ultimately beautiful act of will and love. It would be a testament to the fact that while biological ties are one way to form a family, the deepest bonds are forged by choice, commitment, and love. Fans are ready to witness this next, significant chapter in the lives of John Nolan and Bailey Nune, hoping for a happy and well-deserved ending to their long, winding road to parenthood.
