In Chicago Fireplace Season 13, Episode 4, “Through the Skin,” the tempo slows down a bit from the same old high-octane motion on the sphere, however that doesn’t imply the strain lets up. This episode focuses extra on the non-public stakes, notably for Violet Mikami, whose EMS license is hanging by a thread after performing a heroic but controversial emergency C-section to save lots of a child from a deceased girl. Violet’s going through the cruel actuality that generally saving lives isn’t sufficient—she has to combat the system to maintain doing what she does finest.
One of many extra shocking parts of the episode was seeing Chief Pascal present a softer aspect. He gave Violet some strong recommendation, suggesting she go to somebody with political clout to assist her case.
The scenario feels dire when Sharon Goodwin from Chicago Med admits she doesn’t have sufficient sway to affect the board. Nevertheless, Pascal steps up, setting apart his private drama to make issues proper. The stress between Pascal and Vale, the person he punched in a earlier episode, rears its head early on in a not-so-friendly confrontation, however Pascal reveals progress by apologizing. Not solely does he make amends, however he additionally reaches out to Vale for assist, realizing Vale’s connections—particularly Alderman Molina from the twenty fifth Ward—may be Violet’s finest shot at getting her license reinstated.
On the connection entrance, we see some warmth between Violet and Carver’s new girlfriend. Their argument rapidly dives into painful territory as Violet brings up the emotional scars left from shedding her former boyfriend within the line of obligation. It’s a robust scene that reminds us simply how a lot Violet’s been by means of, and we get a way that Carver’s emotions for her are removed from over. This provides a layer of complexity to their dynamic that may seemingly come into play because the season unfolds.
The emotional core of the episode involves a head when Violet’s buddies, together with Child and Aunt, rally round her to talk on her behalf in the course of the listening to. Their assist and testimonies are transferring, portray Violet not simply as a firefighter, however as a hero who makes tough choices in not possible conditions. The second Violet will get her license reinstated is a triumphant one, and a reminder of the tight-knit group at Firehouse 51.
In one other subplot, Severide makes a short however impactful look, heading over to Damon’s new firehouse. Regardless of the rocky moments between them in earlier episodes, Severide provides Damon a glowing suggestion, and Damon is obtainable a everlasting spot. It’s a pleasant decision to that arc, giving each characters some closure.
Total, “Through the Skin” could not have been filled with motion scenes, however the emotional and private stakes made it a standout episode. The stability of drama, private progress, and the continued improvement of Chief Pascal as a personality gave this episode its power. It reveals how Chicago Fireplace can nonetheless ship on depth, even when the actual fires are taking place behind the scenes.
