Tonight’s episode of "The Rookie'' took a fresh turn, focusing on a united team effort to locate two missing teenagers, a welcome change from the usual separate case assignments. It was a great way to bring the team together, while everyone worked through the repercussions of Tim and Lucy’s heartbreaking split. Chenford’s unresolved issues added a layer of personal drama to the episode, creating a palpable tension that resonated throughout the hour.
The episode also delved into Tim's struggles with his mental state post-breakup and after being kicked out of Metro for reckless behavior linked to the Ray incident. His resistance to therapy and support, despite being mandated to have Dr. London, the department psychologist, riding along on patrol with him, painted a complex picture of a man battling internal demons while maintaining a tough exterior. Tim is grappling with many inner demons, and Dr. London accurately pointed out that he is punishing himself by denying himself joy, specifically the joy that Lucy brings into his life. As difficult as the break-up was for Chenford fans, Tim is a damaged man who needs help navigating his issues and he needs to learn how to have an adult conversation as Lucy so poignantly pointed out. Hearing her say that really resonated with him, as he willingly chose to see Dr. London as a patient, even asking for an immediate session instead of waiting for the morning. The only downside to this, is that it is clear that Dr. London is not on the up and up, which could potentially hinder Tim’s progress towards getting the help he truly needs. If the writers intended for the breakup to catalyze Tim's healing so he could be the best version of himself for Lucy, one can only hope they steer this storyline towards him genuinely getting the help he needs, instead of being a pawn in a bigger game.
"Crushed” – THE ROOKIE, Pictured: Eric Winter as Tim Bradford and Danielle Campbell as Dr. Blair London. Photo: Raymond Liu/Disney ©2024 All Rights Reserved
The main storyline was gripping, with the team investigating the kidnapping of a teenage babysitter, Emma, which soon spiraled into a darker scenario involving another teenage girl, Olivia, leading to a tragic chain of events.The father of the child Emma was babysitting, Matthew, was involved in an affair with Emma's friend, Olivia. Upon discovering her pregnancy, Olivia, distressed by Matthew's negative reaction, reached out to Emma for support. The situation quickly intensified, leading to a tragic outcome where Olivia, in a moment of desperation, fatally shot both her best friend Emma and Matthew. This was a tragic storyline as Olivia was clearly being groomed by Matthew, however, it in no way condoned her actions. The case did, however, highlight the grim realities of the grooming and abuse of young girls, adding depth and darkness to the episode’s narrative.
"Crushed” – THE ROOKIE, Pictured: Erica Piccininni, Lisseth Chavez as Celina Juarez and Nathan Fillion as John Nolan. Photo: Raymond Liu/Disney ©2024 All Rights Reserved
Meanwhile, Angela and Nyla’s nanny-hunting during a police investigation offered a humorous contrast, showcasing the challenges of balancing detective work with personal life in a realistically multifaceted portrayal of their characters. The resolution to share a nanny underscored a theme of community and support among the team.
Lucy’s handling of the break-up with Tim, highlighted her resilience and capacity for compassion, evident in her farewell to Tamara and her new living arrangement with Celina. Lucy was visibly struggling with how Tim could end their relationship so abruptly. Nonetheless, staying true to her nurturing nature, she continued to make those around her feel appreciated. She also took proactive steps to care for her own well-being, such as inviting Celina to become her roommate following Tamara's departure. Lucy Chen is a tough cookie, but even the strongest people need a break sometimes. Hopefully nothing but good things come her way soon. Considering her resolve, even if Tim decided he did want her back, it would be difficult to imagine her forgetting what happened and willingly forgiving him for the hurt he inflicted upon her. Viewers will just have to have faith in the writer’s that they have a solid plan, and that they will get this right. As hard as that is to do right now.
"Crushed” – THE ROOKIE, Pictured: Melissa O’Neil as Lucy Chen and Richard T. Jones as Wade Grey. Photo: Raymond Liu/Disney ©2024 All Rights Reserved
In a subplot that seemingly no viewers requested, Bailey is determined to get pregnant,
putting Nolan under considerable stress to make it happen. Additionally, the writer’s appear confused about whether Bailey is a firefighter or a paramedic, as she frequently rides in an ambulance and responds to EMS calls. Are there not enough EMT’s in Los Angeles? This and the fact that she is always the one called to Nolan’s crime scenes is becoming increasingly unbelievable and quite frankly, ridiculous. There has to be a better way to make her relevant to the overall plot.
Overall, this episode of "The Rookie" skillfully balanced intense drama with personal conflicts and lighter moments, providing a well-rounded narrative that kept viewers engaged and invested in the characters’ development. With only a few episodes remaining, it will be interesting to see how things progress, specifically how Tim’s decision to undergo therapy might help to grow his character and inevitably reunite him with Lucy. Chenford fans are keeping the faith. Let's hope the writers don’t let us down. Over to you, Rookie fans! What did you think of the episode? Do you think Dr. London will actually help Tim? Do you have faith in the writers to do the Chenford storyline justice? Share your thoughts below and engage with me on X at @middleofcanada.
