The Rookie introduces another obstacle in Tim Bradford and Lucy Chen's path after addressing the couple's professional conflict. Despite how it may appear, this new hurdle is a good omen for the fan-favorite couple. The Rookie started Chenford perfectly, but the show should still give Tim and Lucy stories with angst, conflict and drama. Those narrative elements contribute to plot advancement and character development. The Rookie's track record proves it's capable of using them to craft interesting stories for Chenford, and "Daddy Cop" is another example.
"Daddy Cop" reinforces the strengths of Tim and Lucy's relationship before suggesting that drama is ahead. All of this comes together because, with almost The Rookie's entire ensemble, Lucy helps Tim secure a job with Metro by the end of the episode. The Rookie's script suggests that Tim is under the impression that Lieutenant Pine sought him out for the job, which is only partially true since Lucy put the domino effect into motion by striking a deal with Smitty.
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The Rookie's Drama Emphasizes Chenford's Relationship
"Daddy Cop" delivers some subtle romance between Tim and Lucy, which they have perfected over the seasons through traditions like Chenford's prank war. For instance, it's extremely romantic when Tim spots Lucy in the crowded room at John Nolan and Bailey Nune's house and asks Lucy if she's okay. The understated moment gets even sweeter knowing the context of Lucy's response of "Couldn't be better." She's great because she's helping Tim find a job he'll like.
The episode imbues Chenford's story with a bit of angst when Lucy and Tim miss each other's gazes while she's at roll call and he's at his desk. Those longing glances have a similar energy as the loaded looks before their game-changing scenes in "The Fugitive."The Rookie could have extended that angst if Tim's stint as Court Liaison Sergeant lasted longer than a single episode. Instead, "Daddy Cop" confirms some sweet off-screen conversations, like when Tim and Lucy promised never to lie to each other.
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Lucy's Secret on The Rookie Won't Hurt Chenford, But Make Them Stronger
Romantic beats like that may play as filler for some The Rookie viewers, but those smaller interactions contribute to the believability of a couple on television. It's not always the sweeping and risky move of taking a first step towards becoming a couple or the drama of a first date. Now that Chenford has celebrated some of those firsts, The Rookie can slow down and explore other aspects of their relationship, like how they handle problems.
Part of what makes a relationship healthy and sustainable is open and honest communication, and "Daddy Cop" sets Lucy and Tim up to succeed in that department. Whether Tim suspects that Lucy has some influence in him getting the Metro job or not, the truth will come out at some point. That disclosure could inspire some drama as Tim questions whether he could have gotten the job based on merit. Even then, it's challenging to imagine a story in which Tim doesn't understand Lucy's motivations.
After all, Lucy's secret gesture finds its roots in her love for Tim. She sees he's unhappy and wants to change that; Tim will recognize that. Not to mention, Tim and Lucy just got together after seasons of build-up, and they're unbelievably happy. It doesn't make sense for The Rookie to pull the rug out from under them. "Daddy Cop" teases a much stronger story in which Chenford grows even stronger as Tim and Lucy work through conflict in a communicative way.
New episodes of The Rookie air Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. on ABC.
