The episode kicks off with Officer Nolan jumping back into action just one day after being injured on duty. While his fellow officer Juarez teases him lightly about his quick return, Nolan insists that getting back to work is the best way to recover. The Mid-Wilshire station welcomes two new rookies: Seth Ridley, who’s anxious but well-meaning, and Miles Penn, a confident transfer with prior experience in Texas. Officer Chen, newly promoted to training officer, takes Ridley under her wing, while Sergeant Bradford oversees Penn. This setup sparks a friendly rivalry between Chen and Bradford to see who can better train their rookie.

Things escalate when Nolan and Juarez respond to a pharmacy robbery. Nolan hesitates to shoot the armed suspect due to nearby civilians, allowing the suspect to escape. Unfortunately, the suspect later shoots a civilian, leaving Nolan questioning his instincts. His superior reassures him that such split-second decisions are part of the job, but Nolan continues to grapple with guilt.

The main storyline involves a stolen nuclear weapon—an old suitcase nuke from Ukraine that vanishes while being transported for decommissioning. The FBI investigates discreetly, and a lead emerges when a port security guard’s car sets off radiation detectors. This discovery links to a larger criminal plot to sell the nuke in the Nevada desert. Meanwhile, the new rookies face their own challenges: Ridley struggles with trauma from losing his high school girlfriend to an overdose, while Penn’s overconfidence leads to mistakes that Bradford quickly calls out.

The episode climaxes with a high-stakes car chase and shootout. The police track down the suspects with the nuclear device, leading to a tense standoff when one of the criminals threatens to detonate it. In a moment of redemption, Nolan takes a precise shot to neutralize the threat, preventing disaster and proving his capability under pressure.

On the sidelines, Wesley Evers, temporarily assigned to the station, reviews arrest reports tied to a corruption scandal. He uncovers troubling details about Detective Graham’s inappropriate thoughts about his wife, Angela Lopez, adding tension to the subplot. Meanwhile, Nolan is shown missing his girlfriend Bailey, who’s deployed with the National Guard. In a touching moment, he leaves her a heartfelt voicemail, showing the emotional toll his job takes.

The episode wraps up with the rookies surviving their first day despite their missteps, while Chen and Bradford’s training rivalry ends in a draw. The characters reflect on the day’s events, from high-stakes action to personal struggles, setting the stage for an engaging season ahead. With ongoing storylines like the training dynamics, Wesley’s discovery, and the aftermath of the corruption scandal, the season promises more drama and action-packed moments.

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