The Chenford Dilemma: The Rookie's Slow Burn Romance Has Fans Split
The ABC police procedural series, The Rookie, is inspired by the true story of a police officer who joined the force in his forties.
The show follows John Nolan, who relocates from Pennsylvania to Los Angeles, California, to join the local police department. As of 2022, The Rookie has aired five seasons, with a sixth yet to be confirmed.
In addition to the primary protagonist, the series has introduced several other characters that viewers have come to love and appreciate. These include Lucy Chen and Tim Bradford. Lucy, another rookie at the LAPD, is assigned to Tim as a trainee.
Over time, the pair develop a relationship that reaches a turning point in season 5. However, many fans of the series are now questioning the nature of what is going on between them.
"Am I the only one that thought Chenford would get together in a different way and maybe be a little bit disappointed? I thought that when they got together, it would be something explosive," wrote Redditor tarankovic.
Concerns have emerged over the omission of intimate details. Some believe that by neglecting to include the exhilarating aspects of a new relationship, such as passion, kisses, and cuddles, the writers rendered Chen and Bradford's romance bland and uninteresting to watch.
"It feels like everything I wanted to see either didn't happen or happened off-screen. It's like they jumped from 'will they, won't they' right into 'now they're in a 6-year relationship.' Where is the new relationship energy?!" Reddit user buttercupcake23 wondered.
Conversely, some viewers argue that the couple's relationship was portrayed realistically and professionally. They contend that Tim Bradford, known for his workplace affairs, would naturally approach this new relationship with caution, while Lucy Chen, understanding and respectful of boundaries, would be mindful of her subordinate position as a trainee.
Ultimately, this subdued approach is considered healthier and more relevant to the series' narrative. Although fan opinions are divided, Lucy Chen and Tim Bradford's relationship continues to evolve.