Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 1, “A Monster in the Field” Spoilers Ahead
As noted in our advance review, if there’s one thing Chicago Fire always does right, it’s a season premiere episode. Things look a little different at Firehouse 51, and for starters, Chief Boden’s absence is noticeably felt. Dermot Mulroney steps up as Chief Dom Pascal, and while the romantic comedy legend is easy on the eyes, what does that mean for the show’s future and where each character will go? It’s all riveting in the beginning, but that tends to be the case with this series, and it’s the middle we often need to be concerned with.
There’s also the matter of all the challenges presented to the characters. We’re in for a good chunk this season, and thus far, Chicago Fire’s Season 13 premiere sets up everything with solid intentions.
Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 1 Allows Stellaride to Be a Team
While “A Monster in the Field” doesn’t focus heavily on the show’s most favored duo, it still allows them to be the kind of team that’s comforting. Both Kelly and Stella were extremely close to Chief Boden, so they’d naturally have a tough time adjusting to a new leader and one who’s so different. Stella is particularly on edge because, as someone who cares about all her team members, she’s saddened over Violet’s heartache and simultaneously telling the new chief off. While the latter happens off-screen, the episode makes viewers aware of it by having Stella express her emotions to Kelly. This gives us a moment of vulnerability between them that’s made even more profound because earlier in the day, we had more discussions on whether they’d like to have kids again.
Being a firefighter isn’t an easy job, and everyone is fully aware of this. While they have people in their lives who stand as examples, it’s completely understandable why every arduous evacuation featuring a kid would trigger Stella and place fear at the center of her being. It’s a good thing that the show remembers this is a discussion the two of them have had, but it’s an especially great thing that it’s handling it realistically and through solid forms of communication. Contrary to what Chief Pascal thinks, neither Kelly nor Stella have ever compromised their jobs because of something happening in their personal lives. They’re good together, and they continue growing better at communicating, so it will be fascinating to see how some of this will be challenged in the new season.
There’s also the matter that Kelly is growing closer to his brother, which is surprising given all the tension the show presented to viewers during the back half of Season 12. Do I just have trust issues, or is something big coming that could drastically change their lives? We have an entire season to find out.
Who’s the “Monster in the Field?”
Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 1, “The Monster in the Field,” is a captivating title for an arc that could maybe be hinting at something subtly. Until Chief Pascal went home to his partner, I was beginning to trust him. But what we see unfold outside of his apartment tells us that there’s maybe something toxic brewing inside. Sure, the literal monster in the field could be referring to the father who attempted to kill his entire family via an accident, but the world field is what suggests we should be looking a bit deeper. After some conversations, Hermann is beginning to trust the new chief, but everyone else at Firehouse 51 is still treading lightly.
Really, if someone is going to replace Boden, it should be someone we care about just as much as we did the former leader. And that someone is Hermann—it should’ve been him, so why isn’t it? And is Chief Pascal truly hiding something that will blow his chances of making Firehouse 51 his permanent home?
The Carver and Violet of It All
It wouldn’t be an episode of Chicago Fire if we didn’t have some sort of romantic drama looming over our heads, and Sam Carver is back supporting the angstiest (and hottest) scruff. He’s also back with a new girlfriend, one with whom his body language is so off that it’s legitimately awkward to watch.
Still, the show is setting up Carver and Violet as an endgame ship, and this is the third act breakup toward their lasting relationship. While I’d generally be opposed to such dramatic matters, it could hopefully give the series room to develop Carver’s character better and allow viewers to get to know him more intimately. It could also ensure that their relationship isn’t surface level or something passing in the night.
Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 1, “A Monster in the Field,” is an intriguing comeback that’s well-written and thoughtfully set up. There are myriad ways the series could improve itself if it continues developing all the seeds planted here, and if that’s the path it goes down, then surely, viewers are in for a ride.
Further Thoughts
- I continue to love everything about Violet and Ritter’s friendship.
- I also adore that Violet and Stella are bonding.
- The break room Stellaride kiss?! More where that came from, please.
- Also, never let Carver shave, I am begging.
- Everyone looked so good at Molly’s? We need to go to Molly’s more.
Now streaming on NBC and Peacock: What are your thoughts on Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 1, “A Monster in the Field?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)