Marvelous Geeks

Chicago Fire’s “Down the Rabbit Hole” is an incredible episode that once again serves as a reminder of Stella Kidd’s strengths and the pits people descend into when they can’t see what’s in front of them. At times, it’s a deeply frustrating hour for character dynamics, but it really depends on how far we’ll get to decipher whether these narrative points are necessary or mere drama.

There’s plenty to take away from the episode—like the amazing cameo from The Expanse’s Steven Strait—but it also continues to give us very little to trust where most new characters are concerned. Instead, with the show going on hiatus until the next episode, it seems we’ll have to wait longer to find out if we can trust Chief Pascal or not.

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Chicago Fire’s “All Kinds of Crazy” feels oddly imbalanced at times, but at the very least, it resolves the critical problem from “Ride the Blade.” It’s a little long where it doesn’t need to be, and it should’ve focused on Ritter’s fall for more than it does.

It’s unclear how long we will have to go back and forth between whether we could trust Chief Pascal or not, and while this episode somewhat brings him back from last week, his behavior remains unquestionably bizarre. The anger issues that manifest in these quiet insults are hard to sit with, but he does one good deed, and it feels like the show expects us to simply be fine with it when that’s not how it works in the real world.

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Chicago Fire’s “Ride the Blade” does a bit too much at times, especially where romantic relationships are concerned, but it still follows a clear path toward making Firehouse 51 feel like a home again. For a second there, it seemed like Dermot Mulroney’s Chief Pascal could be a riveting character, but everything we get in this episode only proves that he needs to go—and quickly. 

There’s also the matter that now more than ever, however temporarily, Firehouse 51 features more tension than it has before. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing because when things start to look up, with Hermann hopefully passing the exam, it’ll make Chief Boden’s absence feel more bearable. 

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As noted in our advance review, if there’s one thing Chicago Fire always does right, it’s a season premiere episode. Things look a little different at Firehouse 51, and for starters, Chief Boden’s absence is noticeably felt. Dermot Mulroney steps up as Chief Dom Pascal, and while the romantic comedy legend is easy on the eyes, what does that mean for the show’s future and where each character will go? It’s all riveting in the beginning, but that tends to be the case with this series, and it’s the middle we often need to be concerned with.

There’s also the matter of all the challenges presented to the characters. We’re in for a good chunk this season, and thus far, Chicago Fire’s Season 13 premiere sets up everything with solid intentions. 

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If there’s one thing NBC’s Chicago Fire always does right, it’s a season premiere episode. Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 1, “A Monster in the Field,” isn’t a perfect episode, but it’s an excellent one nonetheless — jam-packed with new challenges, a new chief, and loads to look forward to in a new season. It’s especially great where character dynamics are concerned, and it feels like the show might have a solid idea of the courses it wants to take this season. We knew that the changes would be massive after losing such a monumental character like Chief Boden, but for the time being, it feels like we could maybe hope for some intriguing development. 

The official summary reads: “A new chief shakes things up at Firehouse 51; Violet and Novak work to uncover the truth behind a car crash; Cruz keeps a watchful eye on Severide and Damon’s growing bond.”

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Chicago Fire Season 12, Episode 11, “Inside Man,” is the spark that’s been missing from the show. It’s exhilarating, anxiety-inducing, and brings all the emotional feels by the end. At the same time, it’s the kind of episode we don’t need too much of these days, so this really isn’t an invitation for more wild concepts like this floating through.

The episode is also an intricate reminder that when the show focuses on building its characters amid the high-stakes drama, the narratives feel that much more rewarding at the end of the day. And, of course, when we focus on the relationships, the episodes feel that much more fun. It reminds viewers that this show is about a found family and a home away from home.

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Chicago Fire Season 12, Episode 8, “All the Dark,” is proof that the show is at its best when it focuses on the found family in Firehouse 51. When the drama boils down to the lengths they’ll go to in order to protect each other and when multiple storylines coexist without feeling too cluttered? That’s when the show shines the most. 

“All the Dark” marries heavier storylines with heartwarming beats that remind viewers how deeply these characters care for each other, but it also sets up everything that can come up in a shorter season. Last week, I voiced that it felt like the show was continuing to recycle similar storylines, and it’s mostly true. However, switching gears from Robinson vs. someone at Firehouse 51 to Robinson vs. Boden could create a more intriguing battle that stems from the top.

Plus, an episode that gives us quiet moments of intimacy with our favorite couples is also one we’ll always take.

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Chicago Fire Season 12, Episode 7, “Red Flag,” is appropriately titled in more ways than one. Much of what we see now isn’t new or even remotely unique within the series. In fact, it’s the same old story, again and again, and frankly, it’s too tiring at this point.

This is a show that’s hard to quit and full of characters who are easy to adore. But it’s profoundly frustrating that much of the last two seasons have dealt with very similar storylines, with people threatening the firehouse and someone somewhere saving the day by the end. It was fine at first, intriguing in some ways, sure, but now, it’s just irritating, mainly because we’re once again making Violet the primary target.

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Chicago Fire Season 11, Episode 12, “How Does It End,” is a continuous reminder that the people around you matter. There’s nothing too challenging or unbearable that cannot be made just a little bit easier when the company you keep is loving, supportive, and loyal. But that doesn’t make the difficulties any less heartbreaking or even, sometimes, unnecessary.

No one wants to see mom and dad fighting, but more than that, no one wants to know that there’s something wrong with someone they care about. Waiting is hard. Having hope during a fight is hard. And with this show’s track record lately, trust is hard. But we’re going to choose to believe that after all the heartaches they put us through this season, we’re going to see happiness come for the Hermann family — they’re tough as nails. That better be a reality.

