Eric Winter teases romance, chaos, and growth in “The Rookie’s” Valentine’s Day episode on ABC

New York — This Valentine’s Day, Love & Danger airs on ABC “beginner.”

You’ll get explosive drama as well as emotional fireworks in Monday night’s episode, and that’s especially true of fan-favorite couple “Chenford,” made up, of course, of Lucy Chen and Tim Bradford.

For Eric Winter, who has played Tim Bradford since day one, the episode offers another glimpse at how far his character has come, and how relationships continue to challenge him in unexpected ways.

“It was unbelievable,” Winter said. “As an actor, to be able to have a role like Tim Bradford, he’s been very complex and challenging as an individual since day one. To see his growth, that’s been one of the best developments on the show for sure.”

From the gruff training officers the audience first met in Season 1 to a man now navigating what appears to be true love, Tim’s journey has been shaped by years of layered storytelling. Winter credits series creator Alexi Hawley and the writers are credited with constantly finding new facets of his character.

“We still peel back the layers every year,” he said. “I’m excited and surprised every year to see what we’ll peel off next.”

The Valentine’s Day episode focuses on something familiar to many and unsurprising to fans: Tim Bradford is not good at gifts.

“Not all men, in particular, are great at choosing gifts for their partner,” Winter said. “And Tim is definitely not the kind of person who thinks ahead.”

As Tim tries to make things right for Lucy, the episode shows him struggling, and even leaning on his sister for advice, before finally arriving at something meaningful.

“In the end, he pulled it off in a really cool and fun way,” Winter said. “But you see this conflict about what to do.”

For Chinford fans, this is another milestone in a relationship that has taken on a life of its own.

“It’s the biggest social media ship I’ve ever been a part of,” Winter said. “It has taken on a life of its own around the world. We have an amazing fan base that continues to build this show every season.”

Aside from the romance, there is still a lot of action in this episode and this season as a whole.

“There’s a blast and a lot happens,” he said, adding that while the show tends to “go crazy” within each episode, the emotional impact lasts. “There are some changes and some things that will happen, but I think everyone will be excited about what’s to come.”

Meanwhile, off screen, Winter is experiencing more than just long days on set. In addition to acting, he is also a co-founder of a company Republic of Palm Ruma premium rum inspired by years of travel and family influence.

“My wife is Puerto Rican and I was introduced to rum about 20 years ago,” he said. “I liked the complexity of it, and our mission is to elevate the rum space.”

Winter admits that balancing a successful TV show, a growing brand and family life takes effort.

“It’s a juggling act,” he said. “I have great support from my wife and children. This was my passion, not just a celebrity project.”

You can watch new episodes of “The Rookie” Monday nights at 10pm ET on ABC and airing the next day on Hulu.