The following contains spoilers from The Rookie Season 5, Episode 19, "A Hole in the World," which debuted Tuesday, March 27, on ABC.
The Rookie Season 5 has focused on many of Chenford's firsts, like their first date. However, the procedural drama still holds out on a few others for Tim Bradford and Lucy Chen -- like those three big words. Season 5, Episode 19, "A Hole in the World," signals that The Rookie plans to build anticipation and strengthen the couple before tackling their next big step. After all, the episode shifts the fan-favorite couple to a more peripheral focus as Celina's backstory brings a compelling case to the present, creating space for other ensemble members.
The Rookie importantly sees through Celina's story in "A Hole in the World," and the undivided focus reinforces the need for the same for other ensemble members. For instance, Nyla's mention of her two kids during the episode is an evergreen reminder of how little Season 5 has seen Nyla Harper (and her husband, James Murray) outside the plot-driven stories. This season, including "A Whole in the World," successfully delivers a balanced narrative for Chenford, proving that even when the couple isn't the A-plot, the show can effectively deliver meaningful scenes that add to the narrative -- and the characters' arcs. Hopefully, this is a structure that The Rookie will utilize more frequently for more than Chenford.
Chenford's Slow Mornings Are a Good Sign for the Couple
Though The Rookie sometimes struggles to focus on its ensemble's personal lives, recent episodes underscore why Wesley Evers and Angela Lopez are underrated or why it's better to subvert a love triangle for John Nolan and Bailey Nune. Through those efforts, The Rookie upholds the importance of the beats between the grander relationship steps or life-or-death situations, and this episode carves out that space for Lucy and Tim. After using their relationship to elevate the show's true crime episodes, "A Hole in the World" features that "beautiful place" they defined for themselves -- through sentimental mornings together.
Season 5, Episode 14, "Death Sentence," teases a comfortable and casual side of Chenford's relationship with a similar scene, but it's short-lived compared to the one in "A Hole in the World." This scene exemplifies the ones that stick with fans; they can make or break a couple. The understated affection (the soft voices, pet names and sweet kisses) is often as critical in establishing the success rate of a relationship on TV as how Tim and Lucy overcome obstacles together. The prolonged chemistry is essential, and Eric Winter and Melissa O'Neil prove they're more than capable of maintaining Chenford's fire, no matter the setting.
Not to mention, the dialogue in this scene is fundamental to where Chenford's story is going in the rest of Season 5. Despite reintroducing a familiar conflict (work hours impacting how often they see each other), its threat holds less weight because of how Season 5 sees Tim and Lucy face it before. Tim takes a different job to rectify the improper power dynamic within their relationship and to avoid either of them accepting a position where they will see each other less. While it's unlikely that either of them will change jobs again if Lucy passes her detective test, it means The Rookie's history instills confidence that strained schedules won't weaken Chenford. If anything, it will only give Tim and Lucy space to grow together and individually.
Chenford's Love Shines in How They Show Up for Each Other
Most of Lucy and Tim's interactions in the episode are understandably plot-driven, so it seems intentional that the character-driven Chenford scenes bookend "A Hole in the World." It works that the story finds those grounding scenes for the couple before and after diving into a high-stress, high-emotion story that keeps The Rookie's central team enthralled for much of the runtime. That final scene takes on a somber tone, considering Tim's actions during the episode, making it all the better that The Rookie creates space for Lucy to show up for Tim.
Lucy voices how she wants to be there for him in whatever way is helpful, and it's narratively fulfilling to see Tim accept that offer. A character who would've balked at that emotional support in Season 1 is becoming someone who realizes that vulnerability isn't a weakness. Lucy isn't the sole cause of that development (and rightfully so), but she fosters that softness in Tim. Then, the already-endearing scene becomes a testament to Lucy and Tim's equal and supportive partnership by subverting expectations and making it about both characters.
"A Hole in the World" calls back to Season 2, Episode 2, "The Night General," when Lucy showed up for Tim by recording an audiobook for an out-of-print book to help him succeed because she believed in him. Now, seasons later, Tim wants to return the favor and help Lucy prepare for a test that could change her professional trajectory. Tim even admits he wouldn't have scored "as well on the sergeant's exam" without her. He scored 8 out of 140, and now Tim is determined to help Lucy place in the top 12. Ultimately, "A Hole in the World" reinforces that, together, Lucy and Tim will continue to face anything -- however big or small.
The Rookie returns on Tuesday, April 18, at 8:00 pm on ABC.