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Chicago Fire Season 11 Episode 10, “Something for the Pain,” is the type of new year return that clarifies why the dynamics at Firehouse 51 are so special. Trauma requires healing, and pain sometimes requires medication—whether in the literal sense or through conversations, it’s not something that can or should be ignored.

The episode picks up right where the mid-season finale, “Nemesis,” ended with an explosion making us question whether Stella Kidd and Carver will be okay. Thankfully, they both are in the physical sense, but the people they were before going into the house and the people they come out as aren’t the same person. And Chicago Fire 11×10 carefully excavates what this means by ensuring that it emphasizes the importance of companionship.

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Chicago Fire Season 11, Episode 6, “All-Out Mystery,” is a fantastic hour that touches base with the show’s heart while bringing an intriguing case centerfold. It’s the first time since “Completely Shattered” that the show feels like the comforting piece of the puzzle we’ve grown to love while simultaneously leading out of the holiday special of “Haunted House.“

At its core, this series has always been about families. Whether that means romantic relationships or platonic ones, the show’s always made it clear that the people we choose to love and bring into our circle are ones worth protecting. It’s a series about knowing what to do when people are in need of others and how there’s a light hidden deep beyond the embers.

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Chicago Fire Season 11, Episode 5 gives fans a spooky season episode to dive into with a lighter tone that brings Kelly Severide and Stella Kidd’s best to the surface. But a trigger warning is due for those of us, Sylvie Brett included, who have coulrophobia (fear of clowns).

As Violet states, getting yelled at by Gallo and Ritter is the most normal she’s felt since returning to work after Evan’s death. And in a nutshell, Chicago Fire’s “Haunted House” subtly digs into this idea of normalcy by allowing its characters to make mistakes without necessarily dealing with the aftermath. Further, while it’s nice to see that Violet is feeling better, I once again hope the series doesn’t merely gloss over her grief.

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Chicago Fire’s Season 11 premiere picks up right where the finale, “The Magnificent City of Chicago,” left off with threatening forces interrupting Kelly and Stella’s steamy (and cozy) honeymoon. And while it seems the show knows where it’s going, the clunky overall opening suggests otherwise as it leaves viewers questioning the route the series will take with various character exits. To some degree, it could be better this way, but we’re treading lightly as we attempt to figure out precisely what’s going on.

For starters, while the entirety of One Chicago universe has had its issues writing complex female characters, it’s never been as questionable in Fire as last season’s fair share of problems and where we could go today. There are quite a few concerns that arise in the season premiere, and though we won’t jump to conclusions now, we might have a few things to say as the season progresses.  Still, the show remains all heart and comfort.

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Chicago Fire‘s Season 10 finale does what this show does best by reminding its audience that this story is first and foremost about a family amidst high stakes. It’s about the people who won’t complain when their friends decide on a hasty wedding, but instead, they’ll meet them halfway, ready with arms wide open to help in any way they can. As a title, “The Magnificent City of Chicago” encapsulates not only the city’s charm but ultimately Firehouse 51’s and the love at the center of Stellaride’s wedding.

In typical season finale fashion, the series brings in cliffhangers that don’t necessarily fit the hopeful tone at the moment, but they still orbit around the episode’s theme, which carefully highlights why people must be willing to compromise. Whether in love, friendship, or in one’s career field, a person should be ready to look towards the next right step, and right now, most of these characters are.

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Chicago Fire‘s penultimate episode of the season is a frustrating hour where drama is concerned, but its result leads to the kind of moment that will make next week’s season finale a game-changer. Where there’s high tension with our couples, at least we can count on Mouch to provide necessary entertainment, even if that equates to a Sherlock Holmes-type investigation to see who’s messing with the couch legs.

Chicago Fire’s “Last Chance” succeeds in its ability to shock the audience through storylines that work. Gallo is stepping up in ways we always hoped he would, and in doing so, he continues to be on the right path toward growth. Emma is still the worst, yet we have no idea why. Kelly Severide isn’t a character who’s going anywhere, but the next few days aren’t going to be easy for him. If nothing else, this season’s penultimate makes it clear that when there are people in your corner looking out for you, the fears you harbor don’t have to be too difficult to carry.

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As we near the end of the season, Chicago Fire pulls all the punches before it wraps everything up with the wedding-filled finale we’re all hoping to see. But that’s not the case by the end of Season 10, Episode 20, “Halfway to the Moon,” because instead, we’re asking about which character consistently gets their way.

Still, Chicago Fire’s “Halfway to the Moon” is a primarily entertaining episode that allows Gallo to shine in a way that works for us to see that he’s harnessing his potential. But where this then leads is a quarrel between lieutenants, and elsewhere Hermann is dealing with a copycat bar of Molly’s. At this point, the duplicate bar sounds like a better round of events than the frustration that Violet consistently deals with because of Emma.

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Stella Kidd deserves the world, and Chicago Fire “Show of Force” understands every bit of this sentiment. For as much as it’s the episode where they clear Pelham’s name, instead, the thing it achieves best is cementing that she’s got this. There’s nothing she can’t do, and anyone who stands in her way would be a fool.

Unless, of course, the person who’s standing in front of her is Kelly Severide, making it clear that he knows he’s the luckiest man in Chicago because of her. After the nonsensical drama from “Back With a Bang,” we’re finally seeing what should’ve been a glorious reunion. This is it right here—this moment and finally sealing the proposal with an actual ring. (We’re all likely going to need the month-long hiatus to recuperate.)

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