'The Rookie' Actress Melissa O'Neil Reflects on the Heartwarming 'Chenford' Scene in the Milestone Episode

The Rookie Star Melissa O Neil Talks About That Adorable Chenford Moment in the 100th Episode 220

Melissa O’Neil as Lucy Chen, Eric Winter as Tim Bradford. ABC/Nino Muñoz (2)

Melissa O'Neil, star of The Rookie, recently shared a heartwarming moment between her character, Lucy Chen, and Tim Bradford on the show's 100th episode. In an interview with TVLine on Tuesday, February 27, O'Neil, 35, expressed her excitement about the scene. She mentioned how working with director Alexi allowed for more collaboration and freedom on set, making the experience enjoyable for everyone involved.

In the 100th episode of The Rookie, John and Bailey celebrated their wedding, while Tim and Lucy, also known as "Chenford" by fans, faced their own challenges. Lucy expressed her concerns that Tim might not support her becoming a detective if she continued with undercover work. In an attempt to prove her wrong, Tim decided to take a polygraph test. Unfortunately, the results did not go as he had hoped.

In the episode titled "The Hammer" in season 6, Tim assured Lucy that he was on her side. Lucy decided to test his support by asking him a few easy questions before they exchanged heartfelt "I love yous." Finally, Lucy asked Tim directly if he wanted her to pursue a career as an undercover detective.

Tim said yes, but the line detector disagreed and said no. He realized that there was indeed a problem, which surprised him.

By the end of the episode, the couple managed to resolve their disagreement and ended on good terms. Tim explained that his concerns about Lucy's potential promotion were not about her, but were actually related to his ex-wife, Isabel, who was tragically shot while on duty. In the final moments of the show, Tim and Lucy shared a dance and reassured each other that they would overcome this challenge together.

The Rookie Star Melissa O Neil Talks About That Adorable Chenford Moment in the 100th Episode 218

Disney/Raymond Liu

Showrunner Alexi Hawley, who wrote and directed the episode, shared with TVLine that the goal is to keep 'Chenford' and their relationship engaging and entertaining. Last season, their dynamic took center stage, leading to new developments and a fun twist to keep fans on their toes. It was a thrilling challenge to explore.

Initially, Lucy and Tim's slow-burn romance was not part of the plan for the ABC procedural. However, the undeniable chemistry between them, starting from Tim becoming Lucy's training officer as a rookie, captured the audience's attention. Fans quickly became invested in seeing their professional bond evolve into something more romantic, sparking discussions and excitement on social media.

"When this all started, there were these hashtags, and it’s funny because we, as actors, threw around #Tucy and #Chenford early on, but it was really us playing with the fact that we were partners," Winter, 47, shared with TV Guide earlier this month. "The fans truly grabbed onto it from Day 1 and said, ‘They’re a couple! This needs to happen.’ And we’re like, ‘How?! I’m so mean to her. I’m bossing her around. I’m a jerk all the time.’ I don’t think it really set in for us until they entertained it."

Their relationship remained platonic for years, but season 4 took a turn when the two posed as a couple while going undercover and were forced to confront their blossoming feelings. Season 5 saw the pair falling in love, while season 6 has approached how they will deal with being both partners and in a romantic relationship.

Winter explained that as characters, part of the fun of the storyline is the awkward moments and the attempts at showing affection in public. However, they always remember to maintain professionalism and take their jobs seriously. Tim, as a sergeant, can't treat Lucy differently just because she's his girlfriend. Despite their relationship, he still has to give commands and be in charge.

As season 6 progresses, Lucy and Tim will continue to navigate their new dynamic. Tim will face the challenge of supporting Lucy's career goals while also dealing with his own past trauma.

"It can be challenging to handle changes in both careers and relationships," Winter shared with TV Guide. "These transitions can put a strain on a relationship, especially considering Tim's history with his ex-wife. I believe it would have been a missed opportunity not to show them facing these challenges together as a couple. It's important to see authentic relationships dealing with real issues and finding solutions. Tim finding it difficult to cope with his partner being a detective adds another layer to their story."

Editor's P/S:

The article delves into the intricate relationship between Lucy Chen and Tim Bradford in the popular TV series "The Rookie." Melissa O'Neil, who portrays Lucy, shares her excitement about the heartwarming moment between the characters in the show's 100th episode. The chemistry between O'Neil and Eric Winter, who plays Tim, has captivated audiences, leading to a passionate fan base.

The article highlights the complexities of their relationship as they navigate their professional and romantic lives. The showrunner emphasizes the importance of keeping their dynamics engaging and entertaining, exploring the challenges they face as both partners and lovers. The article effectively showcases the evolution of their relationship and the growth they experience as individuals and as a couple.