Episode Overview
- Nolan and Bailey’s adoption journey faces setbacks due to the risks associated with their careers.
- Character dynamics and humorous exchanges are enriched throughout the well-structured season.
- The episode concludes with a dramatic shooting at AJ’s residence and a pivotal career decision for Miles.
The Rookie Season 7, Episode 13, titled “Three Billboards,” premiered on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, and encapsulates everything fans of the ABC series cherish: emotional character developments, a riveting investigation led by LAPD officers, and unexpected twists. The narrative centers on John Nolan (Nathan Fillion) as he grapples with derogatory billboards and contemplates adopting a child with Bailey Nune (Jenna Dewan). As with the rest of the season, this episode maintains a brisk pace while interspersing humor to lighten the atmosphere.
Long-time viewers of The Rookie enjoy the witty banter among main characters and the opportunity to engage with their evolving stories as they tackle various cases. Episode 13 stands out for its solid storytelling and sets the stage for future developments in the season.
What Happens at the Conclusion of Episode 13?
In this gripping episode, Nolan and Bailey’s hopes for adoption are further complicated by disparaging billboards labeling Nolan as “dirty”and “corrupt.”Their meeting with a social worker ultimately devastates them, as it becomes clear that their hazardous professions hinder their adoption chances. Choosing to redirect their focus back to work, Bailey poignantly reflects:
“Some people go their entire lives without finding their passions.”
Nolan responds with heartfelt affirmation of their relationship, stating, “I found my passion and then I found you.” However, Bailey wrestles with her emotions, questioning, “We do have a great life, don’t we? Then why do I feel so sad?”
Meanwhile, Miles Penn (Deric Augustine) engages AJ in a serious discussion about Sean’s recent thefts from him. Acknowledging his own difficult upbringing, AJ expresses the comfort he finds in surrounding himself with friends. He offers Miles a lucrative role on his security team, which presents a significant choice for Miles.
The central investigation in this episode reaches its climax when Lucy and Nyla (Mekia Cox) visit the wife of the main suspect, Viggo Nash, in the hospital, only to discover that Viggo was after AJ. The action escalates dramatically when a gunman assaults AJ’s home, revealing Sean’s involvement in a scheme to stage a home invasion to erase his debts. In a tense confrontation, Miles intervenes, leading to a confrontation in the pool. Nolan and his team arrive just in time to apprehend the assailants.
Later in a reflective moment, Miles confides in Tim Bradford (Eric Winter) about contemplating AJ’s job offer, deeming it an appealing prospect. The episode highlights The Rookie’s strength in facilitating open and sincere dialogues among its characters. Echoing the mentorship he received in season 1, Bradford encourages Miles to stay on his current path. Bradford asserts, “You’re a good cop… or at least you will be when I’m done with you.” Ultimately, Miles declines the job offer, expressing:
“My calling is here.”
In a noteworthy development, attorney Wesley Evers (Shawn Ashmore) informs Nolan that he has arranged for the removal of the slanderous billboards. The episode concludes with the revelation that the serial killer Liam Glasser orchestrated the billboard campaign.
In a parallel storyline, Celina Juarez (Lisseth Chavez) candidly tells Rodge (Zander Hawley) that they need to maintain some distance for their relationship to flourish. Simultaneously, Lucy discovers that her friend Rachel Hall (Jasmine Matthews) has been distancing herself due to grief surrounding her father’s passing, illustrating Lucy’s commitment to being a supportive friend. The episode solidifies that while Bailey and Nolan strive to cope with their adoption disappointment, the weight of this issue will likely linger in their lives.
What Other Key Events Occur in Episode 13?
The action-packed and humorous elements in “Three Billboards” are quintessential to The Rookie’s appeal, reminiscent of dynamics seen in other police dramas like Chicago P.D. Alongside the investigation into the billboards, Celina navigates her relationship hurdles, while Lucy extends her support to Rachel during a difficult period.
This episode maintains the series’ signature humor and thrilling moments, highlighted by a particularly amusing exchange during their meeting with the social worker, who inquires about “the workdays when you didn’t almost die,” a rarity in their line of work. The episode does not shy away from suspenseful scenes, with antagonists launching grenades at the characters, reaffirming that The Rookie remains a blend of heartfelt storytelling akin to shows like Gilmore Girls while delivering intense action and character development that continues to captivate its audience.