The Rookie Preview: ‘Corrupt Officer’ Billboard Threatens Nolan’s Adoption
Despite his relentless efforts, John Nolan from The Rookie continues to face challenges — including the adoption journey with his wife, Bailey Nune.
In an exclusive preview from Us Weekly, viewers get a glimpse of the Tuesday, April 8 episode of the ABC series where Nolan (Nathan Fillion) and Bailey (Jenna Dewan) encounter their biggest obstacle in their quest to welcome a baby: the meeting with the social worker.
“Sorry, parking was chaotic. I’m nearly there,” Nolan informs Bailey as he makes his way through Los Angeles to their initial meeting.
Stressed, Bailey quickly responds, “Oh, wonderful, we’re both going to be late. What a fantastic first impression.”
“I’m sure the social worker will understand,” Nolan reassures her, despite a passerby giving him a curious glance.
Bailey insists, “We’re asking her to trust us with a baby. We must be flawless.”
As Nolan hangs up, another bystander gives him a disapproving look, leading him to realize the reason for the attention — and it’s certainly not flattering.
“Is John Nolan a corrupt cop?” reads a huge billboard with his face prominently displayed. “Our lives depend on their judgment; do you feel secure?”
“Oh no!” Nolan exclaims, shocked to find himself linked to a possibly corrupt cop image. To make matters worse, their social worker is just outside, poised to see his face at any moment.
“It’s such a lovely day; I thought we could sit outside?” suggests the social worker, Miss Greer. However, Nolan hastily declines, “No! No, my allergies are pretty [bad]. Can we please sit indoors?”
As she enters the café, Bailey inquires about his odd behavior, prompting Nolan to point out the billboard.
“Oh, god!” she gasps, before shifting her focus back to their adoption meeting. “This place is known for its amazing muffins,” Miss Greer mentions, preparing to step outside again. “I adore muffins; can you show me?” Bailey quickly interjects, ushering her back into the establishment.
In this episode, titled “Three Billboards,” Nolan won’t be the only one whose face appears on a billboard criticizing the Los Angeles Police Department.
According to the episode synopsis, it will delve into the implications of “anti-LAPD billboards appearing across the city, while the team investigates who’s behind them.”
Additionally, the storyline will weave in a car bombing investigation, rookie Miles Penn (Deric Augustine) rekindling an old friendship, and Nolan and Bailey evaluating “their readiness to adopt.”
Fans will have to wait to see how the billboard impacts Nolan and Bailey’s adoption chances, but both actors are enthusiastic about the idea of expanding their TV family.
“They recognize that timing is crucial, and perhaps this isn’t the right moment,” Dewan, 44, shared exclusively with Us in February, noting how after the loss of Bailey’s ex-husband, she and Nolan are concentrating on “healing and their love.”
However, the actress hinted that the couple “ultimately still aspires for the next step.”
After mending their relationship in recent episodes, it’s becoming evident that Nolan and Bailey are prepared for parenthood when the circumstances align.
“They would make amazing parents,” Fillion, 54, expressed exclusively to Us last month, highlighting how Nolan has already done a “wonderful job” raising his adult son, Henry (Zayne Emory).
The actor added, “I would love to see what kind of mother Bailey would become. I believe she would be an exceptional mom. If you could get one of those, you’d be in great shape.”
The Rookie airs on ABC Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET.
