THE ROOKIE
Season 3, Episode 11
"New Blood"
INT. MID-WILSHIRE STATION, DAY - BULLPEN
OFFICERS WEST, CHEN, and NOLAN are surveying two new rookies who enter the bullpen with their "rook books" in hand.
WEST
There they are.
CHEN
Ooh. Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. They got no idea what's coming for them.
NOLAN
Please tell me we did not look that nervous our first day as rookies. All right. Let's go give them a warm Mid-Wilshire welcome. Hey. New recruits? Welcome, guys. My name is --
MACER
John Nolan. Yeah. Hi. Wow. It is such a pleasure to meet you! You were my inspiration for coming into the department. And when I think about six months ago, I-I was data auditing the AP matrix in the IT department.
NOLAN
Well, thank you for saying that. We're very happy to have you.
CHEN
Uh, I'm Lucy, and this is Jackson.
WEST
Hey. Welcome to Mid-Wilshire.
BARNES
Are you rookies, too?
CHEN
Not anymore. We're --(indicating herself and WEST) W-Well, we're actually P2s.
NOLAN
While I selflessly held myself back so that you guys could get your bearings. Come on. [ Chuckles ]
CHEN
Do you know who your T.O. is yet?
BARNES
I think his name is Bradford.
CHEN
Oh, he was my T.O. He's great. You will learn so much.
BARNES
But?
CHEN
He can be intense. But don't worry. If you find yourself in a self-doubt spiral, I'm always around.
BARNES
Thank you.
NOLAN
Rookies sit in front row. This way.
MACER
Right here?
NOLAN
Yeah. Plant her.
MACER
Thank you.
NOLAN
You betcha.
MACER
Sorry about that.
HARPER
How much did you have to bribe Grey to not give you Bizarro World Nolan?
BRADFORD
As a training officer in the LAPD, it is my duty to train any and all recruits assigned to me. Two pairs of Lakers tickets.
HARPER
Mm-hmm.
GREY
All right. Settle in. We got some new blood today. Stand up so everyone can see you. You earned the right to be in this room, but you have to prove yourselves to stay. The way we do things matters. Tradition and protocol are the metal from which every cop in this city is forged. That being said, it's my pleasure to welcome you to the FTO program. State your name and badge numbers.
BARNES
Barnes, Katie. Badge number 44313.
MACER
Uh, hi. I'm Larry Macer. Uh, everybody calls me "The Badger" --
[ MACER's gun goes off; shattering a glass pane, several cops drop for cover ]
VARIOUS COPS
Oh! Oh, geez. Come on. Oh, my gosh.
GREY
Badger. My office. Now.
BRADFORD and HARPER haven't moved and don't look very surprised.
EXT. MID-WILSHIRE STATION, DAY - PARKING LOT
NOLAN and HARPER are headed for their shop.
NOLAN
Washing out at roll call on your first day? That has gotta be a record.
HARPER
I heard about a recruit who ran over his captain driving into the parking lot. But I'm sure it's an urban myth.
NOLAN
Watch your head.
HENRY and ABIGAIL pull up in the parking space next to NOLAN and HARPER's shop.
HENRY
Dad!
They get out and exchange hugs with NOLAN and greetings with HARPER.
NOLAN
Henry! I had no i-- This is amazing. This is -- This -- This is awesome. Hey, buddy! I didn't know I was gonna see you today.
HENRY
Oh, that's why we're here. We just wanted to say hello.
NOLAN
Oh, that's great. Uh, you remember my son, Henry, and his lovely fiancée, Abigail.
ABIGAIL
Hi.
HARPER
It's good to see you. You guys just flew in this morning?
HENRY
We drove, actually. From my mom's new place in Arizona. We helped her get moved in.
ABIGAIL
Yeah, the road trip was a little "us time" before Henry starts the new job.
HARPER
Oh, that's right. Congratulations. What exactly will you be doing again?
NOLAN
Uh, Henry is the new youth liaison for, uh, Ben's new nonprofit, uh, clean water foundation.
HARPER
You don't know what that means, do you?
HENRY
I'll be traveling the world, to build partnerships between the nonprofit and the communities they serve. That --
ABIGAIL
And promoting it all on social media. That's why Ben needed to hire somebody young and hip.
NOLAN
That's right.
HENRY
Yeah.
NOLAN
So when am I gonna see you guys tonight?
HENRY
You won't. We're staying in Malibu.
NOLAN
Oh.
ABIGAIL
Henry has an early session tomorrow, so the company got us a hotel room.
NOLAN
I totally get it. L.A. traffic, all that. Don't worry. Text me if anything changes.
HENRY
Will do. Have a safe shift.
NOLAN
You bet. Have a great first day training.
HENRY
Thank you.
HARPER
Bye, guys.
NOLAN
Later, guys.
HENRY
Bye.
NOLAN
Knock 'em dead.
He waves as HENRY and ABIGAIL get back in their car and drive away.
HENRY
Oh, it's killing him to be so supportive.
NOLAN
It's killing me to be so supportive. Think he can tell?
HARPER
Not at all.
INT. LOPEZ & EVERS HOUSE, DAY - LIVING ROOM
WESLEY is finishing up a call on his cell phone.
WESLEY
I will. I will. Bye. [ Cellphone beeps; to LOPEZ ] That was my mother.
LOPEZ
Is she still mad about the cake?
WESLEY
Patrice doesn't do mad, she does disappointed. Fewer wrinkles.
LOPEZ
So, what did she say?
WESLEY
I had told her that we were having a hard time finding a venue, so she called her country club.
LOPEZ
That club where that asshat asked me for a clean fork?
WESLEY
That's the one. And they had an opening, so she booked it.
LOPEZ
Without asking us? [ Sputters ]
WESLEY
(sarcastically) Why would she? It's only our wedding.
LOPEZ
I'm not getting married at that country club.
WESLEY
Agreed.
LOPEZ
So, which one of us is gonna tell her?
WESLEY
Um...
BOTH
Tim.
INT. MID-WILSHIRE STATION, DAY - GREY'S OFFICE
PROFESSOR FIONA RYAN knocks on the door.
RYAN
Hey. You got a minute?
GREY
Professor Ryan. Come in. Isn't our sit-down scheduled for next week?
RYAN
This is about something different.
GREY
What's going on?
RYAN
Somebody has been leaving notes on my car. At home, at work, the market, dry cleaners. Now, the notes are creepy, but they are not threatening, which is smart, because --
GREY
Because without credible threats, there's no crime.
RYAN
Exactly. It's just enough to send a message -- "I'm watching you." But this morning, I found my car window smashed, and, uh, this was inside. Whoever is behind this, he or she is escalating.
She shows GREY a note that says simply "see you soon".
GREY
Is there anyone you can think of that could do something like this?
RYAN
I'm one of the faces behind a loud criminal justice reform movement. I'm all over social media, cable news. And a lot of people do not like what I have to say.
GREY
Does anyone know what you drive, where you live?
RYAN
I've worked very hard to make sure that that is not public information.
GREY
What's your schedule today?
RYAN
Uh, well, I have yoga at 11:00, and then, uh... teaching tonight.
GREY
Let's get a report written up, and I will assign Nolan and Harper to patrol the areas you'll be in today.
RYAN
Thank you, Sergeant.
GREY
After you.
INT. MID-WILSHIRE STATION, DAY - SALLY PORT
BRADFORD is introducing BARNES to their duties as a rookie.
BRADFORD
This is a shop. It's not a cop car, squad car, or black-and-white. It's a shop. It's where you work. First, we examine the exterior for damage. Any nicks, scratches, dents, or dings, you write 'em up. Got it?
BARNES
Sir.
BRADFORD
Load the war bags, Boot. Shotgun safety check. Verify it's empty, safety on, load it, close the action.
BARNES
(handling the weapon) Remington 870. Three-inch magnum, ghost-ring sights, six-round magazine tube, steel receiver with a polymer over-mold. Sir, if it's all right with you, I prefer to keep one in the chamber. That extra half-second counts.
BRADFORD
There's only three reasons a person would be that familiar with this weapon. You a big-game hunter, Boot?
BARNES
Negative, sir. Don't destroy anything unless it needs to be destroyed.
BRADFORD
Relatives in law enforcement?
BARNES
Negative, sir. First in my family.
BRADFORD
Former military, then. Hm. But standard issue is an M4 carbine. If you were in country, using a shotgun --
BARNES
I was a breacher. 82nd Airborne, 2nd Brigade Combat Team. Advance team and combat patrol. "80-deuce, all the way"... sir.
BRADFORD
All right. Some new ground rules, then. You don't have to call me "sir." It'll be an adjustment, but you're gonna be fine. Wanna get a coffee?
EXT. FOOD COURT, DAY
TAMARA COLINS is meeting WEST and CHEN for coffee.
TAMARA
Stop. It's not a big deal.
CHEN
Yes, it is. You're turning 18. You're finally getting your own place. Come on. This is exciting.
WEST
Yeah, my first solo apartment, you could literally reach the stove from the bed.
CHEN
In my first place, I eventually stopped fighting with the cockroaches, and I just treated them as pets.
WEST
But I'm sure yours will be much nicer than that.
TAMARA
I lived under a bridge. Bugs don't bother me. Thanks again for helping me with the transitional housing paperwork. I wouldn't have found out about the program if it wasn't for you.
CHEN
I'm happy to.
TAMARA
Who's that girl with Officer Zaddy?
WEST
[ Chuckles ] That's, uh, Tim's new rookie. Yeah, she just started.
TAMARA
How's it feel to be replaced?
CHEN
Uh, great. I am happy for somebody else to be tormented by Tim for a change.
WEST
Whoa. Sorry, is he paying for her coffee?
CHEN
And he's letting her drive?
TAMARA
So much for torment.
CHEN
Oh, he is evil. He's luring her into a false sense of security, and then -- bam! "I've been shot. Where are we, Boot?" Man, she's gonna be wearing that coffee by the end of her shift. [ Chuckles ]
WEST
Are you smiling? I'm sorry, all you did for the last year was complain about how Tim treats you, that he's doing the same thing to her? That's a little messed up.
EXT. STREET, DAY - HARPER/NOLAN'S SHOP
HARPER and NOLAN are parked, watching the front of the yoga studio where RYAN is taking a class. JAMES MURRAY comes walking by.
JAMES
Hey. What are you doing in my neck of the woods?
NOLAN
James!
HARPER
Uh, just a little covert undercover police work.
JAMES
Ohhh, staking out the yoga studio, huh? Always had a bad feeling about that place. No one should be that happy after exercise.
NOLAN
How's the Community Center going?
JAMES
Swimming upstream every day. I'm trying to get this self-defense class going, but I just lost my instructor.
NOLAN
Well, Detective Harper is an expert at hand-to-hand combat, and a phenomenal teacher.
JAMES
Really? Ah, but I-I'm -- I'm sure you have plans tonight.
HARPER
Uh, I-I could probably swing by for an hour or so.
JAMES
That'd be awesome. Thank you.
NOLAN notices a man across the street from the yoga studio with a camera.
NOLAN
Harper.
RYAN (exiting studio, to another student)
I'm gonna hold you to that.
The man on the sidewalk is rapidly taking pictures of RYAN.
NOLAN
Looks like we're on. [approaching the man ] What are you doing?
BECKER
Uh, just taking some pictures. I'm on public property.
HARPER
Pictures of what?
BECKER
Birds.
RYAN
What's going on?
NOLAN
This gentleman was taking photos of you.
RYAN
Is that true? Wait a minute. I know you. You were in one of my classes.
BECKER
Your Torts class, two years ago. I-I sat in the front row. I came to all your office hours.
HARPER
So you just happened to be photographing birds in front of her yoga class?
BECKER
Wild, right? It feels like fate.
NOLAN
No, it feels like stalking. Did you break into Professor Ryan's car this morning?
BECKER
No.
HARPER
Give me your camera.
RYAN and JAMES
Don't.
HARPER
Why?
JAMES
It's an unreasonable search.
HARPER
Uh, no. This is evidence that can be easily deleted. So we have the right to examine it.
RYAN
I disagree. You need a warrant. He has rights.
BECKER
Thank you, Fiona.
RYAN
Well, don't take it personally. The law is the law.
HARPER
All right, fine. We will get a warrant. But we have the right to detain him while we are waiting for it. So I'm gonna do that. Put your camera in your bag and your hands behind your back.
She cuffs BECKER while the others stand by.
JAMES
So, he's been stalking you?
RYAN
Somebody has.
NOLAN
Oh, sorry. James, this is Fiona --
JAMES
Ryan. Yeah, I know. I follow you on social media.
RYAN
Yes, I follow you, too. You're doing some really important work in this neighborhood.
JAMES
Thank you.
RYAN
Hey, if you ever need a civil rights litigator, please give me a call.
She gives him her card.
JAMES
Wow. I hope you mean that, because I will.
RYAN
Any time.
JAMES
(to NOLAN) Tell Nyla I'll text her the details for tonight.
NOLAN
Will do. You're all right following us to the station?
RYAN
Yeah.
NOLAN
And... you're okay, right?
RYAN
Of course.
NOLAN
Okay.
INT. BRADFORD/BARNES' SHOP, DAY
BARNES
I heard you were a real hard-ass. Random tests, getting into people's heads. Why not with me? Or is this part of it? You're messing with me right now, aren't you?
BRADFORD
Well, yes and no.
BARNES
Okay, then. How am I doing?
BRADFORD
Fine so far. You'll have some challenges, but you'll push through 'em.
BARNES
What kinds of challenges?
BRADFORD
People with strong military backgrounds can struggle with the transition to being a cop.
BARNES
That won't be me. I've been on combat patrol, doing exactly this.
BRADFORD
Wrong. There are three major differences between police and military, and if you want to be a cop instead of a soldier, you'll have to conquer all of them.
BARNES
Tell me.
BRADFORD
One, cops are expected to be proactive. You don't wait for orders. Two, you are no longer bound by military objectives. The actions you take are up to your discretion. And, three, the people we come up against on the street aren't enemy combatants. They're our fellow citizens.
DISPATCH
7-Adam-19, clear for traffic?
BARNES
7-Adam-19, go ahead.
DISPATCH
Silent alarm, 4-5-9 type with multiple motion activations. 755 Bollinger Road. 7-Adam-19?
BRADFORD
4-5-9 with a silent alarm?
BARNES
Burglary. Most likely second degree, entering a commercial structure with the intent to commit theft, grand theft, petty theft, or any felony.
BRADFORD
Good.
BARNES
7-Adam-19, copy.
EXT. ALLEY, DAY
BRADFORD and BARNES get out of the shop and arm themselves.
BARNES
Negative on lookouts. Want me to post on the side door, and you can recon the front?
BRADFORD
Sounds good. Just stay to the left of --
BARNES
The door. Visible hinges. Outward-opening door puts the kill zone on the right.
BRADFORD
Okay. If I see suspects inside, what do we do?
BARNES
Call for reinforcements.
BRADFORD
You mean, call for backup.
BARNES
Yes, sir. I meant backup. Then we can surround and call out, or make entry and engage.
BRADFORD
What would you do?
BARNES
Uh... Why force confrontation? Get air support on the roof, and surround and call out.
BRADFORD
Perfect.
The building alarm goes off and two men burst out of the back door with guns blazing.
BARNES
Gun!
BRADFORD
7-Adam-19. Shots fired. Two armed suspects. Requesting backup and airship.
The cops exchange fire with the two men; BARNES sees the feet of one of the men underneath a car he's using for cover.
BARNES
Sir, I've got a shot.
BRADFORD
How?
BARNES
Little ricochet trick I picked up in Fallujah.
BARNES fires downward and the shot ricochets up and hits the man in the lower leg.
SUSPECT
Ugh! Aah!
CHEN and WEST drive up and come over to assist.
CHEN
Lay on your stomach. Hands behind your back.
BARNES
Are they gonna find anyone else in the building?
SUSPECT
No.
BARNES
Don't lie to me.
BRADFORD
Barnes, suspect's secured. Our job is now to render first aid.
BARNES
Sorry. Sorry, right.
BRADFORD
You trained for this?
BARNES
Yes, sir.
BARNES gets the first aid kit and treats the suspect's leg wound. BRADFORD rests his hand on BARNES' shoulder briefly.
CHEN
What the hell is that?
WEST
What?
CHEN
Tim put his hand on her shoulder. Man, I saved his life on my first day. I didn't even get a fist bump.
INT. MID-WILSHIRE STATION, DAY - HALLWAY
NOLAN is walking with RYAN outside INTERROGATION.
NOLAN
So, it seems Andy Becker got fixated on you when you gave him an F in your class. He thought it was to get his attention. Everything since has been the long game to get you to fall in love with him.
RYAN
[ Scoffs ]
NOLAN
I know.
RYAN
Did you find any evidence that he broke into my car?
NOLAN
No. He didn't take any pictures of that.
RYAN
Oh. So he's a creep, but there's no evidence that he actually committed any crimes?
NOLAN
Right.
RYAN
You think that I'm an idiot for keeping you from doing that search without the warrant.
NOLAN
No. You've dedicated your life to protecting civil liberties. If anything, I respect you more for sticking to it when it's this personal. Now, I did put an emergency restraining order on him. Hopefully, he'll get the message.
RYAN
Thank you. See you in class?
NOLAN
I'll be there.
EXT. PARK, DAY
BRADFORD and BARNES are walking into a park area, where it's sunny and quiet.
BARNES
What are we doing here?
BRADFORD
You'll see.
BARNES
You were right. About earlier. That was different than the Army. One second, a guy's trying to kill us. The next, we're saving his life.
BRADFORD
You're still in the headspace where everyone is either a friendly or an enemy combatant. It's my job to help you change that mind-set. These people are all your neighbors. Now, some are neighbors with problems who do stupid things, crazy things, selfish things, but they're just people. I want you to take a look around. What do you see?
BARNES
Ah. Finally getting a Tim Test? We passed six people on our way in. Four males, two females. There's one ingress and egress road. The hillside to our back gives us a tactical advantage.
BRADFORD
That's well-spotted. But I want you to be in the present, not thinking about potential threats. What do you see here?
He holds out a leaf with a ladybug on it.
BARNES
Uh... A ladybug. It's...very cute, sir.
BRADFORD
No. It's adorable. You see the tiny spots? Focus on them. Focus on them. I want you to take a deep breath. Feel the sun. Go ahead. Close your eyes. I'll cover you. This is your present. You made it home. Life is good. You're safe. When you're in country, everything's hostile. You never turn it off, you only turn it down. Cops who are fearful, they use officer safety as a way of treating everyone like the enemy. In fact, you're doing the job wrong if you are.
BARNES
I don't know how to live like that anymore.
BRADFORD
You'll remember. Just give it time. Be in the moment.
BARNES
That's it?
BRADFORD
It's harder than you think. At least it was for me. But it's only way I could leave the war behind.
INT. CLASSROOM, NIGHT
RYAN's class has ended and NOLAN is hanging back.
RYAN
You don't have to wait for me.
NOLAN
I know.
RYAN
So, you ready for the exam next week?
NOLAN
Uh, I will be ready.
RYAN's cell phone rings.
RYAN
Sorry. Hold on a second. (into the phone) Hello? What -- Who is this? How dare you say that to me!
NOLAN
Who was that?
RYAN has ended the call and is scrolling through her text messages.
RYAN
Oh, my God. Oh, my God.
NOLAN
What's wrong?
RYAN
Someone just posted my home address, my phone number, and my license plate to the Internet, with a message reading, "Come teach this bitch a lesson."
EXT. COLLEGE, NIGHT - PARKING LOT
NOLAN is walking RYAN to her car.
NOLAN
Okay. Thank you. I'll let her know. (to RYAN) They handle the criminal threats like this. Along with the Cyber Crimes Division, they're gonna track down the original post.
RYAN
But my information's all out there now forever, so there's no putting that horse back in the barn.
NOLAN
Well, my gut tells me it's your stalker, Andy. He got pissed about that restraining order and put your address online in hopes that some hate group will try to do you harm while he sits safely on the sidelines watching.
RYAN
Well, thank you for walking with me.
NOLAN
Uh, knowing how this sounds, how about I just follow you home, just to make sure it's safe?
RYAN
I don't need a bodyguard.
NOLAN
All due respect, that's exactly what you need right now.
RYAN
No. That is exactly what they want -- for me to be afraid. I am not going to give that to them. But thank you for your help.
NOLAN
Good night.
INT. CHEN'S APARTMENT, NIGHT - KITCHEN
CHEN is reading when her phone rings.
TAMARA
Lucy, can you come get me?
CHEN
Yeah. Where are you?
TAMARA
My cousin's. He's been drinking.
SCOTT
Tamara!
CHEN
Hey, I'll be right there.
CHEN gets her weapon out of the gun safe and leaves to get TAMARA.
EXT. YARD, NIGHT - SCOTT'S HOUSE
TAMARA is standing at the foot of the stairs. SCOTT comes down and yells at her.
SCOTT
Get the hell out now.
TAMARA
Just let me get my stuff.
SCOTT
Consider it back rent.
TAMARA
Where the hell am I supposed to go?
SCOTT
Who cares? Been freeloading off me long enough.
CHEN arrives and steps in to break up the scene.
CHEN
Okay, everyone take a breath. Go get her stuff. I said, go get her stuff! Are you okay?
TAMARA
I'm fine.
SCOTT has gone to get TAMARA's duffel bags and throws them on the ground.
SCOTT
Don't come back.
CHEN and TAMARA pick up the bags and walk back to CHEN's car.
CHEN
Wow. What happened?
TAMARA
My place isn't ready yet. A plumber found black mold, and now they're saying it could be two months.
CHEN
Oof.
TAMARA
And when I told Scott I needed to stay longer, he lost it. His skanky girlfriend doesn't like me being there.
CHEN
I'm so sorry.
TAMARA
It's whatever. I'll figure something out.
CHEN
No. You will...stay with me until your place is ready.
TAMARA
You don't have to.
CHEN
Yes, I do. You're family.
TAMARA
Thank you.
CHEN
Mm. You want to, uh, go to 7-Eleven, buy way too much candy, and watch some horror movies?
TAMARA
Okay.
CHEN
"Okay"? That's a -- That's a good idea.
TAMARA
Sure. Why not.
CHEN
Okay, okay.
They grin at each other as they get in the car.
INT. LOPEZ/EVERS HOUSE, NIGHT - LIVING ROOM
BRADFORD answers the door. It's PATRICE EVERS.
PATRICE
Oh! Hello.
BRADFORD
Hi.
PATRICE
Am I at the wrong house?
BRADFORD
No. Lopez and Wesley are right through here.
PATRICE
Oh, you're one of Angela's, uh, police friends, aren't you?
BRADFORD
For now.
PATRICE comes in to find LOPEZ and WESLEY sitting on the sofa.
PATRICE
I thought we were talking wedding plans.
WESLEY
We are.
LOPEZ
Tim is here as a neutral third party.
PATRICE
Wasn't aware that we needed one. This is a little unusual, isn't it?
BRADFORD
Agreed.
WESLEY
Oh, you know, weddings can be a stressful time. We just figured this...would help.
He pours his mother a glass of wine.
PATRICE
Okay. What's first on the agenda?
BRADFORD consults his clipboard.
BRADFORD
Ceremony locations -- Episcopal church or Catholic church? [ Inhales deeply ] Oh, good. We're starting small.
