The Rookie showrunner reveals that more problems are coming Chenford’s way in Season 7

New season, new challenges. The Rookie Season 7 is likely to challenge the characters more, especially for the favorite fan couple, Chenford. As promised by the showrunner, Alexi Hawley. For Melissa O'Neil (plays Lucy Chen), and Eric Winter (plays Tim Bradford) things might change dramatically for them this season.

Their breakup was followed by a new phase in their relationship, as highlighted by Hawley, who adds that the chemistry between them is still undeniable. He mentions that the attention will once again shift to their banter at work, which is a trademark of their relationship. In an interview with TV Guide, he said,

"The chemistry between them is undeniable, so that's always going to exist."

The Rookie Season 7 will determine if there is a future for them romantically while also addressing the professional boundaries due to their roles in the police department.

The Rookie Season 7: Returning to roots

In Season 7, The Rookie tries to get back in touch with the original themes through the introduction of new rookies and rekindling classic elements from previous seasons. Hawley said that intentionally bringing in two new rookies-Miles Penn (Deric Augustine) and Seth Ridley (Patrick Keleher)-was a decision to refresh the series. He told TV Guide,

"It was the first time since I think Season 2 or the beginning of Season 3 where we had three rookies in the front row of the roll call, and then the three training officers — with Lucy joining Tim and Nolan — felt very much like a throwback to the origins of the show."

This return to the basics includes familiar scenarios such as plain clothes day and rookie roundups. The introduction of these characters brings new storylines while keeping the continuity with already established ones. Miles is one of the new rookies and was a former football prospect.

A foolish mistake ended Miles' career as he suffered a devastating injury. Meanwhile, Seth has been portrayed as a well-meaning rookie whose nervousness leads him to make a lot of mistakes. Hawley commented on Miles' character arc in the same interview with TV Guide and said,

"There's stuff from his past — obviously, you saw Episode 2, so his backstory about how he was going to be in the NFL, he was going to be an All-Star, and then he threw it away by being an idiot, literally jumping off the roof at a house party and destroying his knee, and he didn't even do it on the field."

The Chenford dynamic in The Rookie Season 7

In The Rookie Season 7, the relationship between Lucy and Tim will be at the fore. After the breakup, Hawley mentioned that Lucy was trying to get over Tim but may not have gotten over him. He said to TV Guide,

"I think she's putting on a brave face. I think there are things that she might not even admit to herself, but I also think that she is putting herself first in a way that's important...."

"..At least what she's trying to do is go, "OK, well, a main reason I didn't make detective is because the five-player trade I tried to put together to get Tim into metro ultimately pissed off the people who had control over my future,... that she is feeling very much like, 'My path is important to me. Getting ahead, putting together a career that I want, is a priority'."

With this in mind, it means the career aspirations of Lucy could take precedence over her emotions for Tim. Tim's role as her training officer introduces more tension. He has adopted a tough-love approach with Miles, which may reflect his unresolved feelings about Lucy.

"I think there's always stuff under the surface. I do think on a less layered level, he does see in Miles someone who needs that [tough love], right?," Hawley explained to TV Guide.

This dynamic could lead to further complications in both Tim's training methods and his interactions with Lucy. Hawley also teased the possibility of romance between Chenford and said,

"Is there a romantic future down the road?" is something that we're definitely leaning into. What is it going to be? What work still has to be done?"

This means that though they are currently concentrating on their professional lives, feelings may start to resurface as the season unfolds.

Challenges ahead in The Rookie Season 7

As The Rookie Season 7 sets in, character development will challenge their personal as well as professional lives. One such character dealing with marital crises is Wesley (played by Shawn Ashmore).

He experiences marital issues with his wife, Angela. Additionally, Wesley finds out that another fellow officer, Detective Graham has sexual dreams about Angela.

In this regard, Hawley also stated to TV Guide,

"He thinks he's going to listen to a cop confess to something criminal — only to find out that the guy's got the hots for his wife and he can't tell anybody because legally this is all protected."

Additionally, Nolan (Nathan Fillion) confronts his fears after returning from being shot last season. Hawley emphasized Nolan's relatable struggle in the same interview: