While speaking with Screen Rant, showrunner Alexi Hawley confirmed that one storyline in The Rookie season 7 had ended. When asked if Nolan 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 of The Rookie season 7.
Nolan & Bailey’s Attempt To Adopt In The Rookie Explained
The Couple Wanted To Adopt A Child
Towards the end of The Rookie season 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 chances in The Rookie season 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. Since Nolan 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 Rookie season 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, Kelly Severide and Stella Kidd are trying to adopt a child in Chicago Fire season 13 (and it’s not the first time a Chicago Fire couple 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.
Aside from being an overused trope, The Rookie season 7 not revisiting Nolan 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. Perhaps The Rookie season 8 will 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
