‘Chicago Fire’ 11×13 Review: “The Man of the Moment”

Chicago Fire 11×13 “The Man of the Moment” introduces an unnecessary Sam storyline, even as it once again showcases how well Stellaride works (and we’re not worried about what these writers are going to cook up during Taylor Kinney’s leave of absence, we’re not) and reaffirms the role of Cindy — and so many women like her.

The Sam thing is both predictable and disappointing. Because, irony mode on, men cannot be friends with a women without developing romantic feelings. Men and women can’t be friends! When Harry Met Sally told us so! And hey, the perfect time to introduce this storyline is now that we know Severide will be gone for a few episodes. Why not make viewers suffer? Even if Sam was opening up not just to Stella, and even if she is literally this person with everyone. Nah, this time’s gotta be romantic, cause DRAMA.

It’s a disservice to the kind of character Sam could have been, and it’s a little bit of a slap in the face for viewers too. We know what good writing looks like. This show has given us that before. And this …well, it ain’t it.

Love is work …

There’s a lot of talk of love in this episode, with Stella and Violet giving Sylvie advice, and even Severide getting in on the action later. And yet, though they reach no conclusion, Stella and Kelly are the show’s way of proving to us what real love is — and what it looks like. Because yes, love can be an immediate spark of feeling, but it doesn’t have to be, and even when it is …it can’t be just that.

No, love is work. It’s every day. It’s talking to each other, it’s respecting each others’ decisions, it’s support and tenderness and just …time. A willingness to be there, to try, to listen …even if you don’t get it right the first time or the second time. It can be easy sometimes, the easiest thing in the entire world. But it can also be hard, and the trick is just …sticking to it. Just ask Kelly and Stella.

It takes a village

And luckily for Herrmann, he’s got one.

It’s as simple as that. Herrmann might think he’s got to do it all by himself, that he’s got something to prove, that if he doesn’t just manage it all the way Cindy did he’s letting her down, and worse, letting himself down. And yes, it is good to take a moment to appreciate all Cindy did, and truly, perhaps this is something he should have done before — but none of this means Hermman now has to do it all alone. He can’t, and he shouldn’t have to try.

He’s got an entire family behind him, the same family Carver tried to pretend he didn’t want. And it’s the type of family that will lift you up when you need it, not because they have to, but because they want to.

Things I think I think:

• Considering the US healthcare system, I’d rather read through the paperwork too, sorry Herrmann.
• I would like this show to take any and all possible Carver romantic vibes toward Stella and shove them where the sun don’t shine.
• Pff, you were NOT in love with Casey at first sight, Sylvie, come oooon.
• And it is true, Casey as the standard leaves all other men looking …well, not good enough.
• I’m with Stella here.
• Nah, you don’t got this Herrmann.
• lol “respect his wishes for now”
• I will say, first responders should be paid a lot more.
• Like yeah, I feel bad for Carver, but I won’t feel bad if he tries to hit on Stella, I can tell you that.
• I get the rules, but …pretty phone!
• Fine, Casey doesn’t have to call Sylvie, but Kelly? Come oooon.
• I’m never getting over morning Stella.
• Supportive Kelly is sexy AF.
• You know what isn’t? THIS WHOLE STELLA AND CARVER BUSINESS.
• And now he’s lashing out. Meh. Over it. I don’t care about you enough, Carver.
• Yup, it is unacceptable, Severide. But I sadly don’t think Stella’s giving up that easily.
• Let’s appreciate Cindy more, yes.

Agree? Disagree? What did you think of Chicago Fire 11×13 “The Man of the Moment”? Share with us in the comments below!

Chicago Fire airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC.