A new season of The Rookie means more drama, action, thrills, and Chenford. Season 8 of the hit ABC series returns next year, and fans are eagerly waiting to see what’s next for the fan-favorite ship consisting of Tim Bradford (Eric Winter) and Lucy Chen (Melissa O’Neil). Showrunner Alexi Hawley and series star Nathan Fillion stopped by Collider’s SDCC studio this year, where they talked to Steve Weintraub about where the upcoming season finds Lucy and Tim, and what fans can expect. Their will-they/won’t-they has been going on for years now, and the upcoming season might not feature a significant departure from their dynamics, where there is always something that comes between them. “When you have a romance on the show, when are people ever happy?” Fillion said when the question of whether this is the season that finds them achieving stability in their lives and relationship was asked.
However, Hawley had a different outlook on their situation. “They’re happy when they’re together,” he said. “I think that’s a pretty simple. That’s a pretty simple thing. I think the short answer is yes. How’s that?” he added. Being together is a little hard for Tim and Lucy, given that they are now working different shifts. After passing her sergeant’s exam, Lucy got an opening on the night shift while Tim remained on the day shift. However, Hawley previously told Collider’s Therese Lacson that this hurdle might not live long. He said:
“I think the night shift as an obstacle is probably fairly short-lived. I think it was just such a great twist at the end of her getting everything she wanted. And then, of course, be careful what you wish for. It was a fun but frustrating, last sort of gasp of an obstacle for Lucy and Tim. But I do think that we are driving in Season 8 towards trying to get her back in the fold.”
Lucy Levels Up In ‘The Rookie’ Season 8
Away from the Chenford side of things, Lucy’s new sergeant position marks a significant growth for the character. Her new position promises even better stories as teased by O’Neil. The actress told CTV that she had a course planned to improve her skills when Season 8 returns. “This year, actually, when I get home from this trip, I am going on a three-day stunt driving course. So I’m really excited. I want to do some crazy maneuvers on camera… I do get into it. I love it. I love it so much,” she said.
