Chicago Fire 12×03 “Trapped” Spoilers Ahead
Chicago Fire Season 12, Episode 3, “Trapped,” taps into the emotional side of its narrative to maybe (hopefully) continue bringing hope back into the show. It’s been a dark road with one too many deaths, health scares, and goodbyes, but right now, it feels like things could start looking up again. Friendships and relationships don’t have to be constantly challenged to be worthwhile; right now, it feels okay again.
Life is a tireless learning experience for humans, so it’s natural that the show takes the same approach with its characters, allowing this episode to focus on trusting and taking chances. With this in mind, the writing ensures that nearly every character does something that gives them a chance to be a better version of themselves. It starts with Hermann thanking Ritter for pushing him to get his hearing checked and ends with Severide trying his best to fortify the foundation he and Stella have. And then, of course, there’s the Violet and Carver of it all.
Chicago Fire 12×03 “Trapped” Is All About Trust
The hardest thing for any human being to do is to trust. Whether it’s someone else or, in some cases, ourselves, much factors into unparalleled trust. And once even a fraction of said trust is threatened, it becomes a rocky attempt to find steadiness again. So, for Stella and Severide, communication is going to be the key to ensuring they get back to the place where his time away doesn’t come with hesitation and what-ifs.
His reassurance is one thing, but placing trust back into Stella’s hands by allowing it to be her decision is a good step in the right direction for Severide. He’s telling her that whatever she chooses, he’ll do it because she matters more to him than a job he’d like. He’s telling her that she’s still his number one priority. And he’s showing it to her by refusing to let go at their doorstep, leaning in for one more kiss and then another before leaving. Good man. He gets it. These two are solid—they have been for a while now, and if anything, Chicago Fire 12×03 “Trapped” reveals that it finally understands Stellaride is a boat they shouldn’t rock. It’s not worth it.
Do We Ship Violet and Carver? Yes.
It’s downright hilarious how the show took Carver from a frustrating know-it-all with an attitude to a gentleman in the span of a few episodes just because they decided he’d be cute with Violet. And I’ll happily take this version of the character than the one we first meet any day because there’s something to be said about how much calmer and kinder he is now. There’s also something to be said about the chemistry because I’m not sure when the sparks started flying, but here we are, right in the middle of it all.
I’m always going to be bitter about how Chicago Fire handled Hawkami—Evan didn’t have to die. They had such a brilliant, beautiful thing going, and it’s hard to let it go. As much as I’m on board with Violet getting a second chance (because she deserves only the best things), it needs to be absolutely perfect for it to be worthy. Still, I’m glad it’s Carver and not Gallo. I’m glad it’s someone who seems to understand that every conversation he has with her is important and shouldn’t be interrupted. I’m happy that it looks like this can be a good thing she deserves.
Chicago Fire 12×03 “Trapped” also digs into the idea of trust by allowing Brett and Violet to trust their instincts with the woman at the diner. In doing so, the case becomes fascinating, and it also allows the show to put more emphasis on how important the women are to this team. The woman dealing with her ex-boyfriend’s abuse wasn’t going to feel safe enough to mouth “help me” to male firefighters. It’s, unfortunately, how our world works, and this serves as a reminder of why we need women in all fields, too. And lastly, there’s the Mouch of it all as he learns to let go of why Gibson isn’t fully transparent with them quite yet. Oh, and Cruz. Cruz is staying—thank heavens!
Further Ideas
- Who thought joking about Hermann’s hearing aids not working was funny?
- Ritter’s magical Googling ability is now my new favorite thing.
- The kiss between Carver and Violet had no business being hot.
- I so appreciate how much Boden appreciates his team. It remains one of the show’s best things.
Now streaming on NBC and Peacock: What are your thoughts on Chicago Fire 12×03 “Trapped?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: (Photo by: Adrian S Burrows Sr/NBC)