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ABC’s The Rookie has been on the air since 2018, following John Nolan, a man in his 40s who leaves his old life behind to become the oldest rookie at the LAPD. Starring Nathan Fillion, the show mixes police work with personal struggles, showing the challenges of being a cop while balancing relationships, friendships, and career choices. Over the years, it has built a strong cast, with each character bringing their storylines and conflicts.
One of those characters in The Rookie is Henry Nolan, John’s son. He was introduced early in the show and played a key role in Nolan’s past. Henry was the reason John left college, got married young, and spent years working construction before deciding to become a cop. While he wasn’t in every episode, his storylines always mattered, often bringing big changes to his dad’s life.
Henry’s most important moment came in The Rookie Season 3 when his heart condition worsened. He collapsed, needed surgery, and nearly died. In the end, he survived, but the experience changed everything for Nolan. It was one of the most emotional moments in the show, reminding Nolan why family will always come before the job.
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Exploring the fate of Henry Nolan on The Rookie
Henry Nolan was introduced early in The Rookie as John Nolan’s son, a key part of his backstory. Born after John dropped out of college to marry Sarah, Henry was the reason John put his dreams on hold for years before finally joining the LAPD in his 40s. When the show starts, Henry is a college student, visiting his dad occasionally while figuring out his path in life.
Henry’s biggest storyline came in The Rookie Season 3 when he suffered a major health scare. It was revealed that he was born with a heart defect called Tetralogy of Fallot, requiring multiple surgeries before he was even a year old. As an adult, complications from those past surgeries caught up to him.
While in Los Angeles, Henry suddenly collapsed and was rushed to the hospital. Doctors told him his heart valve was failing, and he had two options—undergo a minor procedure that would buy him a few more years before a major operation or go straight into risky open-heart surgery.
Henry wanted to go through with the full surgery immediately, but his parents were hesitant, fearing the risks. Before they could make a decision, Henry’s heart stopped, forcing John to decide for him.
John ultimately respected Henry’s choice, pushing for the surgery despite the dangers. The operation was intense, but in the end, Henry survived. His recovery was slow, and while he wasn't seen as often in later seasons, this moment remained one of the biggest turning points for John.
It reinforced his reason for joining the LAPD—not just for himself but to be a better role model for his son. Though Henry's screen time was limited, his story played a major role in shaping John’s journey.
The Rookie Season 7, Episode 5 recap
In The Rookie Season 7, Episode 5, which aired on February 4, 2025, Jason Wyler’s storyline reached its end. After escaping from prison in Season 6 with Oscar Hutchinson, Jason had been on a mission to take revenge on John Nolan and Bailey Nune. In the latest episode, his pursuit turned even more aggressive as he attempted to run Bailey over. Realizing that Jason would never stop hunting her, Bailey made a drastic decision—working with a hitman named El Malvado to eliminate him.
Malvado had been hired by Jason’s enemies, the Southern Front, to take him out. He had been watching Bailey, hoping she would lead him to Jason. Instead of resisting, Bailey confronted him and ultimately agreed to cooperate. Jason was killed as a result, but this put Bailey in a difficult position with Nolan, who had no idea she was involved.
Nolan wanted to capture Jason legally and see him brought to justice. Now, he is forced to question Bailey’s choices and his morals, leading to serious tension in their marriage.
Meanwhile, the LAPD continued investigating a serial killer case that had been ongoing for the last two episodes. Nyla Harper was at the forefront, and in Episode 5, she became convinced that the real killer was someone the department had overlooked.
While others focused on their primary suspect, Nyla followed her instincts and began investigating Liam Glasser, a vending machine supplier whose company serviced the hospital connected to the case.
Though Liam appeared unremarkable, small details led Nyla to suspect him. She couldn’t gather enough hard evidence to arrest him, but she was certain he was the real killer. Instead of letting him slip away unnoticed, she made sure Liam knew the LAPD was watching him. In a tense exchange, she warned him that it was only a matter of time before she found enough proof to take him down.
With Jason’s death straining Nolan and Bailey’s marriage and Nyla’s serial killer suspect still at large, Episode 5 set up major conflicts that will continue in the coming episodes.
The Rookie is Season 7, Episode 6, titled The Gala, will air on February 11, 2025.
