The Rookie season 7’s biggest misstep of the season was focused on the story of one fan-favorite character, and undoing the damage may be impossible for the series moving forward. Throughout The Rookie season 7, viewers struggled with the way the show’s long-standing cast progressed, especially in the case of Tim Bradford (Eric Winter) and Lucy Chen (Melissa O’Neil).
While Tim and Lucy’s romantic relationship made waves throughout The Rookie season 6, when Tim broke up with Lucy after losing his sense of self and looking for a punishment, progressed in season 7, it didn’t move in the way viewers expected. Tim and Lucy, who had pre-existing issues before Tim’s fallout in season 6, spend season 7 circling the drain about getting back together.
While Tim seemed adamant that Lucy’s forgiveness was the most important thing, throughout the season, Lucy came across as indecisive as she warmed back up to Tim, then pushed him away in equal measures. Lucy, who eventually shared she forgave Tim at some undisclosed point, consistently confused viewers in a way that’s taken a damaging toll on her character overall.
After one major misstep during The Rookie season 7 episode 12, Lucy’s character contradicted herself so dramatically that it felt jarring. Now, seeing her move through the motions of accepting Tim’s apology and potentially finding a whole new start, Lucy’s behavior has made it tough to see her point of view. Her arc may be irreparably damaged.
Lucy’s April Fools Hall Pass Comes Just An Episode After Turning Tim Down
She Showed Up At Tim’s Door After Explicitly Saying She Wouldn’t
The Rookie’s first April Fools’ day episode saw Lucy show up to Tim’s house at the stroke of midnight, pitching that the holiday meant they could take a break from their breakup, using the 24-hour window to get physical. While Tim questioned her at first, Lucy’s harried desire won out and the pair spent the episode hooking up all over Mid-Wilshire.
Although Tim and Lucy were still interested in each other, the former couple had already slept together earlier in the season. After talking about it, they appeared to be taking a new approach. During The Rookie season 7 episode 11, Lucy let Tim know that she wasn’t going to pursue him as she still hadn’t forgiven him for breaking up with her.
Seeing her show up at Tim’s house in the following episode was not only contradictory, it was jarring. Lucy had shared she wouldn’t be pursuing anything romantic with her ex until she forgave him for their breakup, but the next time the pair appeared on screen together, Lucy was giving Tim a 24-hour hall pass, seemingly having to change her mind.
The Rookie Made Lucy Look Like She Had No Self-Respect For An Odd Joke
The Timing Was Poor & The Payoff Was Minimal
Despite knowing that there were some logistical changes behind The Rookie’s season that caused two episodes to be swapped, which many felt would explain the confusing disconnect between Lucy’s behavior from episode 11 to episode 12, the shift in her behavior was never actually explained. Instead, Lucy continued to vacillate between irritation and indifference, ignoring the problems directly in front of her.
Lucy showing up at Tim’s place after saying she wouldn’t spend any more energy on their future until the past was squared away was a slap in the face to viewers who have long believed her to be the most convicted character on the show. Lucy’s always stood strong in her beliefs, and ignoring herself didn’t align with her character.
Lucy’s Character Has Been Off Since Her Relationship With Tim Turned Romantic
The Rookie’s Lucy Has Lost Her Way
Although fans have longed for Tim and Lucy, typically referred to as Chenford, to be together romantically for years, something’s felt off about her character since the pair turned romantic. The way the pair fell into their relationship fairly fast, and prior to their romance, they hadn’t built a solid foundation outside of their working relationship that viewers had been privy to.
Now, seasons later, Lucy still seems lost in a lot of ways rather than more grounded in herself and her connections. Without her romance with Tim guiding her, Lucy’s felt less present, less resonant, and less solidified, which is disappointing. After seeing her switching her thoughts on Tim throughout The Rookie season 7, it’s possible her redemption could be impossible.
