Chicago Fire 12×11 “Inside Man” is an outstanding episode of television, a self-contained story that is closer to an action thriller than the usual quick call-and-move-on style of the show. It’s, of course, not a sustainable type of episode for the show, but it doesn’t have to be. The episode works perfectly well as a break in the routine, as well as a reminder of what this show still has for us to root for.
At the center, because it could be no other way, are Kelly Severide and Stella Kidd. Severide, in full Severide mode, decides to go along for the ride as three men steal a fire truck from Firehouse 51. Stella, meanwhile, is the one left behind, trying to figure out who exactly took her husband. This is the setup. The characters give us the rest.
In this case, that is heart, full-on action sequences, team-as-family moments, and yes, the Stellaride we needed and deserved. So join us as we break down Chicago Fire 12×11 “Inside Man”:
KELLY SEVERIDE, THE ACTION HERO
Kelly Severide proves not just that he’s watched quite a few action movies in his time, but that he knows how to think on his feet in Chicago Fire 12×11 “Inside Man.” The hour, which kinda sees him decide to step into danger – also sees him do his best to get out of it, not in a reckless way, but in a calculated fashion.
It’s been a complicated few episodes at work for Severide. He doesn’t want to be Boden, he never did. And yet, at some point, someone’s gotta make the decisions, and if you are the most qualified person around and you choose not to, then that means someone who is less qualified will inevitably be tasked with making them. And then you might not like the decisions they make. This is probably something we’ll explore going into Season 13, particularly with Eammon Walker dropping from series regular to recurring.
This hour sees Severide do what he likes most, be in the middle of things. Save the day. Be the hero. And he’s very good at it. He’s thinking on his feet, he basically gets himself out of a jam not once, or twice, but three times. And yet, at the end, as he runs towards his wife, there’s a moment where it seems like, for Severide, it’s not really worth it anymore. Not the danger. Not the possibility of losing Stella, of losing the future they could have together.
In their line of work, how do you reconcile those two things? There’s always going to be danger. But, perhaps, Kelly Severide doesn’t need to go seeking it, not anymore.
STELLA KIDD IS NO DAMSEL IN DISTRESS
Your husband getting kidnapped from your firehouse in the middle of the night is not an ideal situation, and yet Stella’s reaction to both Kelly and the rig disappearing proves what kind of a leader she is. Because there’s the worry, of course, there is. At times, that worry is even bordering on panic. That’s her husband right there, the man she loves. But throughout it all, Stella remains focused on what she can do to help him get home safely.
And that’s what she does. Help him get home safely. And yes, the entire Firehouse rallies around her, and they all care for Severide too, but Stella is the one who is in danger of losing absolutely everything, and yet is still standing. Still pushing forward.
In a way, that’s what being a first responder is all about. You have to know how to keep your wits about you even while you’re panicking. No, you have to know how to keep your wits about you especially when you’re panicking. And though this isn’t the typical situation most first responders would face, I still think it’s important to take a moment to consider how hard that is. How much Stella carries, and how she represents every man and woman out there, doing the same every day, as part of their daily jobs.
There are no damsels in distress in Chicago Fire, there never have been. But Stella isn’t just as far from one as one could find, she’s also as close to a hero as this show has, even if she isn’t the one that saves the day in this episode.
THE SHIP OF OUR DREAMS
Chicago Fire 12×11 “Inside Man” is a shipper’s dream, because everyone in this episode revolves around Kelly and Stella, not just as individuals, but as a couple. Severide, kidnapped and alone, manages to get his hands on a cell phone and can dial his wife’s number from memory with his hands tied behind his back. In 2024? Sir, that is romance. Stella, worried and desperate nonetheless never stops doing the next thing and then the thing after to make sure she can help him get home.
And that’s without even talking about the reunion we do get, with Severide coming out of the smoke and into Stella’s arms. The best part about it is that, unlike in some movies where that’s the end of the story for the characters, it is not for Kelly and Stella. We still get a lot more of them. Right after, they hold onto each other as if the one thing that has been keeping the other going has been the thought of this precise moment.
Later, in the ambulance, with tender hands that cannot stop touching, reassuring themselves of the other’s presence. Before, with a fierce hug and then a firm, quick kiss. And then, just breathing together, foreheads touching, right after Stella gives us the forehead kiss that felt like both the cherry on top of the Stellaride sundae and borderline too much for our feelings.
This is the romance we want for them. It isn’t what we expect every episode, because this is a procedural and an ensemble show. But if Chicago Fire 12×11 “Inside Man” proved something (and how many more times does it have to?) is that the show’s strength lies in the two of them. Yes, that means we want to see them be solid in the background, but it also means we need them to take center stage more than once a season.
Stellaride is the center. With so many things changing in the world of Chicago Fire, the center must hold if the show is going to. And for that, they need a lot more episodes like this one.
Things I think I think:
- That felt like an anticlimactic way to tell us we have a new paramedic, didn’t it?
- I do love the Stella and Violet, though. More of that please.
- They suck at making the bed, I will say that. My mother would not be pleased.
- Absent-minded Severide is …something. You’re not Stella, he’s got no time for you!
- New guy remains shady, what can I say?
- Wild idea here, Severide, but you didn’t actually have to get up on the rig and stay there.
- These moments feel perfect for a crossover, but ah, those days are long gone.
- I sure keep noticing Kelly’s wedding ring this episode, I wonder if they’re doing it on purpose.
- Kelly McGyver Severide.
- Again, Violet and Stella get an A+.
- Trust Severide to know what message to send.
- Okay, so Severide surely has watched a hell of a lot of action movies. This is straight out of some of them.
- New girl and new girl? STILL CREEPY.
- I swear I don’t know anyone’s number. Not even my husband. Severide doesn’t just know Stella’s number, he can dial it with his hands tied behind his back.
- Look, if that isn’t romance then what is?
- This is the reunion I deserved. Complete with the smoke, the screaming, and Severide walking out slowly. 10/10, no notes.
- Ritter, I love you.
- When Stella gave Kelly that forehead kiss, that’s when I died.
- The Cruz and Chloe thing feels like it’s coming out of nowhere, doesn’t it?
- