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Uncovering The Hidden Romance: John Nolan & Lucy Chen’s Secret Past on The Rookie!

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Prior to Lucy Chen and Tim Bradford getting romantically involved on The Rookie, Lucy had been dating John Nolan. This secret relationship between Lucy and John existed before they both joined the LAPD as rookies. Only Jackson West was privy to this secret, but he discovered it without either of them ever disclosing it. Although their relationship served as a significant plot point in season 1, it was seldom referenced after the finale of The Rookie’s first season.

It’s possible that the negative reactions their past romance received from fans played a role in why Chen and Nolan’s relationship ended so quickly. Additionally, the strong chemistry between Chen and Bradford might be the reason why the writers chose to develop their relationship extensively instead of focusing on Chen and Nolan. The show “The Rookie” started hinting at a possible romance between Lucy Chen and Tim Bradford, often referred to as “Chenford,” soon after its first season. This relationship has grown into a significant storyline that’s still ongoing in season 7, unlike the one between Chen and Nolan. Nevertheless, it’s interesting to revisit their earlier relationship to appreciate how much the show and characters have evolved since then.

Nolan & Chen Were Dating At The Academy

Before The Events Of The Rookie

Prior to Chen and Nolan becoming part of the LAPD, the two had started a clandestine romance a couple of months earlier. They were meticulous in keeping it under wraps, never disclosing their relationship to anyone. However, when they joined the LAPD, some of their fellow officers picked up on their hidden affair. Jackson, a fellow rookie and friend to both Chen and Nolan, was quick to notice their secret. Although he didn’t express an opinion about whether they should continue or end their relationship, Nolan’s training officer seemed less than supportive of their romantic involvement.

Talia Bishop, played by Afton Williamson, swiftly figured out the situation between Chen and Nolan and suggested they slow down their relationship. Dating another rookie in the LAPD could potentially harm their careers or even sabotage it before it started. Her advice resonated with them, particularly with Nolan, who was the one to take the first step in ending things.

Nolan Breaks Up With Chen

The Rookie Season 1, Episode 4

Following Talia’s talk with Chen regarding their relationship, Chen gave careful thought to Talia’s concerns. In this discussion, Talia expressed that dating each other might negatively impact both of their professions, though she feared it could be particularly damaging for Chen due to her gender. The breakup unfolds in “The Switch,” episode 4 of season 1 on the show The Rookie, taking place at Nolan’s residence. In this scene, Nolan opens up about how Chen has supported him during his police career transition, but now expresses apprehension that their relationship might jeopardize her own professional path.

Although Chen conceded that the time had come to part ways in their relationship, she found it difficult to accept Nolan’s readiness to move on, while she herself was not so quick to let go. Beyond his occupation as a police officer, Chen took her relationship with Nolan seriously and didn’t view it as just an office romance. Despite the profound conversation they shared in season 1 that suggested there was genuine affection between them, their relationship was seldom discussed beyond this point in the series.

The Rookie Has Avoided Mentioning Their Relationship After

Post-The Rookie Season 1

Following the conclusion of The Rookie’s first season, the narrative surrounding Nolan and Chen’s relationship came to an end. In fact, many viewers have observed that Chen and Nolan have had minimal interactions since their romantic entanglement in season 1. On several Reddit discussions initiated by users person93947 and InsectFalse250, fans have voiced their puzzlement over the show’s decision to bypass the relationship post-season 1, even if it didn’t last. One user suggested that it was logical for the characters to be better off as friends, while another speculated that the writers intentionally chose to overlook the past romance.

I believe the writers may not have been fond of it themselves. It seems they aimed for a quirky, unexpected twist in the initial episode, but later found out that approach didn’t resonate with their creative vision.

Following season 1, Chen’s narrative delved deeper into a blossoming romance and a rollercoaster relationship with her trainer, Bradford. On the other hand, John Nolan had multiple romantic entanglements before meeting Bailey Nune (Jenna Dewan). Consequently, their past relationship was not revisited. Regrettably, it appears that both Chen and Nolan have not only ended their romantic involvement but also let their friendship fade away. It’s possible that in The Rookie season 8, this strained relationship may be mended at last.

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2025-05-30 15:17

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