S8·E5 The Network

Episode recap

Task: Write a 280-380 word episode recap for The Rookie S8E5 (The Network).
Constraint 1: Use ONLY verifiable facts from the provided SYNOPSIS and SOURCES.
Constraint 2: Do not invent/guess titles, names, dates, counts, awards, ratings, etc.
Constraint 3: If a detail is not in the material, omit it.
Constraint 4: Write original, neutral, encyclopedic prose in plain text.
Constraint 5: No markdown, no asterisks, no headings, no bullet points.
Constraint 6: Word count target: 280-380 words.
Synopsis: Lieutenant Grey and the FBI task force enlist the help of an old colleague to uncover a criminal network. Nolan, Miles, Lucy, and Celina respond to a mysterious officer-involved shooting.
Sources:
[1] Series overview: John Nolan is a small-town guy pursuing a dream of being an LAPD officer.
[2] Tru Valentino promoted to series regular in Season 5.
[3] John Nolan is the force's oldest rookie.
[4] Created by Alexi Hawley. Cast includes Nathan Fillion, Alyssa Diaz, Richard T. Jones, Melissa O'Neil.
[5] Genre: Action, Crime, Drama, Thriller.
Episode Title: The Network (from prompt).
Episode Number: Season 8, Episode 5 (from prompt).
Plot Point 1: Lieutenant Grey and an FBI task force enlist an old colleague to uncover a criminal network.
Plot Point 2: Nolan, Miles, Lucy, and Celina respond to a mysterious officer-involved shooting.
Contextual info: John Nolan is an LAPD officer and the force's oldest rookie.
The synopsis is extremely brief.
The prompt asks for 280-380 words.
Problem: The provided synopsis only contains two sentences of plot. If I strictly follow "Use only supplied facts" and "If the synopsis is sparse, stay concise rather than guessing," I cannot reach 280 words without repeating myself or adding fluff, which violates the "neutral, encyclopedic prose" and "never invent or guess" rules.
Strategy: I must expand on the context provided in the sources (who Nolan is, the nature of the show) to reach the word count while remaining strictly factual. However, the prompt says "If the synopsis is sparse, stay concise rather than guessing." This creates a conflict between the word count requirement and the "stay concise" instruction.
Refined Strategy: I will provide the facts available. If I cannot reach 280 words without violating the "no guessing/no inventing" rule,