Jenna Dewan's character, Bailey Nune, brought a fresh dynamic to ABC's The Rookie when she joined in Season 3. Known for her multifaceted identity as a firefighter/EMS with the Los Angeles Fire Department, a 1st Lieutenant reserve in the Army National Guard, and a proficient capoeira instructor, Bailey was initially a captivating addition. Her free-spirited nature was presented as a perfect counterpoint to the more disciplined John Nolan (Nathan Fillion), making them a compelling match.

In earlier seasons, Bailey's involvement often felt organic and instrumental. She played key roles in several of Nolan's investigations and was central to one of the show's most intense storylines in Season 7. This arc saw her sociopathic ex-husband, Jason Wyler (Steve Kazee), re-enter her life, leading Bailey to take drastic measures, even enlisting a hitman, Malvado (Jimmy Gonzales), to deal with him. This particular plot provided valuable insight into Bailey's traumatic past as a domestic abuse survivor and revealed a layer of moral ambiguity, deepening her character. The series also explored her motherhood journey, which resonated with viewers as a relatable and heartfelt storyline.

However, as The Rookie has progressed into its eighth season, critics and viewers alike have observed a significant struggle in the writers' ability to further develop Bailey's character post-marriage to Nolan. Her inclusion in the action, particularly alongside her husband's police work, has become increasingly illogical and inauthentic. A prime example occurred in the Season 8 premiere, which aired on January 6, where Bailey accompanied Nolan and the Mid-Wilshire crew on an international sting operation. This premise disregards her established profession as a firefighter, making her participation in a top-secret, dangerous police mission highly unrealistic and bordering on the absurd. While she possesses self-defense skills, her presence in such scenarios often adds a frustrating sense of silliness rather than contributing meaningfully to the plot.

The solution is not to relegate Bailey to merely being