Jenna Dewan Discusses Bailey’s Trauma in ‘The Rookie’ Episode

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 18, 2025—Jenna Dewan, who plays firefighter Bailey Nune on ABC’s “The Rookie,” opened up about her character’s harrowing journey through trauma and recovery in a recent interview. The episode, which aired on Feb. 18, delved deep into the lingering effects of Bailey’s abusive past as she confronts her ex-husband, Jason, portrayed by her real-life fiancé Steve Kazee.

Dewan’s character first appeared in the series during Season 3, providing a brief romantic subplot with protagonist John Nolan, played by Nathan Fillion. The connection between Nolan and Bailey quickly developed, leading to Dewan becoming a series regular in Season 4 following show creator Alexi Hawley‘s recognition of their on-screen chemistry.

In the interview, Dewan reflected on her character’s evolution from a carefree firefighter to a woman grappling with the shadows of her past. “Bailey’s story is one of resilience. It shows a woman learning that she can’t outrun her trauma,” Dewan explained. “It’s crucial to portray how domestic violence affects individuals, both physically and emotionally. This struggle is ongoing for many, and the systemic patterns of abuse are hard to break,” she added.

The recent episodes intensified the drama when Jason escaped prison and confronted Bailey. After a chaotic encounter, Bailey managed to fight back—symbolizing her reclaiming power over her life. Dewan described filming the fight scene as both surreal and emotional. “We were essentially acting out a fight while managing the responsibilities of new parenthood, which amplified the emotional stakes for both of us—Steve and I,” she shared.

Bailey’s journey also intersects with her relationship with Nolan, who remains unaware of the full extent of her past with Jason. Dewan conveyed that the dynamics between Bailey and Nolan foster a space of vulnerability and trust. “For Bailey, Nolan represents safety. In turn, she brings excitement and new experiences to his life, creating a powerful chemistry that’s essential to their bond,” Dewan stated.

Another pivotal moment in the latest episode is Bailey’s friendship with Diana, a fellow survivor of domestic abuse running a local shelter. This bond serves as a catalyst for Bailey’s healing process, as Diana encourages her to openly address her experiences with Jason. Dewan explained that this dynamic serves to highlight how recovery often requires confronting difficult truths and acknowledging past trauma.

“It’s important to convey that not all forms of abuse are visible. Bailey’s struggle to label her experience reflects a common sentiment among survivors—feeling invisible or disqualified because they do not bear physical marks,” Dewan said. “We need to broaden the conversation around what abuse looks like beyond the stereotypes. It can manifest in countless ways, often unnoticed until it’s addressed head-on,” she added.

As the narrative progresses, the couple—who once considered adopting a child—find themselves reassessing their future amidst the shadows of their past. They recognize that now may not be the right time for such a life-altering decision. “Recovery means creating stability in our lives before making any significant changes, like having a child. This maturity in their relationship is a step forward in their journey together,” Dewan explained.

As the season unfolds, Bailey’s choices regarding her past and future will test not only her relationships but her understanding of self-identity and empowerment, presenting viewers with an opportunity to engage with the realities of domestic violence and the complexities of healing.