Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 2, “Ride the Blade” Spoilers Ahead
Chicago Fire’s “Ride the Blade” does a bit too much at times, especially where romantic relationships are concerned, but it still follows a clear path toward making Firehouse 51 feel like a home again. For a second there, it seemed like Dermot Mulroney’s Chief Pascal could be a riveting character, but everything we get in this episode only proves that he needs to go—and quickly.
There’s also the matter that now more than ever, however temporarily, Firehouse 51 features more tension than it has before. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing because when things start to look up, with Hermann hopefully passing the exam, it’ll make Chief Boden’s absence feel more bearable.
Stellaride Is Still the Couple
One of the most engaging storylines in the episode features a small fight between Stella and Kelly, but it continues to remind us how great they are as a couple and how far they’ve come. Kelly initially withholds the truth to protect Damon, but once he realizes that isn’t the way to go, he comes clean to Stella. Her frustration and slight betrayal make a lot of sense, but so does Severide standing up to Damon with the words, “She’s your lieutenant and my wife.” It’s also not a wrench in their path that comes out of nowhere, but it’ll continue to help them grow as a couple and realize how they’d be as parents if that time ever comes.
At the same time, Pascal is still looming over their heads because Stella continues to distrust him, and Kelly is more open to his ways. Again, if this leads to the type of angst where they learn how to keep growing as a couple, then I’m all in for it. If nothing else, this episode gives us the foundation to remember that they’re solid.
Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 2 Hilariously Centers Hermann
I never want to hear about how a psoriasis cream smells alluring, but I do want to know that Hermann is happy because he deserves as much. In an episode that feels off for a number of reasons, it’s also lovely to get moments between Hermann and Mouch that continue to keep the show’s heart afloat in ways that make thirteen seasons enjoyable.
After the final scene with Pascal, we have concrete proof that he isn’t fit to be chief, and instead, someone like Hermann would be the only one who could meet the standards set by Boden. The subtle way he comes for Novak’s defense while they’re on the call and how he tries to balance work and home gives us all the evidence we need to believe that he could be great for the job.
Another reason the episode feels so off is largely because Carver is still playing a game around Violet, and where last week it felt somewhat fine, this week, it’s giving the ick. And I do not want to feel that way about him. Still, Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 2, “Ride the Blade,” is a solid hour that reminds us that people within Firehouse 51 are looking out for each other. Cruz’s concerns about Damon feel justified. Everything we get with Stellaride ensures that they’re great at working together. And the friendship budding between Novak and Violet is as lovely as ever.
Now streaming on NBC and Peacock: What are your thoughts on Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 2, “Ride the Blade?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)