The Rookie - the power fans hold

The Rookie follows John Nolan, a 40-year-old who moves to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of becoming a police officer in the Los Angeles Police Department. He joined the Mid-Wilshire Division with his fellow rookies, Lucy Chen and Jackson West. The show depicts the reality of police work, including complex issues such as racial discrimination and profiling. Of course, it also includes comical and dramatic scenes that scream ‘This only happens in the TV world’. The vastly different themes that are integrated into the show concurrently never seem to clash, showing how the writers were effectively able to shed light on present day issues, while keeping the mood light and happy. 

Another thing the show accurately portrays is the relationship between characters. Netizens went gaga over the show, especially the training officer-rookie relationship between Tim Bradford and Lucy Chen (I too am one of them). In the first season, we see Tim depicted as a stern and angry training officer who has seen the horrors of the world and is (seemingly) only out to see the newbies wash out of the training program. Lucy is a very bright and content person who always sees the good in people. This ‘grumpy x sunshine’ dynamic hooked watchers like fish to bait. The underlying hope that Lucy would be able to ‘fix’ Tim was present in everyone’s hearts. Naturally, to cater to viewers, the second season showed a softer, more forbearing Tim, changing the dynamic between Tim and Lucy as their relationship progressed to friendship. Across the seasons, there were many intimate moments where they shared many moments of laughter, grief and anger, until Season 5 when Tim finally asked Lucy out. 

The slow burn of their relationship hooked viewers, making them continue watching with the hopes of seeing the two characters who had such opposing personalities come together as one. When they finally got together, the viewers were ecstatic. This ‘Chenford’ ship held so much power over both the viewers and the writers of the show. The writers may not have planned for the characters to become romantically involved, but because of all the buzz online, the plot changed to fulfill what the viewers want to see, and potentially increase viewership. 

At the same time, the viewers are at the mercy of the writers. In Season 6, Tim and Lucy broke up, but still remained close friends. This caused a community outcry as everyone was devastated (me included). Many posted on social media platforms about their wishes for them to get back together in the next season, showing how much the viewers care for this relationship and want to see it thrive and blossom. Up to this point, they have not gotten back together, (but the writers have been feeding the viewers with casual flings) and viewers are still clinging on to the hope of them getting back together. 

The fiery passion that the viewers have shapes the events that occur in the show, changing the dynamics of it all. Initially, the show was mainly a police drama that primarily depicts the reality of police work in Los Angeles, and currently, it is a drama that incorporates various themes (romance, comedy, thriller etc.) into one show (that happens to revolve around police work). This stupendous change shows the fans’ capability to redefine the TV show with their overwhelming paroxysms online. 

As a fan of the show and the ‘Chenford’ ship, it is really heartening to see how the voices of fans were heard and their hopes were actually carried out and put into the show. Most ships are nonexistent in their various worlds (Harry Potter x Draco Malfoy, Natasha Romanoff x Steve Rogers…) and seeing how Lucy and Tim, my two favourite characters, were the exceptions, it further fuels my love and passion for the show. 

Ng Xanafee

4 Unity

2025