The television series "The Rookie" has undergone significant transformations in recent seasons, moving far beyond its initial procedural format. Recent storylines have escalated in complexity, tackling diverse themes from serial killers to international criminals, and now venturing into major government conspiracies. This evolution has redefined the scope of a procedural TV show, with the current narrative involving the Pentagon being its most ambitious yet, especially with the introduction of an omnipresent, morally ambiguous AI.

Central to this escalating drama is Jenna Dewan's character, Bailey Nune. At the beginning of the season, Bailey received an offer to work at the Pentagon, ultimately deciding to relocate to Washington D.C. to pursue this career path, while her husband, John Nolan (played by Nathan Fillion), remained in Los Angeles. Jenna Dewan recently shared her insights into Bailey's latest arc and the experience of portraying this new storyline.

Dewan expressed initial excitement about the Pentagon storyline, despite the logistical surprise of moving to D.C. She noted that nothing surprises her anymore regarding Bailey, given her character's myriad talents and adventurous spirit. Dewan found the decision for Bailey to take on this challenge perfectly in character, appreciating the opportunities for growth and new experiences. She also confirmed that the D.C. move was not a precursor to her character being written off the show.

Reflecting on the show's expanding scope, Dewan acknowledged the significant leap in scale this season, particularly for a show in its eighth year. She believes that fans enjoy seeing the series expand beyond its familiar 'home bases' to encompass international settings like Prague and significant locations such as the Pentagon. Dewan described the experience as being on the "greatest show" due to the diverse adventures and high-stakes scenarios, citing a memorable honeymoon episode that involved camera operating with Nathan Fillion.

The long-distance dynamic between Bailey and John was another key aspect Dewan discussed. She appreciated how the show explores the challenges of a married couple pursuing separate career paths without resorting to overly dramatic romantic tropes. Dewan highlighted the solidity of their relationship, emphasizing John's profound support for Bailey's dreams. John's realization that he wanted Bailey to pursue her "What if?" moments, even if it meant physical separation, solidified their bond. This understanding provided Bailey the freedom and comfort to fully immerse herself in her new Pentagon role, confident in their relationship's strength. However, the storyline also realistically addresses the difficulties of a long-distance marriage, including the emotional toll of physical separation, relying on video calls, and the anxiety caused when one partner faces dangerous situations without the other nearby, as depicted in a particularly intense Episode 10.

Looking ahead, Dewan teased that "spy-ish or secret ops energy" storylines will continue to unfold. For Bailey's future, Dewan expressed a desire for more independent storylines where Bailey is left to her own devices, forced to save herself in new and interesting ways. Such arcs, she believes, would offer deeper insights into Bailey's motivations and what truly drives her. She also voiced enthusiasm for the show to continue exploring new international locations each season, building on the success of filming in Prague.