The Rookie 6×02 “The Hammer” — 100th Episode Spoilers Ahead
Nowadays, reaching one hundred episodes feels like an unheard-of achievement—something many shows don’t and won’t get to because of high cancelation rates, even if they’re on network television. But The Rookie reaches it phenomenally in Season 6, Episode 2, “The Hammer,” wherein one couple gets married, another makes up after a fight, and chaos ensues in the most familiar ways.
The trailers promised one of the most dangerous weddings, and the episode delivers one well-written, well-paced bombshell after another, set up in such a way that the characters are still at the forefront despite how far and wide the plot outstretches.
The Rookie 6×02 “The Hammer” Gives Bailey and Nolan Their Happy Ending
For a moment, Bailey sprawled on their bed made me think they’d killed her. (We’ve all been burned by TV in the past; I know I’m not the only one.) But despite all the troubles, the cake drama and uninvited guests losing rings and whatnot, Bailey and Nolan say “I do,” with an odd but relatively sweet wedding. The Rookie’s 100th episode might be the one where I’ve cared most about the two of them, and it’s entirely due to how honest the vows feel.
Yet, the most shocking part of this is how the episode crams so many little interferences and so many hijinks without ever feeling like it’s too much. And a large part of that is because all of this is to be expected on a show like The Rookie, and it’s particularly likely when it’s related to a couple like Bailey and Nolan. Somehow, they’re going to be overshadowed by one horrific thing after another, but they’re going to manage to come out of it—bonus points for an Alicia Keys song at the end. The music in this episode doesn’t miss, and neither does her stunning dress. (I’m questioning the entrance, though, but hey, it’s their wedding; not mine.)
The Rookie’s 100th Episode Centers Transparency for Chenford
The Rookie 6×02 “The Hammer” doesn’t waste any time touching base with Tim and Lucy’s fight from last week, putting them in a position where they’re forced to confront their demons to move forward. While at Nolan and Bailey’s separate bachelor/bachelorette parties, they individually confront their friends about the situation, prompting Tim to decide to take a lie-detector test to prove that he’s okay with her becoming a detective.
It’s in the quiet, isolated interrogation room where we get the first “I love you”—a moment that’s both monumental in what it showcases and simultaneously so simple. Nevertheless, it works for Chenford because they’ve always been a couple who’ve shown their love without needing to express it aloud. Melissa O’Neil and Eric Winter continue to play off one another so adorably in this scene, not missing a single, honest beat in delivering on their characters’ unique ways of expression with subtle changes to highlight why they’re better and softer together. Frankly, no notes.
However, the lie detector test proves that Tim still hasn’t gotten through the trauma brought on by everything Isabel experienced, inadvertently bringing him a plethora of trust issues and fears. It’s crucial that The Rookie isn’t glossing over his trauma because a person doesn’t overcome something as life-changing without doing rigorous work to unpack the pain and heartache. Tim could’ve done the bare minimum with a therapist like Aaron is trying to do right now, but similarly, he could’ve wanted the easy way out, choosing to believe that he’s fine and doesn’t need anything more. People in any taxing lines of work want to get back out on the field as quickly as possible because, more often than not, no one is telling them to slow down. No one is pushing against the walls corporations set with their demands, and the added pressure easily conflicts with passions and desires.
And until Lucy came into his life, Tim wasn’t allowing himself even a brief moment to be vulnerable about anything, let alone something that impacted him deeply. But this is why Chenford is such a stable, beautiful pair—why it’s riveting that we have them centerfold in an episode where they aren’t the ones at the alter. Because everything aside, they’re going to make it to the very end, pushing each other through the necessary trenches while helping each other come out better and stronger. (Plus, the scene where Tim finds the ring while on one knee? We see you, directorial blocking. We see you.)
Tim and Lucy know each other better than they know themselves. As much as she was right about his fears, he was also right about her insecurities and anxieties. But one issue, then another. The Rookie 6×02 “The Hammer” is ultimately about the lengths people are willing to go for each other. It’s about the willingness to see things through to the very end. It’s about the love that steadies and strengthens the characters amid the trials they constantly face.
And, significantly, it’s perfect that we get another dance between Chenford because some of their most vulnerable moments occur while they’re swaying with each other. Tim admits he hasn’t resolved some of those underlying heartaches, and Lucy promises that they’re going to get through it. And it’s entirely believable—they are going to get through it; we know they are. Their expressions promise as much, the banter continues to exhibit how comfortable they are with one another, and the declaration that this is indeed love strengthens them immensely.
The Rookie’s 100th episode is a riot in more ways than one—loud, genuinely dangerous, bold, vulnerable, a little sad, and unsurprisingly tender. The majority of the characters have a ton of growing to do and loads to prepare for, and we can’t wait to see it all. The season’s setup is already stronger than where we’ve been, so it’s evident that we’re going to cross some uncharted territories to make vital breakthroughs.
Now streaming on Hulu: What are your thoughts on The Rookie 6×02 “The Hammer?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: ©(Disney/Raymond Liu)