The Rookie’s “The Con” takes John Nolan and his fiancée Bailey Nune to his hometown to undergo his mom’s issues after her passing. Whereas the episode includes some over-the-topic antics one expects from John’s mom even after her demise it additionally fortifies John and Bailey’s relationship. Equally so, it confirms that John and Bailey can have wholesome friendships with different girls in his life with out The Rookie utilizing these as a supply of drama subverting stereotypes and followers’ expectation for a love triangle.
Like John’s scenes with Genny Bradford in Season 5, Episode 9, “Take Again,” John connects with an ex-girlfriend throughout “The Con,” and by no means as soon as do these moments sign that The Rookie plans to create drama. As a substitute, Stacy’s reappearance is rewarding for longtime followers. and proves that Bailan might be as strong a relationship for the present as fan-favorites Wesley Evers and Angela Lopez or Chenford.
Whereas actors Peyton Checklist and Nathan Fillion had nice chemistry in “Take Again” when John stopped by Genny’s new home, it by no means performed as overtly romantic. He visits to be able to assist her make some residence repairs. Genny got here to Los Angeles with two kids after a divorce, and John visited Genny’s residence in a fortunately dedicated relationship. It would not have made narrative sense for both character to entertain a romantic connection.
As a substitute, The Rookie discovered a a lot stronger dynamic within the friendship they created via shared experiences. John joked about offering “stoic manly opinions” rather than Genny’s now-transferred brother Tim, however Genny and John ended up having an sincere dialog about divorce, beginning a brand new chapter in Los Angeles and navigating parenthood all through that course of. John’s perspective on his childhood after his father left grew to become useful when Genny questioned easy methods to breach the subject of her ex-husband’s distance from her youngsters. That real connection was so significantly better for each characters within the episode and going ahead.
Equally, Stacy’s return to The Rookie she additionally appeared within the pilot feeds into the plot greater than it does any romantically-driven character arc. She’s a well-recognized face in Foxburg who helps John finalize choices about his mom’s property. It is thrilling to see John reconnect with somebody who helped him redirect his life to changing into a police officer. Nevertheless, one of the best a part of Stacy’s look is her quickly-established banter with Bailey… which highlights that she, too, would not should be concerned in a love triangle.
Refreshingly, The Rookie’s “The Con” by no means insinuates that there will probably be any combined emotions between John and Stacy or jealousy between Stacy and Bailey. Quite the opposite, the primary interplay between the three characters makes that abundantly clear when Bailey and Stacy joke about buying and selling embarrassing tales about John as a result of Stacy grew up with him. Bailey notably quips with John about Stacy being “the one which obtained away.” It is by no means accusatory or awkward as a result of Bailey is assured and cozy in her relationship. Furthermore, Bailey and Stacy get alongside effectively even when John’s not round.
TV exhibits typically pit feminine characters towards one another, particularly once they have dated the identical particular person. It is a welcome change of tempo that The Rookie shoots down that expectation with Bailey and Stacy. Bailey’s skill to be good at most issues together with getting together with most individuals makes her unlikeable to some viewers. However, it is certainly one of her best property, particularly in a doubtlessly emotional and high-stress surroundings just like the one she faces in “The Con.” The episode highlights precisely why she’s an amazing match for John.
As a substitute of serving to him reframe his notion of his manipulative mom, Bailey absolutely helps John’s choices and exhibits up for him with love. John repeatedly expresses his love for Bailey and commends her abilities. Bailan is head-over-heels in love and fully dedicated to one another and “The Con” exemplifies that. One wholesome relationship is best than any overdramatic love triangle.