Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 4, “Through the Skin” Spoilers Ahead
“Through the Skin” is what the best episodes of Chicago Fire generally look like—character-driven, well-written, and engaging from beginning to end. It’s always unfortunate when a character is pulled through the wringer, but it gives us something exceptionally hopeful when they come out on top.
Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 4, “Through the Skin,” examines what it looks like for people to truly show up for one another. Things in the city are tough, and the show isn’t sugarcoating any of that, but it’s also making it abundantly clear that the people we’re rooting for on this show are worth the investment. Violet Mikami is worth fighting for. Firehouse 51 is worth fighting for.
Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 4 Rightfully Centers Violet
Violet was always an extraordinary character, and everything we get in “Through the Skin” proves that she’s someone the show benefits from. (Hanako Greensmith also brings her A-game through and through.) The whole c-section scene was gutting in every way, but the fact that the baby is alive feels like one of the arcs that makes this show so easy to watch. These characters always lose a lot, so it’s lovely when we get moments like this where they save lives, and we’re reminded that people like Violet and Novak and everyone at Firehouse 51 exist in the real world, too.
I always wonder what it is about procedurals that entices so many viewers, myself included. It’s episodes like this that paint a picture of what true goodness looks like. In the real world, I’d absolutely root for someone with Violet’s instincts because even while Chrissy sadly passes, a part of her stays alive through her daughter. Chief Robinson saying these exact words aloud to Violet, and Chief Pascal going to the person he hates to ask for help says as much, too. This small glimmer of hope reminds us that even while these characters aren’t real, these decisions are what being a firefighter or a paramedic are all about.
It’s fitting that in the same episode, the show would also remind viewers of the worst things the characters have been through with Tori’s nosiness and thoughtless question. She might not have meant any harm by it, but it also makes total sense that Violet would react the way she does because she’s already teetering on the edge. This is understandably something that will come back around because we still need to address her trauma and heartache of losing Evan the way she did.
Most importantly, when it comes to Violet, Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 4, “Through the Skin,” also emphasizes that Novak is an excellent match in this circle. She fits in seamlessly, not only with Violet but all of Firebouse 51, and it was incredible to see her back her partner from beginning to end. With Novak’s inclusion, the show genuinely feels complete, and now that we’ll also have another woman on the team with Kylie officially coming onto engine, we’re in for a great ride. Plus, Ritter’s move to truck? Superlative.
Sam and Violet Both Deserve Happiness
Chicago Fire is determined to draw out the angst between Sam and Violet, but the scene we get this week supplies all the proof necessary that they still want each other. More obviously, he still wants her. Friends tell each other the truth, but it’s understandable that she can’t tell him about the texts, yet what isn’t understandable or normal for friends to do is for their hands or gazes to linger after they’ve agreed to remain platonic. These two would be great together. That’s the truth. In the glimpses we have of them last season, we know that there’s a lot they still need to learn about each other, and I hope that the remainder of Season 13 will allow that.
What’s also frustrating at this point is that Tori isn’t even good for Sam. She isn’t giving him something that’ll benefit him as a person, but she’s a distraction instead, and these types of storylines always feel a bit catty. We could’ve had him simply try without things getting so low. We already know that Violet is the bigger person in all of this. She knows what tremendous loss is like, and it’s not something she’s willing to risk again. It’s why she was willing to talk to Sam before he showed up with Tori in the season premiere.
Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 4, “Through the Skin,” also addresses the Damon and Severide of all, putting an extra emphasis on the title to highlight getting through to someone with full transparency. It puts Cruz and the boys through a wild bike chase to add a bit more levity to the episode, and it’s an overall solid ride.
Further Thoughts
- I don’t get it. Am I supposed to trust Chief Pascal or not? There are moments sure, but there’s still so much uncertainty.
- The preview for next week’s episode wants us to stress about Severide, and I’m at a point where I’m wondering if they’re crying wolf or if one day, we’ll actually have something to be stressed about.
- If Carver and Violet don’t get together again by the mid-season finale, I might start crying.
- Stella’s hair in this episode?!! Amazing. No notes.
- Also, Stella and Ritter going after Violet?? Perfection.
- This episode had no business making me cry as much as it did.
Now streaming on NBC and Peacock: What are your thoughts on Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 4, “Through the Skin?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)