JAMES
I am so sorry. Everyone seems to be running late. I-I don't get it. I mean, there was so much interest in - even had to reprint the flyer four times.
SILAS
You got the day wrong.
JAMES
What? No, I didn't. It's the 10th.
SILAS
Right, but this says Friday. Today's Tuesday.
JAMES
Oh, my God. Uh, I-I can't believe I just wasted your time like this.
HARPER
Well, it's not a total waste. I can still train you.
JAMES
Oh, I-I-I wasn't gonna take the class.
HARPER
Well, I'm loose and ready to go, so I'm fighting somebody.
SILAS
Don't look at me.
HENRY
[ Recorded ] This is Henry. Leave a message, and I'll call you back. Thanks. [ Beep ]
NOLAN
Hey, buddy. Just me checking in. Uh, just calling to see how your first day went. Give me a ring. I'll be up late.
RYAN
Hey, y'all. To be honest, I wasn't sure that I was up to making my weekly livestream. As you may have heard, my privacy was attacked today in an attempt to silence me. I was not intimidated then, and I sure as hell am not intimidated now. So listen very carefully. I am not afraid, and I will never stop fighting for what is right. And if you have a problem with that, you know where to find me.
NOLAN
Professor, it's, uh, John Nolan.
SECURITY SYSTEM
Disarmed. Ready to arm.
RYAN
What are you doing here?
NOLAN
I was just, uh, checking on you. I caught your video.
RYAN
I told you I don't need a bodyguard.
NOLAN
Right. Did you happen to look at the comments? All the references to "100%"? As in "100% white America," with associations with the Southern Front and, uh, Patriots for Purity -- serious white supremacy groups. These are dangerous people.
RYAN
But if I succumb to their threats, they win.
NOLAN
I understand, but it's an irrefutable fact you can effect a heck of a lot more change if you're alive.
RYAN
Good night, Officer Nolan.
NOLAN
Good night, Professor. Don't forget to re-arm your security system.
RYAN
I am. Now go away.
PATRICE
Best and final.
BRADFORD
Okay. She's agreeing to limit her invitations to 125 if you agree to add cousin Jessica to your wedding party.
LOPEZ
The one with the teeth? Fine. Make it 100, and we have a deal.
BRADFORD
Okay, Jessica's in if you go down to 100.
PATRICE
Oh, come on. This is silly. Just tell me what you want. This is your wedding. I'll go along with anything.
WESLEY
Oh, come on, Mom. I know you. You don't go along with anything.
PATRICE
Well, I may have been a little forceful with my opinion, but I thought I was helping. I mean, you're both so busy with your jobs and the baby coming, and I've got nothing but time.
LOPEZ
Can you get me some water?
WESLEY
Sure. Maybe Tim can help.
BRADFORD
Thank God.
LOPEZ
We haven't had much time to visit you lately.
PATRICE
No, I understand. I mean, you're a detective now. You're probably exhausted.
LOPEZ
I am. But this wedding should be a chance for us to bond. I'm sorry it's been so contentious.
PATRICE
Well, I'm sorry I didn't ask about the country club. It just -- It seemed like something I could do to show you how happy I am you're joining the family. If you don't want to get married there...
LOPEZ
I really don't.
PATRICE
Well...
LOPEZ
But I would like your opinion on things.
PATRICE
When you ask for it.
LOPEZ
Is that so awful?
PATRICE
No. No. I just want you and Wesley to be happy.
LOPEZ
Thank you.
PATRICE
But if you serve a buffet, I will die of shame.
LOPEZ
Seated dinner it is.
JAMES
Oof! Ow.
HARPER
Come on. You can do better than that.
SILAS
He really can't.
JAMES
Uh, I really can't.
HARPER
You okay?
JAMES
Yeah. I still can't believe I messed up those flyers. Hey, let me buy you dinner this weekend. You know, to -- to make up for it.
HARPER
Uh...that is sweet, but I actually -- I-I just started dating someone, so...
SILAS
Define "just started." One date? Five?
HARPER
One.
JAMES
Okay, so, let me take you out on one date. Then you can see how you feel.
SILAS
That seems like a reasonable proposal.
HARPER
He's a good wingman.
JAMES
Is that a yes?
HARPER
Yeah. Yeah, I guess I could make that happen.
JAMES
Great.
RYAN
You planning to be out here all night?
NOLAN
Yeah. You gonna yell at me some more?
RYAN
No. I brought you coffee.
NOLAN
Thank you.
RYAN
Listen, I'm sorry I snapped at you earlier.
NOLAN
It's not a problem. Very stressful situation.
RYAN
Thank you. And thank you for staying. It does make me feel better knowing that you're here.
NOLAN
You're welcome, Professor.
RYAN
Oh, please. Considering what you're doing, call me Fiona.
