Chen and Nolan’s past relationship did receive a lot of backlash at the time from fans, so this may have factored into why their relationship ended so abruptly. However, Chen’s chemistry with Bradford could’ve also factored into why the writers buried Chen and Nolan’s relationship. The Rookie began planting seeds of a potential relationship between Lucy Chen and Tim Bradford, who fans now lovingly call “Chenford,” shortly after season 1 aired. Their relationship became a huge storyline that has continued into season 7, unlike Nolan and Chen’s relationship. Still, it’s worth looking at that original relationship simply to see how far the show and characters have come.
Nolan & Chen Were Dating At The Academy
Before The Events Of The Rookie
A couple of months before Chen and Nolan joined the LAPD, the pair began their secret romance. Both were careful to keep it on the down-low, not mentioning their relationship to anyone. However, once they joined the LAPD, a few of the fellow officers caught on to their hidden romance. Jackson, a fellow rookie and a friend to both Chen and Nolan, quickly caught on to their secret. He didn’t have much to say about whether they should continue or end their relationship; however, Nolan’s training officer wasn’t too keen on their relationship.
Talia Bishop (Afton Williamson) quickly caught on to what was going on between Chen and Nolan and advised both of them to pump the brakes. Dating a fellow rookie could hurt their careers in the LAPD, or even worse, end it before it even began. Bishop’s advice stuck with both of them, especially Nolan, who was the first to initiate the breakup.
Nolan Breaks Up With Chen
The Rookie Season 1, Episode 4
Shortly after Talia had a conversation with Chen about her relationship, Chen really took Talia’s words to heart. Talia told Chen that dating each other could hurt both of their careers, but worries it could be more detrimental to Chen because she is a woman. The breakup takes place in The Rookie season 1, episode 4, “The Switch,” at Nolan’s home. Nolan begins the conversation by telling Chen how she helped him throughout his journey as a cop, but now feels their relationship could potentially hurt her career.
Despite Chen and Nolan having the deep conversation that revealed there was true love between them, their relationship was rarely mentioned after season 1.
The Rookie Has Avoided Mentioning Their Relationship After
Post-The Rookie Season 1
After The Rookie season 1, Nolan and Chen’s relationship was no longer a storyline. In fact, many fans noticed that Chen and Nolan have barely even interacted since their season 1 romance. In a few Reddit threads started by person93947 and InsectFalse250, fans have expressed how strange they thought it was for the show to completely ignore the relationship after the first season, even if it didn’t work out. One user thought it made sense as Chen and Nolan seemed better off as friends, while another thought the writers decided to ignore the past relationship.
I don’t think the writers themselves liked it. I think they went for a cutesy pilot plot twist, and realized it didn’t work for them.
