Chicago Fire 10×14 “An Officer With Grit” is about Stella Kidd going after what he wants, and it’s also about us – and others – recognizing Stella Kidd as the leader, the inspiration she is. Not just because of Girls on Fire, though of course, that’s a part of it. It’s not the only thing that makes her special, though, and this episode makes it absolutely clear. Pelham sees it. Boden sees it. Severide has always seen it.
And so should we.
Stella Kidd is the kind of inspiring woman this show has always had at its backbone, and to see her get the spot she deserved feels like it’s been a long time coming. Because make no mistake, Stella deserves this. She earned a Lt. spot. And she’s the best fit for 81; there’s absolutely no doubt about that. This isn’t a handout or a favor. This is just her taking what’s rightfully hers, after helping someone in need find his way.
So let us talk about Stella’s spot, Pelham’s decision, and oh yes, Hawkami, as we discuss Chicago Fire 10×14 “An Officer With Grit”:
LT. KIDD
I’m on the record as thinking Chicago Fire bungled the Lt. Kidd storyline, and I still don’t really like the way we got here—the not talking to Severide or Boden, the fact that Pelham was even a thing in the first place—but I did like that this episode made it clear that if Stella ended up at 81, it wasn’t because anyone felt bad for her, or because someone pulled strings to do her a favor, but because someone – everyone – understood it was where she belonged.
This came down to Pelham, of course, but not him making a sacrifice as much as him carrying on the message of 51 with him. Firehouse 51 gave him back the possibility of doing the job he loved and showed him what a family is. And Pelham didn’t just feel like part of that family that he loved needed Stella, he also felt like he could help start a new one. That he should.
My favorite way for Stella to get what she deserved? Not even close. About as good as they could do under the circumstances? Yes. So, I’ll take it as long as we all agree that this is what Stella Kidd deserves, and that she will absolutely kick ass at the job.
After we establish that, can we also establish that Stellaride is perfection? The support from Kelly, the quiet affection, the way they complement each other, uplift each other, make each other better. Now, all these two need is to take the next step – the one they want to take, together. A wedding. A moment where the people they love can celebrate them and their love. A moment for them to shine. Let’s give them that.
A LOT MORE THAN ONE NIGHT
We get the first bump on the Hawkami road, with the lack of definition and Violet pretending it’s a one-night thing (long night), plus Hawkins playing favorites with Ambo 61 because he and Violet are together. It’s not the worst bump we could get, and it’s kind of understandable—both things—but the way out is by talking, not just having sex and ignoring the issues.
First part of that talk? Define the relationship. You don’t make the declarations these two have made, not to mention pull the strings Hawkins pulled, if this isn’t more than a one/two/five night stand. They’re dating, and they want to be dating. We don’t even have to bring feelings into it yet; it’s early. But they do need to say the words out loud because until they do, it’s going to be really hard to figure out the next step.
Which is – boundaries. Violet doesn’t need favors, or handouts. She’s good at her job, and she’s already in a tough position because it turns out she has feelings for the boss (yes, I said feelings), so the last thing she needs is for him to be showing his feelings (yes, I said feelings again) by pulling rank. They can be in this relationship. They can do their jobs. And they can show people that they can be professional despite the aforementioned feelings. The just need that conversation to get there.
Things I think I think:
- Look, I’m just saying, Pelham would be much more attractive with some scruff.
- Real subtle, this episode. NOT.
- Gallo changes his mind about everything three times a day, and it’s driving me insane. Have him stick to something. A feeling, a decision. Please.
- The way Hawkins smiles at Violet made MY knees go weak.
- So proud of Stella for not just listening to Kylie, but taking it to heart, and examining her own actions after seeing herself through the lens of someone else’s eyes. As she herself said, perspective is a funny thing.
- A Jay Halstead mention! In the wild!
- “The woman he’s involved with” was kinda hilarious.
- The disagreement between Violet and Sylvie was handled pretty well—no big drama but not something that went unsaid.
- Stella talking to Kelly and the support and the respect and the love …FEELINGS.
- That apology won’t be enough to win me over, Gallo, but it’s a good start.
- I often think he’s closer to pain in the ass than driven, what can I say?
- But Kelly helping nonetheless? We see through you, Kelly Severide. You’re a softie.
- Pelham saying Stella is an inspiration to HIM.
- Boden looking like a proud father.
- 😍😍😍
Agree? Disagree? What did you think of Chicago Fire 10×14 “An Officer With Grit”? Share with us in the comments below!
Chicago Fire airs Wednesdays on NBC.
