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The central emotional arc this week came from Lucy and her long-awaited Sergeant exam results. Finally, after episodes of buildup, she finds out she passed, and not just barely. Tim, ever her number one fan, is by her side as she spirals before the results post. Their final scene is quiet and understated: her joy, his support, a look exchanged, but it’s also a massive missed opportunity. Why not let Tim be the one to hand her the stripes? Why are we still dancing around this relationship like it’s season four again? The breakup has gone on so long, it’s hard to remember what drove them apart in the first place. The tension is there, the chemistry hasn’t faded, but the indecision is starting to feel like narrative stalling.

In more grounded territory, the title fraud storyline involving Nyla’s mother hits a compelling, emotional note. It’s a very real and relevant plot- elderly people being preyed upon by scammers. The sting operation involving Angela’s mom as a decoy was clever and heartfelt. Emilia deserves more screen time, honestly. Her banter with Angela and Nyla’s mom and confident takedown of Priscilla was satisfying, and it was refreshing to see the show dive into a less action-heavy but socially important storyline. Nyla’s journey from frustration to forgiveness toward her mother added nuance, reminding us that family vulnerability, while painful, is also a source of strength.

Speaking of family and pain, Wesley’s arc with Del Monte was unexpectedly heavy. The moral crossroads was clear: cover up your son’s drug use to protect a political future, or expose it and get him help. Thankfully, Del Monte chose the latter, and while Del Monte paid the price (getting ambushed, his son shot, and his DA campaign derailed), it gave the show one of its more resonant side plots. It was good to see the character of Del Monte, often a background authority figure, actually carry some emotional weight.

And then there’s Celina and Rodge…again. Look, we get it. Rodge is quirky and deeply feeling, but this relationship continues to eat up screen time without really going anywhere. She writes him a song, he’s going on tour, and we’re supposed to care about whether they survive long distance. But with main characters like Angela, Nyla and even Grey often sidelined for plot B and C, the Rodge/Celina arc feels like filler. Talented actress, strong potential just give her a better storyline already and send Rodge packing, please!.

The episode is also not without its usual Rookie brand of over-the-top action. The bounty chaos, the social media livestreams, the vigilantes overhearing police comms, it’s all ridiculous, but the show leans into it with enough self-awareness that it mostly works. Nolan once again emerges as the hero (because of course), but it’s starting to feel a little tired. The charm of The Rookie used to be that it centered on a regular guy with a steep learning curve. Now, Nolan’s basically invincible. Let someone else take the win once in a while.

Still, there are rewards. Lucy’s victory is well-earned, and seeing Tim beside her, proud but restrained, gave the episode its emotional anchor. There’s growth here, personal and professional. And despite all the chaos, comedy, and contrivances, that’s what The Rookie always circles back to.