The Rookie Season 8, Episode 12, “Spy Games” 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.
“Spy Games” is the kind of episode that feels like it’s five hours long, and yet during most of it, very little happens until the last few minutes. After the way “Aftermath” ended, I’d hope we’d see a bit more of Lucy grappling with the events of “His Name Was Martin,” but we get none of that, and instead, we have an adorable conversation that feels necessary, regardless. Still, while I’m sure we’ll eventually follow up with the story, I hope the series gives her the proper time necessary to adjust properly and fully recognize that it wasn’t her fault.
While their conversations last week were incredibly important, it’s now Tim’s turn to voice some of his own concerns, and he tells Lucy that being behind a desk is no longer serving him. He doesn’t feel as satisfied behind the desk as he does on the field, which makes total sense, but we also have to recognize that the last two times he’s been back on the field were with Lucy. So, really, Tim, the question here is, do you miss being on the field, or do you miss being around Lucy more?
There’s something to be said about how different their partnership is from everyone else’s, though I do also miss him and Angela on the field together. Interestingly, what makes the ending of “Spy Games” a worthy moment is that these conversations continue to matter. Rarely will we remember the full details of the cases these characters handle, but we can easily remember the quiet conversations they have back at home.
We can remember their shared kisses and the fact that even while his face is actively in pain, he still wants Lucy to continue kissing him. Tim Bradford and chill were apparently all a scheme because the man has absolutely none of it where his girl is concerned. More importantly, the fact that he’s actively confiding in her about his career and asking for advice to see what she thinks he should do is tremendous in continuing to show us that he’s learning how to communicate better. Every instant we get of him actively being honest about something or opening up to Lucy continues to show just how much he not only values her advice, but also how deeply he values her.
The future is no longer his alone—it’s theirs. If he decides to make a big career change, she needs to be involved in the decision as his partner. Simultaneously, even if nothing comes from this, the fact that he feels comfortable enough to now have these conversations with her is big because it’s Tim choosing not to harbor anything alone, including minor thoughts and feelings. It’s Tim recognizing that their partnership is the best part of his day, and these quiet moments on their couch are the one refuge this job has given both of them. And quite frankly, I’ll take like fifty more moments like this because no matter how brief, there’s always substance and organic performances that feel effortless and lived-in.
Now streaming on Hulu: What are your thoughts on Chenford’s scenes in The Rookie Season 8, Episode 12, “Spy Games?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: (Disney/Mike Taing)