Critic’s Rating: 5 / 5.0
5
Now that we’re firmly settled into the new season, Chicago Fire Season 13 Episode 4 proves that the writers are pulling no punches.
It was a nail-biter of an hour, most of which was centered around Violet and Lizzie.
And hey, I’m not complaining!
Violet and Lizzie Do the Impossible on Chicago Fire Season 13 Episode 4
This relatively new, but decidedly dynamic duo captured hearts from Lizzie’s first appearance on Chicago Fire Season 12 Episode 9.
Of course, Violet’s a veteran of the show, and we’ve always loved her.
But something about her partnership with Novak is extra special, inspiring fans to coin their new favorite ship “Vizzie.”
The latest episode only fueled Vizzie shippers.
There were several moments where Violet and Lizzie connected, starting with the devastating case the episode opened with.
After realizing they couldn’t save their patient, the paramedics learned she was pregnant, and Violet had to make an impossible decision.
Having watched Grey’s Anatomy for twenty years, I dusted off my medical knowledge for this case and remembered that once the mother passes, a fetus can only survive for five minutes without being delivered.
(Don’t quote me on that; my medical knowledge is based on the aforementioned twenty years of watching a medical drama.)
Violet and Lizzie both knew exactly how dire the situation was.
Leaning on the minimal surgical experience she had, Violet chose to perform an emergency C-section to try and save the baby.
She knew it could end her career, and so did Novak — but that wasn’t enough to convince Lizzie to leave Violet to deal with the situation alone.
The performances by Hanako Greensmith and Jocelyn Hudon in this scene were incredible.
You could feel Lizzie and Violet’s terror and determination through the screen.
Miraculously, after we all collectively held our breaths waiting for that first cry, the baby survived.
Color me surprised when, despite an incredible save in an impossible situation, Violet’s license is yanked by everyone’s least favorite Paramedic Chief Robinson.
Why Is Everyone Suddenly Being So Nice?
Robinson is very likely still bitter after Boden got the promotion she wanted on Chicago Fire Season 12 Episode 13, so it’s not all that absurd to think she might have it out for 51.
But this is when things get a little weird.
There’s a moment between Violet and Robinson where the chief tells her that she did the right thing, even if it wasn’t the “correct” thing.
And just when I’d decided to hate Chief Pascal (despite my undying love for Dermot Mulroney), he also went out of his way to help save Violet’s job.
Pascal was even willing to put himself in a vulnerable position, apologizing to Vale for punching him, in order to help Violet.
What is it with this guy?
When he first showed up at the beginning of the season, I was determined to love him.
As he started showing more of himself, including his violet tendencies and vaguely misogynistic comments to Stella, my confidence in him fell significantly.
So is there something shady going on that inspired him to help Violet, or is this the start of a redemption arc?
Stella and the Severide Siblings
Stella featured this week in a big way, too, both with an incredible rescue and a stressful race to replace Damon.
She also spent some time convincing Severide to pursue a relationship with his little brother.
After everything Damon did, it was extremely magnanimous of Stella to suggest that Severide try to repair their bond.
True to the kind and loving man we know Kelly is, and the fact that he is nothing like his father, he did just that.
While I’m not impressed by Damon’s apology, I can’t blame Severide for showing up for him.
It’s certainly more than Damon deserves, but I guess there’s room for more than one redemption arc.
Friendships and Relationships
As Stella stressed about how to fill Damon’s spot on truck, Mouch and Herrmann were busy cooking up a solution.
And speaking of those two, the scenes between Mouch and Herrmann in this episode were perfect examples of the purity of Chicago Fire’s friendships.
These guys have a shorthand with each other, and whether they’re having a ridiculous conversation or a serious one, the fondness between them is evident.
Oh, and their solution?
Ritter!
I’ve said before how much I adore Ritter, and bringing him closer to fill Damon’s vacancy is the perfect way for the writers to make sure he gets more screen time this season.
Hopefully, we’ll see more of his relationship with Chicago P.D.’s Dwayne, as well.
I’d also enjoy more scenes between Ritter, Violet, and Lizzie.
The three of them bounce off each other organically, forming a trio that anyone would want to be part of.
I suppose I have to bring up Carver and Tori, though I wish the both of them would disappear.
The episode opened with a scene shared by the couple, and there may just be trouble in paradise.
It looks like Tori intends to stick around in Chicago for a while, and Carver wasn’t prepared for that level of commitment.
Violet Closes the Carver Chapter on Chicago Fire Season 13 Episode 4
Sorrows. Prayers.
Anyway.
Violet took a brief moment to apologize to Carver for her outburst at Tori (who did not deserve an apology, if you ask me), and it felt like a real goodbye.
If Violet is moving on from Carver for good, you won’t catch me shedding any tears about it.
Even ignoring my commitment to the Vizzie ship, I ultimately just want Violet to be happy.
Carver lost his chance to make that happen, and Violet deserves better.
Chicago Fire Loves a Redemption Arc
It was a packed episode, on brand for Chicago Fire, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.
If there’s anything I’ve learned from this series, it’s that people are capable of change.
Does that mean I’m ready to forgive Damon for how he treated Stella and Kelly, or Pascal for how he spoke to Stella?
Nah, not even close.
But I am willing to stay open minded about these characters, knowing that the Chicago Fire showrunners know how to deliver a believable redemption arc.
That said, it’s going to take quite a bit of groveling before I’m ready to let go.
Odds and Ends from Chicago Fire Season 13 Episode 4
- Cruz’s elaborate attempts to recover Javi’s bike were admirable, including his willingness to steal the bike back. At least, it was, right up until we learned he just robbed some random kid. Classic.
- Stella’s hair in the scenes at Molly’s deserves an Emmy all of its own.
- It was almost a One Chicago hat trick! We got a brief appearance from Goodwin (Chicago Med) and mention of Trudy (Chicago P.D.)!
- The C-section scene was more graphic than Chicago Fire usually gets, and it was a great reminder of why I became a writer and not a surgeon.
Overall, it was a great way to spend an hour.
I’m throwing five stars at it this week because I’m such a sucker for a Vizzie-centric episode. What about you?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Don’t miss Chicago Fire, airing Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC.
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