The Rookie Season 7, Episode 6's Chenford Tease Is Annoying But Realistic (& Even Necessary)

Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from The Rookie season 7, episode 6, "The Gala."

Tim and Lucy's will-they/won't-they relationship is back in The Rookie season 7, and the two almost get back together in episode 6, but it's for the best that they don't (for now). Eric Winter and Melissa O'Neil's characters' relationship has been at the center of the ABC police procedural drama show's story since the beginning. Perhaps Tim and Lucy weren't always meant to end up together, but their chemistry is undeniable. Seven seasons of The Rookie later, though, Tim and Lucy's unstoppable romantic dynamic is on a pause, even after their Valentine's Day hook-up in episode 6, "The Gala."

New episodes of The Rookie air on Tuesdays at 10 pm ET on ABC. Season 7 will have 18 episodes.

Tim and Lucy break up in The Rookie season 6, episode 6, and they remain separated as of season 7, episode 6. However, in "The Gala," the former couple gives into temptation and has sex at the hotel where the LAPD is hosting its charity gala. In the morning, though, Tim and Lucy shrug it off. They label their hook-up as a "classic case of Valentine's Day ex-sex" instead of actually talking through what happened. Going forward, Tim and Lucy aren't together, and while frustrating for some, their separation is necessary and realistic for their development as a couple.

Tim & Lucy's Hook-Up In The Rookie Season 7, Episode 6 Is Realistic

The Former Couple Gives In To The Valentine's Day Vibes

Tim and Lucy are two exes with incredible chemistry who work together — their hook-up was inevitable. As Melissa O'Neil told TV Insider, Tim and Lucy's hook-up is a result of "the irresistibility of a connection that you know exists." However, having sex doesn't magically solve all their problems, and it shouldn't. If the massive Chenford development in The Rookie season 7, episode 6 led to them getting back together, no one would take their relationship seriously. It simply wouldn't be realistic as Tim and Lucy still have many issues to work through.

The Rookie Season 7 Cast	Role
Nathan Fillion	John Nolan
Richard T. Jones	Wade Grey
Alyssa Diaz	Angela Lopez
Eric Winter	Tim Bradford
Melissa O'Neil	Lucy Chen
Mekia Cox	Nyla Harper
Shawn Ashmore	Wesley Evers
Jenna Dewan	Bailey Nune
Lisseth Chavez	Celina Juarez
Deric Augustine	Miles Penn
Patrick Kelehe	Seth Ridley

On the other hand, what is realistic is the building tension between Tim and Lucy resulting in a one-night stand in The Rookie season 7, episode 6. They have history, and it's Valentine's Day. It would have been more of a surprise if they hadn't hooked up. Now, though, Chenford is one step closer to a reunion in the ABC police procedural drama series. Fans just have to wait a little while longer.

Why Tim & Lucy's Hook-Up Doesn't Lead To Them Getting Back Together

Chenford Isn't Ready For A Relationship (Yet)

Eric Winter as Tim Bradford and Melissa O'Neil as Lucy Chen in The Rookie season 7 episode 6 (1) — Eric Winter as Tim Bradford and Melissa O'Neil as Lucy Chen in The Rookie season 7 episode 6

As witnessed in the morning-after scene in The Rookie season 7, episode 6, Tim and Lucy's relationship still has communication problems. They both claim that their hook-up was a one-time thing and solely due to Valentine's Day. Meanwhile, their faces reveal they are both clearly lying. Tim and Lucy still have feelings for one another, but neither is willing to admit that, revealing why their hook-up doesn't result in them rekindling their romance for good.

Ultimately, Tim and Lucy's continued separation after The Rookie season 7, episode 6 is for the best. Of course, teasing their reunion with a Valentine's Day hook-up might be frustrating for some. It's like dangling a carrot in front of fans and then snatching it away. However, dragging out Tim and Lucy getting back together will be better for their relationship and the audience in the long run. Neither Tim nor Lucy is ready to be back in a romantic relationship, and a slow burn builds tension, making the payoff all the sweeter for viewers.

What Else Needs To Happen Before Tim & Lucy Get Back Together For Good

Tim & Lucy's Reunion In The Rookie Season 7 Is Inevitable

First and foremost, if Tim and Lucy are to ever get back together in The Rookie season 7, they must address their individual and shared issues. Tim is attending therapy, which is a great start. He needs to work through his personal problems, both for his well-being and his relationship with Lucy. Meanwhile, Lucy needs to trust Tim again.

So, as The Rookie season 7 continues, the romantic tension between Tim and Lucy must keep building, and they need to communicate in order to get back together for good.

The only way for all this to happen is for The Rookie season 7 characters to talk to one another. Unfortunately, Tim and Lucy seem allergic to having any serious discussion about their relationship so far. So, as The Rookie season 7 continues, the romantic tension between Tim and Lucy must keep building, and they need to communicate in order to get back together for good.