“The Fans Really Pay Attention…”: The Rookie Star Reveals Why Lucy Wore The Necklace Tim Gave Her To S7 E6’s Gala

The Rookie’s Lucy star has given her verdict on why her character is wearing the necklace Tim gave to her. One of ABC’s most successful procedurals, The Rookie has an ensemble cast of many diverse and interesting characters, with Lucy Chen and Tim Bradford (affectionately named Chenford) being two of the most popular. The fan-favorite couple have had a tumultuous relationship throughout the show, eventually breaking up in season 6. Despite this, season 7 has teased some excellent Chenford moments, and there have been hopes that the couple may reconcile.

Now, in an interview with Screen Rant, Lucy actor Melissa O’Neil confirmed that Lucy is wearing a necklace Tim gave her at the gala. She explains that the choice was very specific, and that the necklace is very significant to Lucy. Showrunner Alexi Hawley told her Lucy’s decision was in response to learning Tim was bringing someone else to the gala, and she was making a statement. Check out O’Neill’s full comments below:

She is wearing it at the gala. I asked Alexi specifically about that because the fans really pay attention, and they really pay attention to the jewelry choices because Lucy has received some significant pieces of jewelry that are tied to the story. And of course something precious given to her by Bradford is going to be very significant to us in this world.

Because I saw it in the script, I was like, “Hold on a minute. Why is she wearing this? What is this about?” because we don’t exactly address it in the episode. Alexi told me that that was kind of her response to knowing that Bradford was bringing someone to the gala–that she was like, “I’m going to put on a really nice dress and I’m going to put on my necklace from him because I don’t know who’s coming.” I kind of love this sassy subtext that we never really address, but is there.

What These Comments Mean For Chenford’s Continued Season 7 Arc

While there have been some strong Chenford moments in The Rookie season 7 so far, it does feel like the show is implementing a “will-they, won’t-they” approach to the couple’s chances of reconciliation. O’Neill’s comments indicate that Lucy, at least, still has feelings for Tim, and doesn’t like the idea of him showing up with someone else until she realizes it’s his sister.

Tim showing up with someone else for the first time since their split in The Rookie season 6, episode 6 could be a big blow for Chenford, at least in the short-term. Tim is open to moving on, but it may be that this is simply a platonic arrangement for the gala. Lucy is clapping back at Tim by choosing to wear the jewelry he bought her, but it’s presented in a more subtle and subtextual way and shows how the dynamic of their relationship has changed. Lucy still has feelings for Tim after he broke up with her, and it’s possible he feels the same, but things are complicated right now.

Our Verdict On Lucy’s Gesture & A Chenford Reunion

While there’s no doubt Lucy’s gesture will be well received by Tim, that doesn’t mean the couple are going to suddenly reunite. There is a complication due to Tim’s ex, Rachel, returning to the show, which could make for a potential love triangle between the three. Then there is the fact that Tim is Lucy’s superior again, which would then make any kind of relationship difficult and inappropriate, presenting a further stumbling block for their pair to reunite in The Rookie season 7.