We’re here! The Rookie 5×21 “Going Under” is a love letter to Chenford fans and we are here for this! The episode proves unequivocally that they are endgame and yeah, we are celebrating! Ready?
Here we go!
Chenford’s Vulnerability in The Rookie 5×21 “Going Under” is Superior
The Rookie 5×21 “Going Under” is a Chenford fanfic and we are perfectly fine with that! Although the truth is, it’s a bit difficult to do a review because not much more than what we saw on the screen happened.
Honestly, I’m tempted to pad the entire review with “Chenford are the cutest!” and “Chenford is endgame!” because this episode has so many iconic quotes and scenes from them that it would be a perfect review.
However, let’s focus on vulnerability. The Rookie 5×21 “Going Under” showed Lucy’s vulnerability but we saw Tim’s side much more. And we love it! Lucy misses him and worries about how Tim is handling the whole undercover mission thing. She knows that it must bring back bitter memories and she doesn’t want him to worry. Lucy wants Tim to be clear that she is not Isabel.
Tim tries to cope and succeeds…for the most part. It’s clear to Tim that Lucy is not Isabel but some situations are eerily parallel. He trusts her to keep herself safe, Lucy has a natural gift for these types of missions. But he can’t breathe until he gets to talk to her.
And the moment of the shooting in The Rookie 5×21 “Going Under” is a turning point. Tim couldn’t see her, he couldn’t know if she was safe, he couldn’t help her. He was not in control. Until then, Tim had the calls reporting, and the conversations with Lucy about her day, and that kept him under the limit. On the edge, but still there. This allowed Tim to have an illusion of control that allowed him to breathe.
But after the shooting that we see in The Rookie 5×21 “Going Under” that disappeared. And Tim felt out of control, out of bounds, mad worried. For a moment, Tim thought he had lost her and it was more than he could bear.
And Lucy experienced something similar because everything changed in a second and she could no longer see Tim and the worst could have happened. The hug they give each other when they meet again allows them both to breathe.
“I can’t lose you the way I lost her”
From then on, Tim feels more on edge than ever in The Rookie 5×21 “Going Under” and he can’t wait for this mission to end. And suddenly it does. But the memories of what happened with Isabel don’t stop haunting him, like a nightmare that doesn’t leave him alone.
And Tim desperately wants to talk to Lucy and tell her about his real concerns but Tim is afraid of being so vulnerable, being so exposed in front of her.
That’s why it’s so important when Tim finally did it at the end of The Rookie 5×21 “Going Under.” Being vulnerable is always scary because it means giving power to another person, and giving up control to do what they want with you. They can tear you apart. Or they can accept you. They can do whatever. Being vulnerable is the biggest show of trust Tim could have with Lucy.
And the greatest proof of love.
Because love is synonymous with strength but also with vulnerability. The well-being of the person you love is the most important thing. The fear of losing them is superior to you. Tim couldn’t bear to lose Lucy. And he’s here, heart in hand showing his vulnerability, his fear, to Lucy. Trusting her to hold his hand and make him feel like everything is going to be okay. For her to soothe his deepest fears. For her to take care of his heart. And she does.
Just a reminder that we’re talking about Tim Bradford, someone who hadn’t been emotionally vulnerable to anyone until Lucy. And look where we are. Tell us if that isn’t proof that Chenford is endgame. Because it is.
Other Stuff in The Rookie 5×21 “Going Under”
- I don’t know how many times I repeated the “I can’t lose you the way I lost her” scene. And I don’t even sorry!
- “I miss you.”
- “I trust you. If you’re fine, I’m fine.” Dead!
- Tim really rose to the challenge of how to say I love you without saying I love you.
- Me to Celina: good catch, girl!
- So Bailey and Nolan are getting married in September, ready for the Season 6 premiere!
- Good job, mamma!
- Good dance, Aaron! But shave that thing NOW.
- Another horrible attempt at *crossover*. I don’t expect anything from you, ABC, and you still manage to disappoint me.
- Just a reminder: CHENFORD IS ENDGAME!
The Rookie Season 5 airs Tuesdays at 8/7 on ABC.
