The Rookie Season 8, Episode 8, “Grand Theft Aircraft” 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.
It’s an episode like the majority of The Rookie’s “Grand Theft Aircraft” that makes me question why writers would make these choices in character building, because how is Tim’s relationship with his mom so rocky that Lucy’s never once been told how deep his reservations with her are? What did they talk about while they were alone and off-screen? The topic of his mother should’ve been something that they’d discuss.
I’m also all for drama and conflict to give a relationship the realistic angst necessary, but only if it makes total sense. I can understand Tim’s hesitations about talking to his mom, but what doesn’t make sense is the fact that he wouldn’t tell Lucy about her. It’s keeping Lucy fully in the dark that’s so bizarre. It’s the fact that there’s this strange disconnect that feels so jarring for the relationship.
At the same time, and again, I can acknowledge that Tim is learning and has been since he vowed to be more open with Lucy in “Czech Mate.” But after last week’s “Baja,” the beginning of this episode is ultimately super frustrating to explore. Still, the result is worth it with Tim’s mom being the one to apologize and acknowledge how she reacted in their initial meeting.
The fact that she apologizes for Tim’s behavior and acknowledges why he’s the way he is with keeping secrets works to strengthen character in a manner that feels organic. Again, the issue here isn’t Lucy and Joy’s earlier interactions, but rather, it’s wondering what on earth Tim and Lucy talk about behind the scenes. It’s the fact that these scenes could’ve been so lovely if he’d just told her, allowing Lucy not to question anything. But ultimately, credit where it’s due—he’s getting better, and hopefully this is the end of it. Hopefully, we as the audience could also be trusted with knowledge of the things we don’t see off-screen.
More importantly, the reason the events of The Rookie Season 8, Episode 8, “Grand Theft Aircraft,” work is because we’re reminded of Tim’s demons and how he’s consistently under the belief that he needs to protect the women in his life from any form of heartache or abuse. It’s the reminder that darkness doesn’t go away once you acknowledge it, but it’s a constant ongoing battle where people have to be conscious of their decisions.
The last scene of Tim’s mom taking the necessary step to talk to him after opening up to Lucy is so lovely, and it’s also incredible that the writers didn’t drag this storyline out and address it head-on in the same episode. It’s great that while we start on a frustrating note, we end with a genuine note that Tim and Lucy’s relationship is stronger than ever because neither of them is sleeping on their anger. While we don’t see them actively talk after this episode, Lucy’s wordless understanding and the kiss on his check shows us everything we need to know through a gorgeous performance from Melissa O’Neil.
Now streaming on Hulu: What are your thoughts on Chenford’s scenes in The Rookie Season 8, Episode 8, “Grand Theft Aircraft?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: ©(Disney/Mike Taing)