Tim and Lucy to break up in The Rookie season 6.

ABC airs new episodes of The Rookie on Tuesdays at 10 pm ET. Season 7 will feature 18 episodes, which is excitingly eight more than the previous season.

Tim and Lucy's breakup made sense at the time. He had to confront his demons before he felt he could be good enough for Lucy. Consequently, Tim has been attending therapy. When the time is right, Tim should be ready to be in a committed, serious relationship with Lucy, but the writers shouldn't rush their reconciliation. Luckily, for Tim and Lucy's relationship and season 7 as a whole, The Rookie hasn't sped up the inevitable reunion. Instead, the show is opting to circle back to the fan-favorite couple's slow burn, which is a big help for the failing seventh season.

The Rookie Season 7 Has Been Disappointing Thus Far

Season 7 Isn't Anything Special After 3 Episodes

The Rookie season 7, episode 1 was quite underwhelming in how it handled Aaron's exit and the season 6 finale cliffhangers. However, the series appeared to be turning things around in episode 2. Overlooked characters (e.g. Angela and Nyla) got more screen time, while the hour thoughtfully continued to develop the new rookies' characters in intriguing ways. Unfortunately, all the progress made in The Rookie season 7, episode 2 was undone by episode 3.

The Rookie season 7, episode 3 was quite tedious and forgettable. It focused on Nolan's reckless choices concerning Jason's escape, Miles and Seth's frustrating insubordination, and the confusing return of a character from season 2. Ultimately, episode 3 did little to move the plot forward. So far, The Rookie season 7 has been a bore, with little intrigue surrounding the Big Bads, forgettable (or lack of) "case of the week" mysteries, and Aaron's glossed-over exit. Season 7's only saving grace is how it has maneuvered Tim and Lucy's relationship following their breakup in season 6.

Why A Slow Burn Approach Is The Best Way To Tackle Tim & Lucy's Relationship

Tim & Lucy Are At Their Best In A Slow Burn

Tim and Lucy's eventual reunion has to be handled with care in The Rookie season 7, and it has been. It would be a mistake to push them back together before they're ready. As of episode 3, not enough progress has been made between Tim and Lucy for them to be equipped to reconcile. They must talk and work through the problems that tore them apart in the first place. So far, Tim and Lucy's dynamic in The Rookie season 7 has only included teasing and flirting, which is exactly how it should be.

Tim and Lucy are ultimately at their best when they're in the slow-burn stage of their relationship, and the writers are using that knowledge to their advantage. The build-up to Tim and Lucy getting together was immaculate. Their slow burn was full of flirting (whether on purpose or not), delightful confusion, and development that made viewers crave more. Now, The Rookie season 7 is taking Tim and Lucy's relationship back to its will-they/won't-they phase, dragging out their reunion so that when it happens, it's all the more satisfying.

How Tim & Lucy's Slow-Paced Romance Benefits The Rookie Season 7

Season 7 Needs All The Help It Can Get

The Rookie season 7 has been struggling, and the only thing keeping it afloat is Tim and Lucy. The bet between their rookies, Tim's protectiveness over Lucy concerning Miles' behavior towards her, and more light tension between the former couple have brought them back to their prime. Almost everything else in season 7 has been forgettable or frustrating. Hopefully, Tim and Lucy's second slow burn will continue deep into The Rookie season 7, and the other stories will get on the couple's level.

Enjoy ScreenRant's primetime coverage? Click below to sign up for our weekly Network TV newsletter (make sure to check "Network TV" in your preferences) and get the inside scoop from actors and showrunners on your favorite series.

Sign Up Now