Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from The Rookie season 7, episode 6, "The Gala."

The Rookie season 7's chaotic fifth episode), and the promising episodes are becoming less and less so in a "boy who cried wolf" sense. Nevertheless, The Rookie season 7 continues, and we just have to enjoy the quality episodes when we get them.

The characters celebrate Valentine's Day in episode 6, even the single ones. Unfortunately, the holiday doesn't go smoothly for most couples as Nolan harshly judges Bailey for telling Malvado about Jason's whereabouts, Tim and Lucy give in to temptation, Miles and his high school sweetheart face a difficult truth, and Celina's love interest from two seasons ago makes a sudden return. Despite (or thanks to) the drama, "The Gala" is entertaining from beginning to end. The hour has something for everyone: it covers longstanding storylines, ends and prolongs conflict, and features an intriguing "case of the week."

The Rookie Season 7, Episode 6 Expertly Balances Intriguing Episodic Drama With Overarching Conflict

"The Gala" Primarily Focuses On Relationships

Since it's Valentine's Day, love is a common theme woven throughout every plot, and each is compelling in its own right. Even cases that start and end within the hour contribute to the episode's quality. The story of the man desperately trying to find his missing daughter, who has fallen in love with the daughter of a notorious criminal, is perfect for this episode of The Rookie. Additionally, Genny Bradford's return reminds us of her and Tim's great sibling dynamic and somewhat propels the brief reunion between Tim and Lucy.

From the continuation of Nolan and Bailey's recent dilemma teased at the end of episode 5 to the introduction of James' friend's abusive husband, "The Gala" balances new and old plots quite well.

The episode's complex relationship troubles are the true highlight of the hour, though. From the continuation of Nolan and Bailey's recent dilemma, teased at the end of episode 5 to the introduction of James' friend's abusive husband, "The Gala" balances new and old plots quite well. Nolan and Bailey's problems aren't solved by episode's end, making their Jason conflict more effective and realistic. Meanwhile, "The Gala" finally concludes Wesley's arc concerning his obsession with Detective Graham's crush on Angela, and even the end of Miles' relationship is emotionally compelling despite its little screen time.

Chenford's Hookup Thankfully Doesn't Lead To A Reunion (Yet)

The Slow Burn Must Continue

The Rookie's season 7 writers give the people what they want in episode 6 — a hookup between Tim and Lucy. However, they quickly snatch away the possibility of them getting back together. While annoying to some, stretching out Chenford's inevitable reunion is for the best as it builds tension, making the actual rekindling of their romance all the sweeter. For now, we must take what we can get with the massive Chenford development in The Rookie season 7, episode 6.

The Rookie is simply dangling a carrot (aka Tim and Lucy reviving their romance) in front of us, making us all the more desperate to catch it as the episodes continue. While the slow burn will make the couple's reunion all the better, it's also necessary for Tim and Lucy's relationship. As witnessed by their miscommunication in "The Gala," The Rookie characters aren't ready to get back together. They will be someday, but it seems we'll have to wait a little bit longer for Tim and Lucy to come to their senses.

The Rookie Is Bringing Back Classic Network TV Episodes

The ABC Series Needs Filler & Holiday Episodes

One of the best parts of The Rookie season 7, episode 6 is that it brings back an important feature in network TV shows — holiday and filler episodes. These episodes seem to be a lost art nowadays, but The Rookie proves they aren't dead. While the hour could have at least mentioned season 7's overarching plot (Liam, the new Big Bad), it includes all the qualities of a holiday/filler episode.

"The Gala" embodies the spirit of Valentine's Day and has intriguing subplots. However, it also develops old conflicts (e.g., Tim and Lucy's will-they/won't-they get back together storyline, Nolan and Bailey's marital troubles, etc.). Hopefully, The Rookie season 7 can build off episode 6's momentum, and episode 7 can end the show's hot and cold trend.

New episodes of The Rookie season 7 air Tuesdays at 10pm ET on ABC.