ABC’s The Rookie has re-energized the cop procedural genre with its unique twists and slow-burn romances. The Rookie primarily follows John Nolan, played by Nathan Fillion, as he begins his journey as an LAPD rookie at the age of 45. Over the course of six seasons, the show has managed to balance real-world drama, humor, and a few love stories along the way — and one of the most exciting love stories of the series is between Lucy Chen and Tim Bradford. However, a recent update from the showrunner confirms there is a long road ahead.
The first three seasons also follow rookie Chen, played by Melissa O’Neill, as she learns to navigate being a cop from her intense training officer, Bradford, played by Eric Winter. It isn’t until season 4 that the show starts to hint that Chen and Bradford might get together. After finally becoming a couple in season 5, Bradford abruptly breaks things off with Chen in the middle of season 6. While Tim and Lucy manage to work through the post-break-up awkwardness by the end of the season, it’s easy to miss seeing “Chenford” on the screen.
Bradford Still Has Work To Do To Win Chen In The Rookie Season 7
It Will Take Time For Bradford To Earn Back Lucy’s Trust
While audiences are eager to see Chen and Bradford back together as soon as possible, it’s important that he does the work to set things right with Lucy. Bradford kept a big secret from Chen and put her career in jeopardy, which unsurprisingly strained their relationship. This causes Lucy to lose the trust she had in Bradford, which not only impacts their romantic relationship but their working one as well. “There’s a lot of trust that needs to be re-earned, and it can’t just happen in a few weeks,” showrunner Alexi Hawley said in an interview with TVLine.
Season 6 also provided some insight into Bradford and the trauma he experienced during his military service. While Bradford’s military history is briefly mentioned in previous seasons, his coming face-to-face with it is a more compelling storyline. Seeing Bradford deal with his past and the emotions that come with it helps the character feel more three-dimensional than in previous seasons. However, learning about Tim’s thought process does not absolve his mistakes with Lucy, and it’s important he makes things right with her before their relationship can move forward.
The Rookie Season 7 Has No Choice But To Slowly Progress Chenford’s Reconciliation
Rushing Them Getting Back Together Would Go Against The Rookie’s Characteristic Storytelling
Eager as they are for Chen and Bradford to get back together, fans have to face the tough reality that the reconciliation may take longer than they want. The Rookie is well known for creating deep, complex characters that the audience can relate to. One of the reasons Chenford became such a favorite is because of Lucy and Tim’s layered dynamic. These two characters can poke fun at each other while also serving as a support system for one another. That kind of multi-faceted relationship takes time and patience, which is exactly what Chenford needs.
It is important that these characters remain authentic and realistic for the audience in season 7, which is where a slower reconciliation comes into play. Lucy has always been a strong, independent character who wouldn’t just forgive Tim after what he did, no matter how much she may want to. In concurence with Hawley’s comments, if Lucy and Tim were to get together as soon as they possibly could, it would cheapen that storyline and their entire relationship arc. In order to preserve realistic characters, the show has no choice but to take Chenford’s relationship one step at a time.
Why A Slower Process Will Make Chenford’s Reconciliation Better In The Rookie
Having To Wait For Lucy & Bradford’s Reunion Will Make It So Much Better When It Does Happen
Even though fans want to see a happy Chenford on their TV screens, the delayed reward of watching them find their way back to one another will be even better. One of the things that made Chenford so popular was the slow-burn romance that The Rookie writers crafted perfectly. Tim needs to put in the hard work to win back Lucy, one scene at a time, in order for their future relationship to survive. If not properly atoned for, Tim’s breach of trust could cause continued problems and resentment in Chenford’s relationship down the road.
It’s also important to keep the audience waiting for Chen and Bradford to get back together to keep them coming back each week. This type of slow burn is most successful when the audience is on the edge of their seats with each new episode. The buzz that a slower reconciliation will also generate will keep everyone excited to regularly tune into The Rookie, and allowing the audience to really stew in their anticipation will make Chenford eventually getting back together so much sweeter.
