The Rookie’s 100th episode delivered exactly what fans had been waiting for — intensity, charm, nostalgia, and of course, a major Chenford moment that broke the internet. But according to Melissa O’Neil, who plays Lucy Chen, what viewers saw onscreen was only part of the story.
In a new interview, O’Neil opens up about filming the milestone episode, the emotional depth behind that unforgettable Chenford scene, and the surprising behind-the-camera details fans never got to witness.
The Pressure of Episode 100: “We Knew It Had to Be Special”
Hitting 100 episodes is a milestone most TV dramas never reach, and Melissa O’Neil admits the cast felt the weight of it.
“We were all aware that this episode had to honor the journey,” she said. “Not just for the characters, but for the fans who kept the show alive.”
From the opening table read to the final night shoot, the energy on set felt charged. The crew added little touches — commemorative jackets, celebratory photos, and nostalgic callbacks — but the actors knew the heart of the episode would be its relationships.
And no relationship has captured audience hearts more powerfully than Tim Bradford and Lucy Chen — better known as Chenford.
The Chenford Moment That Fans Can’t Stop Rewatching
While the episode was packed with action and emotional beats, the Chenford moment — a quiet, intimate exchange loaded with history — became the scene fans rewound over and over.
O’Neil reveals that she and Eric Winter worked closely with the director to fine-tune the emotional weight:
“We didn’t want it to feel rushed. It needed to show everything Tim and Lucy had been through — the tension, the trust, the hesitation, and the affection.”
What fans loved:
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The unspoken yearning between them
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The gentle physical closeness
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The way Lucy’s expression softens as Tim lets his guard down
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A single line of dialogue that hit viewers in the chest
The moment was subtle, but powerful — a perfect representation of why Chenford continues to be one of network TV’s most popular slow-burn romances.
What Viewers Didn’t See: Behind-the-Scenes Surprises
Melissa O’Neil shared several details about the making of that scene that never made it into the final cut — and fans will love them.
1. The First Take Was Too Emotional
O’Neil admits she almost broke character.
“There was a take where Eric delivered one line so softly, it caught me completely off guard. I had to stop and laugh because it was either laugh or cry.”
2. The Atmosphere Was Dead Silent
Normally, sets are buzzing with activity, but for this moment, the crew cleared the stage.
“Everyone stepped back. It felt like being in a bubble,” she said. “I think that helped the performance.”
3. A Deleted Joke That Didn’t Fit the Mood
Between takes, the cast joked around — including a playful comment from O’Neil about Tim Bradford needing “a feelings checkpoint.”
The crew loved it, but it didn’t match the emotional tone of the scene.
4. The Camera Caught a Genuine Smile
One close-up of Lucy’s reaction wasn’t acting at all — O’Neil says she genuinely got emotional seeing Eric Winter embody a softer Tim.
Why This Scene Matters So Much to Chenford Fans
The 100th episode didn’t just give fans a romantic moment — it marked a turning point.
This is the episode where Tim fully acknowledges Lucy as his equal — not just as a cop, but as someone he trusts deeply. Lucy’s quiet support, her ability to read his emotional temperature, and her calm presence show just how far their partnership has evolved.
O’Neil says:
“It was a moment of maturity for both of them. They’ve earned this.”
Fans agree — social media exploded with edits, reaction videos, and emotional tweets within minutes of the episode airing.
Melissa O’Neil on Chenford’s Future: “More Growth, More Honesty”
While she couldn’t reveal spoilers for Season 8, O’Neil hinted that the show is ready to push the pair into new territory.
“Lucy is becoming more confident, and Tim is learning to be more vulnerable. That combination will lead to some beautiful storytelling.”
She added that Chenford supporters are “fierce, loyal, and deeply perceptive,” and the writers are very aware of how invested fans are in the couple.
A 100th Episode to Remember
In the end, Melissa O’Neil believes the most special part of reaching 100 episodes is the connection with fans — especially those who’ve rooted for Chenford since the early days.
“They saw it before we did,” she laughed.
“They created Chenford. We just get to bring it to life.”
And if this iconic moment is any indication, Chenford’s story is far from over — and the best is still ahead.
