When the gun from her former fiancé's cold case reappears after 28 years, Athena is determined to bring the murderer to justice. Flashbacks show how Athena joined the police force and grew into the police officer she is now.
One of Athena's former squadmates from her early days in the LAPD arrives to reveal that the gun used to kill her fiancé, Officer Emmet Washington, has reappeared, reopening the case. As it is personal for her, she takes it upon herself to track down the gun, following every lead until it leads her back to the suspect, Dennis, who makes it clear that the guilt of killing one of Los Angeles' Finest has haunted him ever since, and has been doing his best to atone for it with turning his life around. However, having felt that this day would come sooner or later, Dennis is ready to reclaim his burden from Athena and Emmet's mom and pay his debt to society, and surrenders after saying goodbye to his family and at-risk kids he was tending to before Athena escorts him in handcuffs into the precinct, where Dennis signs his confession to the Captain and has his fingerprints and mugshot taken, while Athena heads to Mrs. Washington's home to tell her that Emmet's death has been avenged and the case is closed. Athena returns home where she collapses in relief and joy into Bobby's arms as he comforts her, happy to know Emmet can rest in peace with his killer now in custody.
Tropes featured in the episode:
- A Day in the Limelight: For Athena
- Go and Sin No More: Subverted. The man who killed Emmett realized the error of his ways and spent his life since trying to repent, going to church, getting off drugs, and even working with at-risk kids. However, even though he expresses grave regret for what he did and has done a lot of good work since then, Athena can’t overlook that he built his new life around Emmett’s death, and still arrests him for the murder.
- The Lost Lenore: Athena’s fiancé. He was shot at a convenience store robbery when he went to pick something up for Athena. Years later, when she finds out they got a new lead on the case, she obsessively works to find the man and finally bring him to justice.
- Reformed, but Rejected: A platonic example. The man who killed Emmett has since gotten clean from drugs, become a member of church, and even helps at-risk kids, winning several awards for his work. However, Athena, the woman who was engaged to the man he killed, cannot overlook how his good life came from killing a man who already had a good life.
- Time-Shifted Actor: Pepi Sonuga plays Young Athena
