The Rookie is known for excellent storylines and powerful action sequences, but that’s not even the tip of the iceberg. The show is also popular for its heartfelt moments between our characters. Each backstory is well thought out, giving each character a platform to impact a viewer. The show may be a first-responder show, but it is also all about how the characters are doing. That’s the part of the story arcs I look forward to the most. Like, how are my favorites doing? What is their world like outside of their jobs or during their shifts?
Out of all the characters on The Rookie, Lucy Chen and Tim Bradford are my favorites. I couldn’t talk about one without the other. Their characters are entangled with one another, no matter what season you are watching. They keep me coming back for more.
I’ve been rooting for their relationship for a while. I’ve loved the evolution of their connection. Whether they are in professional mode or couple mode, they are always there for each other. I can even argue that Tim was there for Lucy when he was running her ragged with Tim Tests.
Despite how hard he was on her, he fell for her charm and caring personality. If we are being honest, Lucy makes Tim a better man, while he makes her a better police officer. They balance each other out through good and bad times. The Rookie wouldn’t be the same without them and there have been many moments through the years that helped us to fall in love with them.
Undercover Assignments
Lucy and Tim undercover at any time is my favorite thing and makes me love their characters more. No matter who they are portraying, they’re always hilarious. Two notable moments are Dim and Juicy, and Lucy going undercover with Harper while Tim works the drive-thru window. Both are perfect in their own ways.
Let’s touch on Dim and Juicy and their likeness to Tim and Lucy: they are literal copies. Their personalities are different, but (spoiler: they are the same actors) they have the same face. The way they make them completely different always makes me laugh. Plus, it is one of the times Lucy and Tim are alone together undercover as a cover to fool people into thinking they are Dim and Juicy. Not to mention, the LAPD had a ball with the look-a-likes, especially Angela.
In season 8, episode 7, Lucy and Harper go undercover, but let’s not forget Tim shows up, too. Although I loved Lucy partnered with Harper, seeing her talk to Tim in his drive-thru outfit was so cute. I felt like they were flirting a little bit. Honestly, I was glad he got to be close by for their assignment, even if he’s in charge now. Both Tim and Lucy have changed a lot since their days as Dim and Juicy, and I love seeing them supporting each other in those changes.
On-duty trauma
Lucy and Tim aren’t new to on-duty trauma or saving one another from it. Despite their terrible situations, these two always come out on top, even if they struggle through it.
When Tim found Lucy in season 8, episode 11, after she fended off someone and killed him, it broke me. Although he was worried about her, he had to be professional at that moment. He had to document everything and debrief Lucy before he could comfort her. Watching Celina wanting to comfort Lucy when they had to process the evidence first was soul-crushing. Celina wanted to be a friend in that moment, not a coworker.
This season 8 trauma brought back memories of Caleb burying her alive in season 2, episode 11. Even back then, Tim was the one who never gave up hope on her.
Heartfelt moments
Following Lucy’s attack in season 8, episode 11, Tim wakes Lucy up and doesn’t hold off telling her how lucky he is to have her. Her attack could have ended very differently, but instead, she’s alive and in his arms. It reminds them that even when they struggle to survive mundane situations (meeting Bradford’s mom and losing Valentine’s Day gifts), nothing is more important than ending a terrible shift still alive and together. Their love can survive anything at this point, I’m sure of it.
Speaking of Bradford’s mom, Lucy’s instant connection with her is heartfelt. It speaks to Lucy’s caring personality and respect for others. This connection leads Lucy to be included in the family girls’ group chat with the Bradford ladies, where they chat about random stuff. Man, her relationship with Jenny (Bradford’s sister) is so sweet. From asking about Tim’s favorite things to random chatting, their scenes are so fun to watch.
Tim Tests
Let’s end with an oldie but a goodie. I’m not saying Lucy is the officer because of Tim and his Tim Test, but I’m not dismissing it either. His teaching rounded out the abilities she already had. She walked into the LAPD confident and ready to take down criminals. Although she emerged great, she had so much to learn in those early days. Tim helped her hone her skills. It was only right that they’d be bonded for the rest of their lives. Despite their differences, they fit together so well.
Not only are the Tim Tests an interesting part of their history, but they also reflect on his odd training strategy from time to time. I love it because it is hilarious and shows the growth in their partnership as professionals and a couple. The way the writers have built Tim and Lucy’s relationship brick by brick will always amaze me and make me fall in love with The Rookie all over again.
The Rookie is streaming Disney+ and Hulu.
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