Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from The Rookie season 7, episode 16, "The Return."Unfortunately, The Rookie season 7 is falling back into a downward trend, as "The Return" is certainly among the show's bottom-tier episodes. Towards the middle of season 7, it seemed like ABC's police procedural was getting back on track and reminding us what made it so special in the first place. As The Rookie season 7 nears its end, though, the episodes aren't getting better; they're only getting worse.

ABC renewed The Rookie for season 8 ahead of its season 7 finale.

when The Rookie airs after the much-superior Will Trent, it's difficult not to compare the two and notice the former's shortcomings.

The Rookie Brings Seth Back Just To Send Him Right Back Out The Door

The Ending Of Seth's Story Isn't Satisfying

, could've been handled much better. It previously felt like the show was setting Seth up to be a villain, and instead, the writers brought him back for one episode to "redeem" his character and then sent him right back out the door. Seth could still return in the future, and he should just so The Rookie can fix his storyline. After "The Return," though, Seth can't be an antagonist.

Meanwhile, Nolan's scenes with Seth prove why he was meant to be a TO (and why he needs a permanent new rookie).

If the writers want to give his character full redemption, he needs to earn it, and one episode doesn't give us enough time to soften towards Seth. Yes, he saves Nolan's life in season 7's antepenultimate episode. But that makes us briefly feel bad for him; it doesn't make us want to see more of The Rookie character.

Two good things arise from Seth's return in The Rookie season 7, episode 16 — it ignites growth in Miles' character (who viewers will see more of in season 8 after The Rookie promoted Deric Augustine to series regular) and demonstrates Nolan's strengths as a TO. Miles is torn about his former friend coming back. One of the interactions between Miles and Seth even results in a physical fight, but with Tim's help, Miles comes to with his mixed feelings. Meanwhile, Nolan's scenes with Seth prove why he was meant to be a TO (and why he needs a permanent new rookie).

The Rookie Season 7 Continues Ignoring Chenford's Real Issues In Episode 16

Tim & Lucy's Difference In Rank Isn't What's Keeping Them Apart

Seth's return isn't the only thing that The Rookie season 7, episode 16 gets wrong; it also botches Tim and Lucy's storyline. Since the couple's breakup in season 6, the show has been working towards them rekindling their romance. However, as of "The Return," Chenford hasn't earned their reunion. They need to discuss their real problems and why they broke up in the first place (which Tim and Lucy sort of did in The Rookie season 7, episode 15, but that conversation mostly happened offscreen and while they were both high on drugs).

Tim and Lucy keep saying she isn't taking the sergeant's exam to get back together with him. They claim it's good for her career, but the sergeant's exam is only mentioned when someone implies it'll help Tim and Lucy's reunion in The Rookie season 7. Episode 16 continues this trend, with Lucy taking the test and Tim wanting to "celebrate." They never confront the reasons why they broke up throughout the hour. Hopefully, this (sober) discussion will come before The Rookie season 7 ends, but based on precedent, we shouldn't expect much on this front.

New episodes of The Rookie season 7 air Tuesdays at 9pm ET on ABC.