6x01
I finally got around to seeing The Rookie S6 premiere and can I say, IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT! After being on hiatus this much-anticipated episode was exactly what we needed. A HUGE round of applause to the cast and crew. Truly, a great episode that sets the tone for the entire season. Now, I will share a couple of thoughts, which, I want to remind everyone, are solely my thoughts and opinions as a TV lover!
Nolan and Grey: I am so happy with the growth of these two characters. From Grey not wanting Nolan in the Police force at the beginning of S1, to now Grey asking Nolan [and Harper] to join him while they go and hunt for the bad guys. Yes, Nolan is still his quirky self in a lot of the scenes, it is a TV show after all and we need his comedic timing. It was nice to see that Grey was now including him (as we have seen in previous episodes, as well) and have him be a part of the team. Plus, we see in the promo for the 100th episode that Grey is officiating his wedding!
Harper: I was surprised by how Harper reacted to the shooting incident. We go from Harper at the beginning of the episode saying she is an “Enigma wrapped in a badass riddle,” to her being affected by the events that transpired. In a way, it is like they are humanizing her. We are used to tough and confident Nyla, and this makes me wonder if we are going to further explore her past and are going to see a different side of her character. (As an aside, I want to point out that incidents like this are never easy, no matter the number of years working in the field, so this is also not an excuse not to validate how she is feeling).
Lucy and Tim: I have been a #Chenford fan from the very beginning and will always be a fan of theirs. The slow burn has been worth the wait. Also, keep in mind that although The Rookie has been on air for 6 years, in their little world, it has not.
Okay, I loved that Lucy was sitting and studying in his office. There is something about being in someone else's office and personal space that is intimate. For Tim, badass, tough, rule follower TIM BRADFORD, to be comfortable with Lucy being in his office adds a different layer to their relationship and I am happy that the writers staged this specific scene like this.
When Lucy asked Tim if she could ride with him, I thought, “Aww, how cute!” Then, I thought, “Uh-oh! Is this really going to work?!” And to be honest, I still do not quite know. I like that Lucy completely and utterly trusts Tim to give her sound advice and the truth when needed, yet, will they be able to separate their professional relationship from their personal one? We shall see as the season progresses.
Moving on to Tim and Lucy being in the shop. This is where Lucy starts self-doubting herself. I have to give major props to Melissa O’Neil and how she has so delicately and intricately played Lucy throughout the series. As we all know, Lucy is smart, strong, and confident; there is no doubt about this. We have seen this since the very first episode; Lucy can hold her own. Yet, she has feelings of self-doubt that have appeared throughout the series. Keep in mind, 1) Lucy’s parents are not happy with the career path that she has chosen 2) If memory serves correctly, there was a point where Chris even encouraged her to go to law school 3) Lucy even questioned going to UC school.
What I appreciate about Lucy in S6 E1 is that a lot of us can resonate with what she is going through. As Melissa was delivering her amazing monologue I caught myself saying, “This is so me!” There have been times when I have undermined my abilities and my strength because I have been my own worst critic. As Lucy finished her speech, I felt like I was looking into a mirror.
Sometimes we get caught up in our thoughts and struggles, feeling like we're the only ones going through certain experiences. It's incredible how a fictional character can resonate with us on such a deep level, right? Seeing Lucy navigate through her anxiety made me realize that I'm not alone in this journey. It reminded me that many of us face similar challenges, even if they manifest differently. We sometimes need a reminder that it's okay not to have everything figured out and that reaching out for support is a strength, not a weakness.
But here's the beautiful part: just as Lucy has found support and strength in her relationships, we have people in our lives too. Whether it's friends, family, or even supportive communities, we don't have to face our struggles alone. We can lean on each other, share our burdens, and find solace in knowing that someone understands. Our lives are like interconnected stories, and in times of anxiety or hardship, it's crucial to lean on the people around us. We don't have to carry the weight alone. Friends, family, and loved ones are there to share our burdens and provide the support and understanding we need.
This is what Lucy was doing, or at least she wanted from Tim. As they navigate the delicate balance between their blossoming relationship and their demanding careers, they are going to encounter challenges and surprises along the way.
Tim was once Lucy's supervisor, a role that came with its own set of complexities. In addition, he was previously married to Isabel, an undercover cop, an experience that left him reticent when it came to discussing his own emotions. Tim and Isabel did not openly discuss things. As we see in S5 E20, Tim did not know about Dara, a girl Isabel took under her wing. On the other hand, Lucy has always been a beacon of positivity, someone who thrives on open communication and verbalizing her feelings as we see in S2 E17; she tells Tim, “I talk things out to process them.”
As we see in this episode, Lucy has found herself facing a significant hurdle: a detective exam that has left her feeling overwhelmed and uncertain of her abilities. Despite her usual optimism, she's been spiraling, grappling with self-doubt and anxiety.
In the next scene, we see Tim give Lucy control of the crime scene. Right from the start, there's a palpable tension between the two as Tim questions (I truly believe all in good nature) Lucy's investigative techniques, asking her to evaluate the scene and potentially uncover any overlooked clues. This leaves Lucy feeling undermined.
Towards the end of the episode, we get a scene that honestly, I did not think would play out this way. Tim and Lucy are walking out of the station together and Tim just knows that something is off with Lucy. In his way, he was giving praise to Lucy. Yet, by her response of just, “Thanks” he knew something was off. What's surprising is the role reversal we're witnessing. I loved that he did not just accept her “Nothing.” Tim, who once struggled to express his own emotions, is now the one offering a listening ear and unwavering support to Lucy. This newfound empathy and understanding marks a significant shift from the Tim we've come to know.
Lucy's belief that Tim was undermining her police officer skills seemed a bit unfounded. From an outsider's perspective, it appeared that Tim's intentions were rooted in genuine concern for Lucy's professional growth rather than a desire to belittle her. Tim's experience as a sergeant likely shaped his approach, and it's plausible that he only wanted to ensure Lucy didn't overlook any crucial details.
Additionally, Lucy's comparison of their relationship to Tim's past with his ex-wife added an extra layer of tension. It's essential to acknowledge that individuals bring their past experiences into relationships, and Tim might have been trying to learn from his previous mistakes to create a healthier connection with Lucy.
Tim's decision to walk away at the end of the episode, rather than saying something hurtful, reflects a commendable level of emotional maturity. Instead of escalating the conflict, Tim chose to give both of them space to cool off and regroup. This decision might be an indication of Tim's commitment to preserving their relationship despite the challenges they face.
While Lucy's perspective adds complexity to the narrative, it's essential for us as the viewers to consider alternative interpretations of the characters' actions. The beauty of #CHENFORD lies in its ability to depict a multifaceted relationship, and this episode succeeded in creating a nuanced portrayal of Tim and Lucy's struggles.
Overall, this episode expertly navigates the complexities of love and duty, delivering a gripping narrative that keeps us as the audience engaged from start to finish.
I am excited to see the journey that we all embark on this season!
Xoxo,
Mercy
P.S., if you love music, “Asking the Question” by Danny Fernleigh reminds me of #CHENFORD in this episode!