Chicago Fire 12×07 “Red Flag” Spoilers Ahead
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.
Chicago Fire 12×07 and The Violet Vibes
When it comes to Chicago Fire, I am a fan of the women first and everything (everyone) else second. So, personally, I’ll take anything and everything when it involves Stella and Violet. No one knows what it’s like to be undermined the way Stella does, so it’s excellent in every way that Violet feels comfortable enough to go to her for advice.
At the same time, it’s perfect that Violet Vibes is a thing and that Stella reiterates why it’s crucial for her to be assertive, know her place, and take the word sorry out of her vernacular. In truth, that moment felt tailor-made for so many of us, and it’s a reminder that women could always use it because it’s so easy to forget in a male-dominated world. Thus, to then watch her lousy new partner undermine her while they’re on an emergency call feels far too much like what Emma did. Further, his decision then to turn around and bad-mouth her to Carver!? Why? I have so many questions about the why of it all, but I will certainly take the absolute rage in Carver’s eyes when the weasel starts talking.
Recycled Storylines Galore
It’s unclear why the series continues to put Violet of all characters through one wringer after another, but it’s also unclear why we’re dealing with storylines that are blatantly recycled in Chicago Fire 12×07 “Red Flag.” Even this whole scenario with cops and firefighters against each other feels like a bridge we should’ve crossed at this point, or at the very least, one that shouldn’t constantly involve the same characters.
It could be interesting to see what it does for Ritter and his new boyfriend, but Severide and the investigators on the case feels redundant and unnecessary. Is this going to turn into yet another massive case that leads to a One Chicago crossover? Are we dealing with the ramifications of a shorter season and the unfortunate outcomes of strikes? I’m hopeful that the series can get back to the heart where it’s all better, and this could all lead to some great scenes in the future, but it’s just hard to be excited when we’ve been down the same road.
What’s going to come out of all this? What’s our end goal? Are we losing yet another character at the end of the season? It’s an odd, questionable sort of place to find ourselves in after such a gorgeous episode like “Port in the Storm.” Still, if nothing else, we could also just lose our cool a little bit over Carver calling Violet “Vi” and showcasing the small but instrumental changes in their relationship. If anyone needs me, this is where I’ll be staying.
Now streaming on NBC and Peacock: What are your thoughts on Chicago Fire 12×07 “Red Flag?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: (Photo by: Adrian S Burrows Sr/NBC)