Season 8 of The Rookie introduced a significant shift for the Mid-Wilshire division with Tim Bradford (Eric Winter) stepping into the role of watch commander, a position previously held by Lt. Grey (Richard T. Jones). This new era for Bradford's career, however, has come with its own set of challenges and growing pains as he navigates leading the precinct and managing new responsibilities. Concurrently, his long-awaited romance with Lucy Chen (Melissa O'Neil) has finally blossomed, with the "Chenford" ship sailing smoothly, highlighted by their shared Valentine's Day celebrations and cohabitation. However, the show's writers are known for introducing conflict, keeping fans on their toes.

Eric Winter shared insights into Tim's current stress as watch commander. The actor admitted it was "a little tough" not seeing Tim in as much action, a staple of his character in previous seasons. He expressed his initial concern to the writers about transitioning into a purely managerial role, similar to Grey's desk-bound position. Fortunately, a solution has been devised to involve Tim more in street-level action later in the season, which Winter appreciated, acknowledging that both he, as an actor, and Tim, as a character, struggled with the significant shift.

Tim's adjustment to leading an entire department, rather than just one person as a Training Officer, has been a central theme. Winter highlighted that Tim now grapples with office politics, dealing with higher-ups, and an influx of paperwork – tasks unnatural to his character. This new leadership style demands a broader perspective and more compassion, while still requiring him to be firm and efficient. This balance, coupled with handling "nonsense of phone calls and paperwork," constitutes a major source of his current stress.

The latest episode featured Lucy Chen and Nyla Harper (Mekia Cox) undertaking a demanding, long-term undercover mission in Baja, Mexico, investigating a double murder. This mission separated them from their loved ones, with Tim even making a brief undercover appearance to check on the officers. Winter expressed his enthusiasm for Tim potentially engaging in more long-term undercover work, recalling his enjoyment playing characters like "Dim" and "Jake." He noted Tim's improved handling of Lucy's undercover assignments this time, acknowledging the difficulty of seeing his partner in dangerous situations.

Winter also teased future developments for Tim in the back half of Season 8, promising more field action and the return of a figure from Tim's past who will "cause some problems." The actor relishes exploring Tim's complex past, finding it fascinating how these elements reveal a more vulnerable, imperfect side of the character. Reuniting with Peyton List, who plays Tim's sister Genny, also provided opportunities to delve into Tim's family dynamics, revealing his discomfort yet love for his family, and further peeling back the layers of his personality.

Exploring the lighter and more comedic facets of Tim's character this season has been a delight for Winter. He appreciates showcasing these "layers" as they allow for a dynamic shift between his gruff, firm exterior and his underlying good intentions. For Winter, the most rewarding aspect of playing Tim Bradford has been navigating his evolution from an initially unlikable character to one deeply empathized with and loved by fans. He takes pride in turning Tim's perceived flaws into "superpowers," making him a relatable and dynamic figure.

When questioned about Tim's primary stressor—being watch commander or his relationship with Lucy—Winter acknowledged that the combination creates significant overall stress. While his home life with Lucy offers a "release" from work stress, he is also keenly aware of not wanting to "screw up again" in their relationship. Winter enjoys the complexity of the "Chenford" relationship, preferring it to remain interesting with potential new dynamics rather than simply being "safe and solid." He suggests exploring other problems or dynamics inherent in real-life relationships, without necessarily implying a complete separation, to maintain its intrigue. New episodes of The Rookie air every Monday 10/9c on ABC in the U.S.