NOLAN
[ Cellphone chimes ] Oh, sorry. That's my son.
RYAN
Everything okay?
NOLAN
It's the last thing you need to be hearing about right now.
RYAN
Actually, I could use a distraction.
NOLAN
Okay. Um... Uh, my son got a job and dropped out of college.
RYAN
But you wanted him to graduate because you didn't?
NOLAN
I made a nice life for myself and my family, but not finishing... it just always left a hole in my confidence.
RYAN
Well, you know, college isn't for everybody, and there are many ways to get an education. This job of his, is it a good one?
NOLAN
Oh, crazy good.
RYAN
Well, there you go, then. I mean, college will always be there. Maybe this is the education he needs right now.
NOLAN
Wow. Look at you. Teaching me outside of class too.
NOLAN
I'll shadow you to school and then head home, get some shut-eye.
RYAN
My publisher's bringing in a private security company for the next few weeks.
NOLAN
Good. Oh! Henry's coming to dinner. Oh. That's a powerful piece.
RYAN
Oh, yeah. My grandmother made that.
NOLAN
Is it supposed to be melted like that?
RYAN
No. It was damaged during the MOVE bombing.
NOLAN
Wait, I remember that.
RYAN
Oh. Most people don't.
NOLAN
Yeah. I'm -- I grew up outside Philly. That was, what, 1984?
RYAN
It was May 13, 1985. Yeah. The cops were trying to get a group of Black activists out of their house, and when they couldn't get them out, they fired 10,000 rounds of ammunition into a house with children in it. Then they dropped a bomb on the roof -- killed 11 people, including 5 kids.
NOLAN
I remember there was a huge fire. Did your grandmother's house burn?
RYAN
Mm. Yeah. Along with 60 others. Two whole blocks. And the cops just watched. That sculpture was the only thing we could salvage.
NOLAN
I'm so sorry.
RYAN
I was 10 years old. Playing in her front room when people started coming, banging on the door, telling us we had to get out. There were embers falling from the sky, burning our skin. Nana grabbed my hand and we ran, but... we couldn't get away.
NOLAN
No wonder you became an activist yourself.
RYAN
Exactly. Now you understand why I'm not backing down from these Southern Front jackasses.
NOLAN
Okay. Give me one second. Okay.
BRADFORD
How'd you sleep?
BARNES
Good. Not good. Don't tell me -- you've got some sure-fire REM-sleep technique I can try.
BRADFORD
Actually, I do.
BARNES
Man, I heard you were such a hard-ass, and here you are, showing me ladybugs and teaching me how to be all zen.
BRADFORD
What can I say? I'm a complicated guy.
BARNES
Uh-huh.
NOLAN
Okay. Oh, no. [ Cellphone beeping ]
RYAN
[ Cellphone clicks ] Hello?
NOLAN
Listen to me very carefully. The white supremacists we were talking about -- the Southern Front -- they just pulled in behind you.
RYAN
What do I do?
NOLAN
Stay calm. We don't want them to know you've seen them yet.
RYAN
Oh, my God, John --
NOLAN
Don't worry, okay? Just keep driving, keep your speed even. I'm gonna call in for a little help.
RYAN
Why are they following me? Why don't they just kill me?
NOLAN
The Southern Front likes to make statements. They kidnap high-profile targets and then put them on trial to answer for their crimes.
RYAN
And everyone's found guilty.
NOLAN
Give me a sec. Control, this is off-duty Officer John Nolan, badge number 2-5-2-5-3. I have a possible 2-0-7 in progress. Victim is headed west on 11th in a silver late-model Sentra, being pursued by two pickup trucks -- one brown, one blue, both lifted. Three occupants, presumed armed. I'm following in my P.O.V., a black Tundra.
BRADFORD
7-Adam-19 responding.
RYAN
What do I do? Do I run the light?
NOLAN
No. Uh, stop, but be ready to bolt. I'm gonna try something.
DRIVER
What the hell's wrong with you?
NOLAN
Are you hurt? Are you okay? 'Cause -- Oh, that's some damage. Oh, I don't think this is gonna buff out. Did you have that damage before? Police. Get down. Get down. Get on the ground. Here. [ Handcuffs rattle ] Cuff yourself to that, right there. Cuff yourself -- fast.
DRIVER
You're making a big mistake.
NOLAN
Well, they tell me that all the time.
[ Bullets ricocheting, glass shattering ]
LANCE
Out of the car! Now!
CHEN
7-Adam-07, shots fired. Multiple armed suspects with assault rifles. Need backup and airship.
BRADFORD
What are you doing?
BARNES
Firefight is one block north. we'll come up on them from the side so we can box in the enemy.
BRADFORD
The suspects, not enemy.
BARNES
Right, suspects.
LANCE
Grab her! We gotta go!
