The Rookie: 15 Most Memorable Chenford Episodes

In chronological order, here are the 15 best Chenford episodes to rewatch before The Rookie returns:

9. The Rookie Season 4 Episode 18, “Backstabbers”

What’s more romantic than Tim constantly complimenting Lucy?

The Rookie Season 4 Episode 18, “Backstabbers,” makes up for Lucy and Tim not riding together by having Tim speak up about Lucy when it counts. He calls her empathy her superpower that “allows her to adapt to any situation,” and he prioritizes her and her career over what looks best for him as a senior officer.

Plus, Lucy and Tim finally (!) get that dance they were meant to have in Season 3.

Sure, “Backstabbers” isn’t the most obvious pick for this list, but it should be because any episode where Tim tells Lucy that she deserves “to be recognized,” to which Lucy rightfully agrees, is a top-tier Chenford episode.

10. The Rookie Season 4 Episode 22, “Day in the Hole”

Where to begin with Chenford’s first kiss?

Essentially, The Rookie Season 4 Episode 22, “Day in the Hole,” is a rom-com starring Lucy Chen and Tim Bradford. The other stories in this season finale are rather intense, but the Chenford arc is full of humor and romance driven by doppelgangers (Dim & Juicy!) and undercover work. It’s perfect!

Those two elements eventually inspire a conversation where two grown adults talk about pretending to be boyfriend and girlfriend and kissing convincingly for work. And what about that kiss? Well, if “Life and Death” is when Lucy notices her feelings for Tim, “Day in the Hole” is when Tim realizes his for Lucy.

Even with all of the ups and downs of the last four seasons, there’s no denying that Chenford will become a romantic pairing after The Rookie‘s Season 4 finale.

11. The Rookie Season 5 Episode 1, “Double Down”

The Rookie Season 5 Episode 1, “Double Down,” is the beginning of the best and most angsty Chenford chapter, which is wild because this season premiere already delivers so much greatness while Lucy and Tim are undercover.

Even beforehand, this episode starts with Lucy dreaming about their kiss.

From there, it’s a non-stop escalation of romantic tension between Lucy and Tim. Whether stolen kisses in a private jet’s bathroom or reassuring gestures (Their hands!) from Tim after Lucy hears about Rosalind, “Double Down” does precisely that with Chenford. They’re abuzz the entire episode.

Most importantly, Tim gets a definitive answer about whether whatever is going on between them is entirely pretend — it’s not. However, preexisting relationships and extreme circumstances make it so Chenford can’t act on their feelings — yet.

12. The Rookie Season 5 Episode 5, “The Fugitive”

The Rookie Season 5 Episode 5, “The Fugitive,” is the first time Lucy and Tim really talk after Tim creates professional space that morphs into personal distance.

Not so coincidentally, the injury Tim gets on Lucy’s first day in Season 1 eventually brings the two back together — and breaks Ashely and Tim up.

Those metaphors may seem like they write themselves, but just like the callbacks (The blocking!) to “Day of Death,” they are all down to the show’s writers and directors. Being on TV for five seasons is a true feat, and this episode underscores how beneficial longevity is for storytelling and slow-burn relationships.

“The Fugitive” is one of Chenford’s best episodes because it has that history.

13. The Rookie Season 5 Episode 8, “The Collar”

Every The Rookie fan remembers where they were when Tim Bradford gathered the courage to ask Lucy Chen out to dinner, and she enthusiastically said yes.

The Rookie Season 5 Episode 8, “The Collar,” is a whirlwind because Lucy must (finally!) confront why her relationship with Chris isn’t working before she can see the possibility of a future with Tim, who respectfully reminds Lucy that she deserves “someone who’s worth the effort.”

Lucy verbalizes why a future with Tim is so nerve-racking in some of her best and most vulnerable lines on the show: “Of course, I’m scared. If we do this and it doesn’t work, I’ll have ruined the most important relationship in my life.” 

Chenford proves that taking a risk is less scary with someone worth the effort.

14. The Rookie Season 5 Episode 10, “The List”

It wouldn’t be a list of Chenford’s best episodes without The Rookie Season 5 Episode 10, “The List,” which features their first — and second, technically — date.

In a great example of attention to detail, Lucy tries on the dresses from The Rookie Season 3 Episode 14, “The Threshold,” as well as “The Knock” and “Backstabbers” from Season 4 before Chenford’s dinner date.

Similarly, it’s perfect that their initial, delightfully awkward date falls apart for something much more intimate and their style, and it’ll always be charming that Lucy and Tim discuss having grandkids (!) on their second first date. 

Even with all that sweetness, “The List” does a satisfactory job of including the critical professional hurdle (Tim is Lucy’s superior) they must overcome in their season-long arc to move forward as a couple.

15. The Rookie Season 5 Episode 21, “Going Under”

After a few job shuffles that land Tim in Metro, Lucy dives deeper into UC work on The Rookie Season 5 Episode 21, “Going Under.” While that takes Lucy out of Tim’s chain of command, it creates new problems for the couple.

Tim’s history with UC work through his ex-wife Isabel opens old wounds.

He constantly checks in with Lucy and supports her capability in the field, but his apprehension and genuine fears are visible throughout the episode. Instead of suppressing them, The Rookie highlights Chenford’s trust in each other by letting Tim open up about his past and how he needs Lucy to show up for him.

“Going Under” is a healthy and strong place to leave Lucy and Tim before the dramatic twists in the Season 5 finale and whatever awaits them in Season 6.

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The Rookie Season 6 premieres on Tuesday, February 20, at 9/8c on ABC.

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