Jessica Russo and John Nolan Started a Relationship in the First Season
Russo debuted in The Rookie way back during the first season’s fifteenth episode, “Manhunt,” where she consulted with the Los Angeles Police Department’s Mid-Wilshire Division. For those keeping score, that episode aired way back in March 2019, over six years ago. Russo was teaching the officers about dealing with bomb threats and hostage negotiation situations. Sparks flew between Russo and Nolan early, and the two were already in a relationship by her next appearance in Season 1, Episode 17, “The Shake Up.” Their relationship later carried over into the second season. The pairing made sense at the time, with Nolan newly single and available after he and his fellow rookie officer Lucy Chen (Melissa O’Neil) mutually agreed to end their relationship earlier in the season.
Unfortunately, Nolan and Russo broke up after a pregnancy scare in the Season 2 episode “Safety.” Although it turned out to be a false alarm, Russo realized she was ready to become a mother, but Nolan was not prepared to make that type of commitment. Sadly, that was Russo’s last appearance in the series, and we have not seen her again in over five years!
The Monica Stevens Development Presents the Perfect Avenue to Reintroduce Jessica Russo
Russo was working in Homeland Security when she last appeared in the series, making her a part of the intelligence community that would have evaluated the intel that Monica stole. There is no better way to reintroduce Russo than to reveal that she is investigating Monica as well. DHS deals with cybersecurity, economic security, and cyber threats, which appear to relate to Monica’s recent activities in Season 6, with her role in the Federal Reserve heist and the stolen intel in Season 7.
Russo returning to the series would serve the show in multiple ways. One, it brings a familiar face and a great actor back to the show. Two, it allows viewers to catch up on Russo’s life since she left. Did she ever have children or remarry? Did she move up in her DHS career? Frankly, Russo is so competent, goal-oriented, and determined that it would not surprise anyone if she had become Secretary or Deputy Secretary of DHS in just a few years — even while juggling a career and motherhood. Third, Russo would finally reconnect with Nolan after quite a few years and significant changes in his life.
Russo’s Return Would Offer Proper Closure to Her Relationship With Nolan
Russo’s hypothetical return to the series would provide a chance to show both characters doing well and moving on in their lives and careers, even though their relationship did not work out. It would also be greatly amusing to see Nolan’s second wife, Bailey Nune (Jenna Dewan), possibly meeting Russo. Considering their respective backgrounds, they would likely get along and become friends. Russo’s presence as Nolan’s ex-girlfriend does not necessarily mean any romantic drama would ensue between the two women. Ultimately, Russo’s return is something that needs to happen, and the show needs to explore it in Season 8! It remains to be seen if Russo ever makes her long-awaited return to The Rookie, but with Season 8 currently in the works and slated to debut later next year, there is certainly a chance.