MAN
She's running!
NOLAN
Fiona's on the move! Headed south down the alley, one armed suspect in pursuit. We gotta even the odds here, I'm running on empty.
WEST
One odds-evener coming up. Be ready.
WEST
Down on the ground! Don't move!
NOLAN
You got him?
WEST
Yeah. Got him. Roll over!
RYAN
Oh!
BARNES
Don't move! You're under arrest!
NOLAN
You okay?
RYAN
No! I'm not okay. They tried to kill me.
CHEN
Day two and you're filling out the paperwork?
BRADFORD
You got something to say, Chen?
CHEN
Uh, yeah, I do. I... Why are you being so nice to her? My first few days on the job, you kicked me out of the car, tormented me. A month later, you -- you -- you stole my duty belt while I had to go pee. You called me "Boot" so many times, I get triggered when I go shoe shopping.
BRADFORD
Look, Officer Barnes has other issues.
CHEN
Like what? Like, she's fit and beautiful and smart --
BRADFORD
She won't wear perfume.
CHEN
W-What does that have to do with anything? What?
BRADFORD
Look, I teach my recruits according to what they need. Officer Barnes won't wear perfume because she's still worried it will give away her position. A part of her is still waging a war in Afghanistan, and if she's gonna be a cop, that has to go. You are a kind and insightful person. You see the good in people. So much so that I had to show you the world can be a scary place. Officer Barnes only sees a scary place, and she needs to know that not everyone's out to hurt her.
CHEN
Is she gonna be okay?
BRADFORD
I think so. And who knows -- one day... she might even be as good as you.
NOLAN
There. Grey said your security team is top-notch, so they will make sure you're safe.
RYAN
Was Computer Crimes able to figure out if Andy was the one who doxxed me?
NOLAN
Unfortunately, no. If it was him, he covered his tracks very well. Can the student offer the teacher some advice?
RYAN
Sure.
NOLAN
You're not gonna sleep well. For a while. You're gonna be jumpy and irritable and on edge.
RYAN
Is this experience talking?
NOLAN
It's the downside of having a job filled with trauma and tragedy, with the toll it can take on the mind and body. Just take your feelings seriously, and get help if you need it. It'll only get worse if you don't.
RYAN
Thank you.
NOLAN
You're welcome.
RYAN
See you in class?
NOLAN
Unless you wanna pass me right now.
RYAN
Mm, I'll see you in class.
NOLAN
Okay.
BRADFORD
How's your report coming?
BARNES
Just finished. I, uh...need to talk to you about something. Transitioning from military to police has been harder than I expected.
BRADFORD
In two shifts, you turned your past into an asset. I mean, you switched from warrior to caregiver.
BARNES
Yeah, but it's what's still down the road that has me worried.
BRADFORD
What do you mean?
BARNES
Looking out over the city yesterday, feeling the sun on my face -- that's the first time I've felt at peace in a long time.
BRADFORD
And that feeling will grow. You just need to give yourself a little more time to adjust.
BARNES
No, I don't know that I can -- at least not while wearing a uniform. I need to see what life is like when I'm not in survival mode all the time. And that's not gonna happen if I'm a cop. So, with my report, I am also submitting my resignation memo.
BRADFORD
No. I don't accept that. You're gonna be a great cop, and I know it. And I can help you transition. From warrior to peacekeeper... to peace.
BARNES
I really appreciate it, sir. But this might be the last chance I have to change my course, leave the violence behind. And I need to take it. Thank you for everything.
BRADFORD
Barnes. I'm gonna check in on you. And your POST certificate's good for three years. You change your mind, you will always have a home here.
NOLAN
Okay. Just about ready. So, how is the job going? Any new adventures planned?
HENRY
Dad, you don't have to pretend to be happy about it.
NOLAN
I'm not pretending.
HENRY
I dropped out of college. I know you're not okay with this.
NOLAN
I-I wasn't at first. O-Or second. [ Chuckles ] I just had to get past myself a little bit. Henry, this is your life, and I know this is going to be an incredible experience for you.
HENRY
Thanks.
NOLAN
Feeling okay?
HENRY
Yeah. Yeah, just tired. Guess this new lifestyle's doing a number on me.
NOLAN
Well, get used to it. Ben said you're gonna be jetting around the world -- Europe, Asia.
HENRY
Yeah. South America.
NOLAN
Seriously? Do you wanna land that salad on the table for me? Did you guys know that "arrabbiata" is actually Italian for "angry"?
ABIGAIL
Are you making us angry pasta, Mr. Nolan? You okay, babe?
HENRY
Yeah, I just -- I don't feel so good.
NOLAN
Henry! Call 9-1-1. Hey! Hey! Take a deep breath. Come on. Wake up. We got help coming. You're gonna be fine. Henry, you're gonna be fine, okay?