‘Chicago Fire’ 11×16 Review: “Acting Up”

Chicago Fire 11×16 “Acting Up” is about Joe Cruz, but it’s also about impostor syndrome, and about self-doubt. Cruz spends the entire episode doubting himself and thinking everyone else is doing the same when sometimes, we are our own worst critics. In those instances, though, we often need an outside perspective to be able to see it. To look past our doubts and try to focus on the facts. And Stella was there for Joe in this instance, just as Joe was there for Stella when it came to her Severide worries — even if there’s no answer for her, not yet.

The truth is …it’s normal for Stella to miss Kelly, and to be upset. Not just because her husband isn’t there for her to talk about a bad call, or at home to cuddle with, but because a part of Stella is wondering if he will ever be. If the fact that he jumped at this opportunity means he wants something different for his future than working at 51 with her. And that doesn’t necessarily have to be something Severide even knows, not yet, but distance makes it so you worry about everything if only because you cannot turn to your favorite person, look into their eyes, and be reassured.

Hopefully, the writing for this leave of absence will end with Severide’s return and a conversation about what this decision means. Stella will support him, no matter what he wants to do. Even if it’s not what she would wish. As long as Severide’s happy, that’s what Stella wants more than anything. If being an arson investigator is his dream, well ..they’ll adjust. It just needs to be a conversation, because…that’s what happens when you marry. You make big decisions as a unit.

Chicago Fire 11×16 “Acting Up” is the best of what this show can be in Severide’s absence. The Stella and Cruz moments really work, and they compliment a really emotional Herrmann/Mouch and Cindy/Trudy storyline that goes exactly the way it should — with friends being supportive of each other, and Cindy looking and feeling better than she has in a while. The best thing we could hope for this Cindy storyline was for the show to use it as a way to give her more screen time and give Herrmann more to do than just be the comedic relief. If you add Mouch and Trudy to it? Perfection.

The hour also gives us the best version of Carver, and it’s starting to feel like he can actually fit in at 51. There are still too many things he holds too close to the vest, but those aren’t a real problem. He can take his time opening up. As long as his feelings for Stella remain platonic, we can take whatever way the show wants to integrate Carver more fully into the Firehouse 51 family. Not sure things with Seager are going to work out long-term, but for now …we’re kinda enjoying that.

Just as we’re enjoying Gallo and Violet as …friends. We still don’t know if this is a thing that can work in the future, but we are very sure it’s not a thing that can work now. The pain of losing Hawkins — for Violet, and for us — is still too fresh. Gallo deserves better than to be a rebound, and Violet deserves a friend who would point out this isn’t the moment, even if that means there will never be a right moment. So for our sake — and Ritter’s — let’s keep this relationship in the friend zone. That’s what makes sense right now.

Things I think I think:

• I’m with Herrmann, this should be celebrated.
• OMG Ritter’s “I can’t do this with you two again,” lol.
• Manly car? What?
• Violet, you good?
• It might be a while before Severide returns??!?!
• We do not like Bamford.
• All good, just Stella being held at gunpoint and literally keeping her head while bullets are flying around her.
• I love Stella checking on her team.
• “We’re better when we ignore that thing.” Welcome to the friendzone!
• Call your husband, Stella.
• Also, the way Stella looked between Carver and Seager was hiiiilarious.
• Mouch and Herrmann gave me feelings.
• “I came here on instinct.” I AM NOT OKAY.
• “I really miss him.” SO DO WE.
• Cruz ships it.
• Trudy and Cindy was perfection.
• Yes, go visit Severide, Stella.
• I loved the Boden and Stella moment about Cruz.
• What’s up with Violet and Carver?
• Fine Carver, fine. Maybe you are 51 material. But keep your Stella feelings platonic.
• “Overstepping, Violet.” Let her have fun!
• I teared up at the ending.

Agree? Disagree? What did you think of Chicago Fire 11×16 “Acting Up”? Share with us in the comments below!

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