Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 5, “Down the Rabbit Hole” Spoilers Ahead
Chicago Fire’s “Down the Rabbit Hole” is an incredible episode that once again serves as a reminder of Stella Kidd’s strengths and the pits people descend into when they can’t see what’s in front of them. At times, it’s a deeply frustrating hour for character dynamics, but it really depends on how far we’ll get to decipher whether these narrative points are necessary or mere drama.
There’s plenty to take away from the episode—like the amazing cameo from The Expanse’s Steven Strait—but it also continues to give us very little to trust where most new characters are concerned. Instead, with the show going on hiatus until the next episode, it seems we’ll have to wait longer to find out if we can trust Chief Pascal or not.
Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 5 Cements That Stella Kidd Would Be a Great Mom
Stella is rightfully concerned about whether she’s genuinely ready for kids, but “Down the Rabbit Hole” gives viewers yet another fantastic glimpse into the fact that she’d be an excellent mother. We know as much because of how she consistently takes care of everyone around her, but cases that involve kids always do the extra leg work of reminding us that her selflessness and empathy know no bounds.
These attributes are what make her so fiercely loyal and stubborn in the areas where she knows no one else is fighting as hard as she is. Stella Kidd knows how to fight for the underdogs and for those who are afraid. The episode’s subtle means of highlighting this by once again placing a kid at the forefront of a narrative continues to show us (and her) that when the time comes for her and Kelly to have a kid, she’s not just going to be a good mom, but the best one. And it’s about time that Chief Pascal understands what a true gift she is at Firehouse 51.
Carver’s Girlfriend Has Overstayed Her Welcome
One of the most upsetting details in Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 5, “Down the Rabbit Hole,” is that the show is ultimately pitting two women against each other. I always hate it when I have to dislike a female character on a TV show, but good grief, Tori is insufferable. The blatant manipulation that’s happening to Carver’s face is now actively creepy, and the fact that he stays with her even after he learns that she went through his texts gives me a major ick.
Carver is clearly still in love with Violet (evidenced by Jake Lockett’s anguish throughout the episode), so it’s bizarre that the show still insists on shoving the relationship in front of our faces. What do the characters learn here? What’s the point? Was it solely to make Violet realize that she needs to act quickly; otherwise, she’d lose the man she loves? We’ve already got that. What is she contributing to Carver’s development? Is it that he needs to trust himself and his gut instincts more? Is it the fact that he needs to confront some of the demons that force him to stay in places that are comfortable, even if they aren’t healthy for him? Whatever it is, I hope Chicago Fire gets to it quickly because I’m nothing if not a loyal Jim Holden girl, which means if Steven Strait’s Flynn wants to take Violet out to dinner, then I’ll happily root for him.
Additionally, taking the changes from last week into full effect, the episode also shows us Kylie bonding with Hermann and Ritter trying to get his one-on-one with Pascal. Kylie succeeds, ultimately proving once again that Hermann is the best choice to take over for chief, while Ritter fumbles a bit and Novak takes the fall for him. It makes for a riveting shift in dynamics that the show could continue getting better with, and it’ll be both hilarious and great to see how it’ll get there.
Further Thoughts
- This episode should’ve opened up with the wildly hot Stellaride sex scene instead.
- I don’t want to see any more of Carver and Tori. I’m done. I’m tired. I’m too old.
- THE SCREAM I SCREAMED WHEN STEVEN STRAIT SHOWED UP ON MY SCREEN.
- Novak’s obsession with Chief Pascal is making me slightly suspicious, and I don’t want to be. Like does girly have a thing for him or does she just really want to get on his good side?
- I love it when the show showers Violet with love because she deserves everything and more.
Now streaming on NBC and Peacock: What are your thoughts on Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 5, “Down the Rabbit Hole?” Let us know in the comments below.
First Featured Image Credit: (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)