The Temporary Absence of Bailey Nune in The Rookie Season 7
During the launch of season 7 of The Rookie, viewers noticed a significant absence — Jenna Dewan’s character, Bailey Nune. However, this absence is acknowledged to be temporary. Bailey first appeared in season 3 as the love interest of John Nolan, portrayed by Nathan Fillion. Their relationship blossomed after a memorable encounter where Bailey appeared at Nolan’s apartment in a towel, having been locked out while dog-sitting. Since then, the duo has continued their relationship on the show.
New episodes of season 7 air every Tuesday at 10 PM ET, with the season comprising a total of 18 episodes.
Bailey is a versatile character who balances multiple roles: she is a firefighter, an EMT, an Army Reserve Lieutenant, a Capoeira instructor, and a former backup dancer. In a defining moment during the 100th episode, she became John Nolan’s wife, and together they expressed their desire to have children. However, their plans were disrupted by the dramatic events surrounding Jason Wyler’s escape in the season 6 finale.
Reasons for Bailey’s Absence in Season 7
Deployed with the National Guard
As season 7 unfolds, the storyline reveals that Bailey’s absence is due to her deployment with the National Guard, an aspect of her multifaceted character. Following Jason’s escape from prison, there are increasing concerns for Bailey’s safety; John Nolan openly acknowledges that her deployment is a wise choice given the circumstances. With Jason at large, the potential for conflict between him and Bailey remains a pressing concern.
|
The Rookie Season 7 Cast |
Character |
|---|---|
|
Nathan Fillion |
John Nolan |
|
Richard T. Jones |
Wade Grey |
|
Alyssa Diaz |
Angela Lopez |
|
Eric Winter |
Tim Bradford |
|
Melissa O’Neil |
Lucy Chen |
|
Mayor Cox |
Nyla Harper |
|
Shawn Ashmore |
Wesley Evers |
|
Jenna Dewan |
Bailey Nune |
|
Lisseth Chavez |
Celina Juarez |
|
Deric Augustine |
Miles Penn |
|
Patrick Kelehe |
Seth Ridley |
Explaining Jenna Dewan’s Absence
On Pregnancy Leave
The absence of Bailey in the early episodes of season 7 is not a narrative choice but rather a logistical necessity. Jenna Dewan welcomed a new addition to her family, a daughter named Rhiannon Lee Kathryn Kazee, born on June 14, 2024. This birth coincided with the filming of season 7, necessitating Dewan’s temporary leave.
As a result, Bailey’s storyline incorporated her overseas deployment, which aligned both with her character’s profession and the need for her to be away during this critical time of her personal life. Although the cliffhanger from the season 6 finale remains unresolved initially, it was unavoidable given the circumstances surrounding Jenna Dewan’s real-life events.
Expected Return of Bailey in Season 7
Anticipated Return in Episode 3
The silver lining for fans is that Jenna Dewan’s character will reappear in season 7. According to showrunner Alexi Hawley, Bailey is set to return in episode 3, titled “Out of Pocket,” which is scheduled to air on January 21, 2025. However, her presence will be limited, with insights pointing to a brief appearance toward the conclusion of the episode.
In episode 4, “Darkness Falling,” the storyline is likely to dive back into the aftermath of Jason Wyler’s escape, where Bailey and John Nolan may confront yet another test in their relationship. While Bailey’s initial role in episode 3 is expected to be minor, her imminent return is sure to captivate the audience and set the stage for upcoming conflicts.
In conclusion, although Bailey’s absence adds to the show’s tension, her well-deserved return promises to reignite the drama and deepen the narrative layers of The Rookie.
Source: Parade
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