In Chicago Hearth Season 13, Episode 5, “Down the Rabbit Hole,” the present takes a breather, delivering what feels extra like a filler episode than the extreme, action-packed drama followers are used to. The episode takes a slower tempo, focusing extra on character relationships and organising future storylines than on area motion. Whereas it’s clear the writers are planting seeds for upcoming episodes, this one doesn’t supply a lot when it comes to pleasure.
A giant a part of the episode facilities on Carver’s realization that Tori is a adverse affect. He lastly sees by way of her and even deletes texts from Violet as he begins to mirror on the individuals in his life. In the meantime, Violet can be making strides in transferring on, but there’s an apparent “will they or won’t they” stress simmering between her and Carver that hints at a protracted, drawn-out arc to return. It’s clear they nonetheless have unresolved emotions, and this episode units up what is going to probably be a gradual burn.
On a extra investigative notice, Severide and Kidd dive into the mysterious rise in accidents involving an area trucking firm. They uncover a disturbing observe: the corporate is utilizing “ghost” drivers—primarily forcing drivers to work double shifts, leading to harmful fatigue that results in accidents. Whereas this subplot brings some intrigue, it in the end feels underdeveloped, with much less depth than we’re used to seeing in a Chicago Hearth investigation.
The episode additionally brings some lighter, albeit much less impactful, storylines to the forefront. Hermann and Kylie discover a method to get new radios for Firehouse 51, a small win that brings some reduction however lacks the emotional depth typical of their arcs. In the meantime, Ritter’s try to impress Chief Pascal backfires when he drops Pascal’s valor trophy after Novak startles him within the chief’s workplace. Surprisingly, Novak steps in and takes the blame, prompting Pascal to share what the trophy symbolizes—valor and bravado. Her transfer impresses Pascal, who appreciates her honesty, letting her off with none disciplinary motion, whereas Ritter is left nonetheless attempting to win Pascal’s approval.
In the long run, “Down the Rabbit Hole” doesn’t carry the fireplace that Chicago Hearth followers anticipate. Whereas it spends time on key characters like Carver and Violet, the episode principally hints at future developments fairly than delivering any substantial payoff. Right here’s hoping the subsequent episode brings again the high-stakes motion and drama that the present is thought for.
