The Rookie Season 8, Episode 17, “Dead Ringer” 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.
And just like that, Tim Bradford finally finds the perfect ring to lead us one step closer to the long-awaited proposal. The episode is an absolute doozy, and after last week’s “Out of Time,” it feels appropriate for the path we’re headed toward.
Simultaneously, this episode comes with a lot of words, and they’re words that we didn’t just need, but ones that bring this story full circle beautifully. Lucy Chen is indeed someone who loves stories, so the fact that Tim goes out of his way to find her the perfect ring says everything about the way he loves her. We knew as much, given how his single facial expression last week essentially derailed us all with a thousand and one words in one frame, but here? His endless, ever-growing love is all laid bare gorgeously.
Tim Finds the Perfect Engagement Ring for Lucy in The Rookie Season 8, Episode 17
There’s something really wholesome and gratifying about everyone close to the two of them being involved in the process somehow. Whether it’s Celina pretending they’re looking for her, or Angela accompanying Tim and his mom, their found family is a significant part of their story. They’re a part of their future, and it’s all going to make Lucy’s realization of what’s happening that much sweeter.
And the fact that “Dead Ringer” continues to spend ample time showing us just how much this whole search means to Tim is a treat I won’t be complaining about. Because we should see it all. We should be aware of all that’s whirling inside of him and the fact that he’s never been in this position before, even though he’s been married. And he’s been to war. He’s been scared and angry. The man who’s done God knows what and God knows where is terrified of proposing to Lucy Chen, and there’s so much to appreciate that.
There’s so much to appreciate about Angela being in the room, watching and knowing that this time, it’s going to last. This time, he found his person. He found forever—the one thing few people can actually guarantee. He found his whole heart, his soulmate—the woman who’s woven herself into all the cracks inside of him and wrapped all his scars in ribbons instead. Lucy healed all the parts of Tim that had been broken, battered, and perpetually bruised, proving to him that he’s worthy of a love where he’s also taken care of, too.
He tells the jeweler that “she makes me feel loved in a way I never felt I deserved.” But the thing is, Tim does deserve Lucy’s love. He especially deserves it now, when he’s been actively trying to better himself to be a stronger partner for her. The best kind of partner, really. For the longest time, his stoicism was a mask to protect himself and everyone around him. It was armor to keep away any further pain. But amid all that, he was still looking out for Lucy and everyone else.
Tim was a good trainee because he knew how to always defend his rookies and those around him. Still, with Lucy—it’s different. Lucy is his world. Lucy is the one he’s doing everything for, in the same way he’s always done with love, but this time, she’s loving him right back. He’s safe with her—safe in the world she’s opened up with her love for stories and people and gossip and all the ordinary things. “She loves getting to know them, hearing their stories. Lucy is… she’s kind but fierce. Loyal but do not cross her, and funny, but also maddening in a good way. Obviously.” And the look on his face as he says this? That’s maddening in a good way. It’s overwhelming.
This woman—his everything—has opened up a new way of living for him, and it’s so incredible to see all the light in his eyes that was absent before. Go back and look at footage of Tim Bradford from earlier seasons, and the darkness permanently lodged in his expressions is unbelievable. But the way he’s softened now? The fact that he can’t even talk about Lucy without his smile widening every time? The sheer love that brightness his eyes? That’s all because of Lucy. And once more, kudos to Eric Winter for being so expressive because the last two episodes have been so adorable that I don’t think any of us are prepared for the actual proposal.
Now streaming on Hulu: What are your thoughts on Chenford’s scenes in The Rookie Season 8, Episode 17, “Dead Ringer?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: ©ABC/Hulu