When Bailey Nune (Jenna Dewan) made her first appearance in the Season 3 finale of ABC’s The Rookie, she immediately gave off an intriguing, albeit suspicious vibe. Initially introduced as a potential love interest for John Nolan (Nathan Fillion), Bailey appears at Nolan’s doorstep in nothing but a towel after locking herself out of a house she was sitting for. While she quickly established herself as a heroic, adventurous figure who could keep up with Nolan’s extreme lifestyle as a LAPD officer, Bailey’s character initially felt one-dimensional and rushed. However, over the last two seasons, The Rookie has fleshed out her character, making Bailey one of the show’s most compelling figures.

Bailey Nune’s Initial Development Felt Forced and Rushed

Bailey’s early appearances in The Rookie tried to establish her as a Los Angeles firefighter, a lieutenant in the Army Reserve, and a Capoeira instructor. Despite this impressive resume, the character felt more like a collection of traits than a fully developed person. Her initial interactions with Nolan were fast-tracked, and their relationship was depicted as a whirlwind romance. Early on, there wasn’t much depth to Bailey; she was portrayed as an overachiever and an adrenaline junkie. It wasn’t until later seasons that viewers started to understand why she considered herself “terrible” at relationships and “a lot” to handle.

Jason Wyler’s Return: A Turning Point for Bailey’s Character

Bailey’s character took a significant turn in Season 4, Episode 9, “Breakdown,” when her estranged and abusive husband, Jason Wyler (Steve Kazee), reappeared. Jason’s presence unraveled Bailey’s seemingly perfect life and revealed the trauma she was hiding. Viewers learn that Bailey’s earlier reluctance to pursue a relationship with Nolan stemmed from the emotional scars left by her toxic marriage. Her declaration of being “terrible at relationships” was not due to a lack of commitment but rather a defense mechanism to protect herself.

Jason Wyler’s return provided Bailey with a deeper narrative, showing her not just as a strong, capable firefighter, but as a woman fighting to reclaim her life from a manipulative partner. The drama escalated when Jason, a drug dealer, framed Bailey for drug possession, attempting to destroy her career. With Nolan and the Mid-Wilshire Division’s help, Jason was brought to justice, allowing Bailey to finally divorce him and move forward. This storyline allowed Jenna Dewan to showcase both Bailey’s vulnerability and her strength, solidifying her as a multidimensional character.

Season 5: Exploring Bailey’s True Character

In Season 5, Bailey’s character continues to evolve, shedding more light on her personality beyond her relationships. For example, in the episode “The Collar,” Bailey humorously tries to capture a noisy coyote underneath her house, reflecting her take-charge attitude and inability to sit still. Later, in “A Hole in the World,” a subplot shows Bailey struggling to relax on her day off, underscoring her restless nature. These smaller moments added much-needed layers to her character, moving beyond the “badass firefighter” stereotype and revealing a more relatable side.

These episodes provide context for Bailey’s type-A personality and help viewers understand why she is constantly on the move. The show has transformed her from a seemingly perfect love interest to a fully realized character who is strong, flawed, and complex. Bailey is no longer just Nolan’s girlfriend; she has become an integral part of the narrative, and it’s hard to imagine The Rookie without her.

Season 6 Cliffhanger: Jason Wyler’s Escape

In the Season 6 finale, “Escape Plan,” Bailey’s story takes another thrilling turn. Her ex-husband, Jason Wyler, escapes from prison with the help of Oscar Hutchinson (Matthew Glave) and Monica Stevens (Bridget Regan), setting up a high-stakes confrontation for the upcoming season. With Jason seeking revenge on Nolan and Bailey, the tension is higher than ever. Sgt. Wade Grey (Richard T. Jones) warns them of the escape, giving them a chance to prepare for the inevitable showdown.