The Rookie Season 8, Episode 6, “Burn 4 Love” Spoilers Ahead
Welcome to Chenford Chats, a column dedicated solely to highlighting Tim Bradford and Lucy Chen’s interactions during the latest episode of The Rookie.
The Rookie delivers a wildly outlandish and at times questionable Valentine’s Day episode, but by the end of it, everything is at least okay. (For a second, I was ready to swap this feature for a rage piece at the mere idea of a character dying in the fire.) But thankfully, we get to focus on the fact that Tim Bradford and Lucy Chen continue to understand each other perfectly.
The Rookie Season 8, Episode 6 Gives Chenford Fans Another Delightful Valentine’s Day Episode
Since “The Red Place,” we haven’t had many moments throughout The Rookie Season 8 to warrant more in-depth analysis like this, but there’s too much warmth in this episode to sit out, and I, for one, am grateful for it. While the scenes are brief, they’re significant and endearing. The proof of how well Lucy and Tim know each other and, more importantly, how they continue to look out for each other is exactly what makes their relationship stand out, and it’s exactly what continues to show that the two of them getting back together is what’s improved the series.
Their first Valentine’s Day as a couple in “Exposed” was cute, the second in “The Gala” was steamy, and this third one is the most subtly impactful. Both their gifts getting lost or delayed in the mail makes for hilarious drama, but it’s how they make up for it that shows us the depth of their love. And here’s the thing, I’m a staunch V-Day hater. But when there are moments like this where a person wants to do right by their partner so bad that they find a way, it makes it wholly delightful and worth celebrating.
Here’s to hoping that the Korean skincare products Tim ordered actually arrive later because our girl deserves it, but the fact that Lucy gets him his favorite book, used and well-loved, plus signed by the author? Now, that’s a gift after my own heart. Both their gifts (the lost ones and the rebounds) are thoughtful enough to continue showcasing just how much they care about each other’s happiness. We know this, sure, and it isn’t exactly new, but it’s still a lovely way to shine light on the ordinary.
In addition, I’ll say it every time, but it’s how Melissa O’Neil and Eric Winter make the ordinary moments deeply tender and rewarding that make these scenes more memorable. The Rookie Season 8, Episode 6, “Burn 4 Love,” doesn’t go out of its way to do anything monumental, but it continues to subtly show us how Chenford are it for each other. It’s the fact that every kiss and soft smile continues to remind us that now that they’re back together, the two of them have never been happier.
It’s how, even after a torturous and godawful day as they’ve had, sitting beside each other at the hospital makes every abominable event easier to bear. It’s worth calling out Wesley and Lopez in this episode, too, because this is exactly why so many of us are continuously tuning into The Rookie. (The way he pulled her onto his lap as they both sat next to Harper? I could cry.) I’m not here for a cop drama; I’m here for the relationships. I’m here for these quiet beats where these characters are given deeply human moments to remember that they’re loved and taken care of. They have someone who’ll rescue them from a burning building, sit beside them through every heartache, and remember every word they’ve ever said.
And that’s also what makes the gifts so rewarding, too, because they show us that they pay attention to each other. They remember things. They put thoughts and feelings behind every decision because their partner’s happiness matters profoundly to them. It’s also fitting to know these details right now because when Lucy goes undercover in next week’s episode, we know that Tim’s going to be a wreck about it, given his past. Still, he’s going to have to trust her. He’s going to have to believe in her and be there for her as best as he can.
We write a lot of articles about angsty topics and heavy, heartbreaking occurrences, and what they represent. But an episode like “Burn 4 Love” serves as a perfect reminder of the fact that tender moments are full of indescribable depth, too. They’re worth celebrating and honoring. They’re worth talking about and geeking out over.
Now streaming on Hulu: What are your thoughts on Chenford’s scenes in The Rookie Season 8, Episode 6, “Burn 4 Love?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: ©(Disney/Mike Taing)