The Rookie Invokes One of Agent Gibbs’ Most Famous NCIS Rules
The following contains spoilers for The Rookie Season 5, Episode 10, “The List,” which debuted Tuesday, Jan. 3 on ABC.
It’s taken four and a half seasons, but The Rookie finally sent Officers Bradford and Chen on their first date. Fans recognized the chemistry between them early on, so the internet “shipped” them as Chenford. Since then, fans have clamored for their romantic involvement, and some were not happy with the extended teasing from the writers. However, Chenford is finally happening, and fans couldn’t be happier.
Unfortunately, Chenford’s first date didn’t go as planned. The cold open for “The List” showed Bradford and Chen debating on outfits for their swanky date. Then, at the restaurant, they shared an awkward conversation before an argument broke out between the chef and one of the employees. One a****t with a d****y weapon later, and the date was ruined. They decided to have a redo for their date, but they had bigger things to worry about — and it involved one of Agent Gibbs’ most famous NCIS rules.
Gibbs’ Rule #12 Said To Never Date a Coworker
Fans of NCIS know that Gibbs’ rules are one of the best parts of the series. They offer life advice, comedy and common sense. One of the best-known rules was #12: “Never date a coworker.” The rule goes all the way back to Season 1, and at that point, it was only a passing reference. Agent Todd told DiNozzo that she would k**l him if he cheated on her in their hypothetical relationship. Then, Gibbs interrupted their conversation and said that that was why Rule #12 existed.
Over time, Rule #12 took on a life of its own and became a bit of a gag. DiNozzo ended up with Ziva; Palmer is with Knight, and Lucy is in a relationship with Whistler on NCIS: Hawai’i. Clearly, it was something that Gibbs cared about but was one of those rules that people made a habit of breaking. Now, The Rookie has commandeered one of NCIS‘ best Gibbs Rules, and Chenford is already in violation.
Sergeant Grey Has the Same Rule as Gibbs
When Bradford and Chen had to call the police on the knife-swinging restaurant employee, they were immediately worried about who would see them together at the restaurant. The next morning they debated whether they should come clean or make up a story. Lucy wasn’t ready for everyone to know about them. But unexpectedly, Sergeant Grey called them both into his office and laid down the law. He didn’t want people on the force to date each other. Then, he told them that they needed to make sure that Thorsen and Celina weren’t getting too close.
Clearly, Grey was being bamboozled because Thorsen and Celina weren’t dating, though they were playing Dungeons & Dragons together. Meanwhile, Chen and Bradford had started dating, and Grey had no idea. As funny as that was, Sergeant Grey did make a good point. If people in the same chain of command were dating, assignments and priorities could get skewed. So, Chenford was in the clear after “The List,” (though some other characters may not be alright). The relationship still has things to work out, especially when Grey eventually finds out that Bradford and Chen are an item.
The Rookie airs Tuesdays at 8:00 pm on ABC.
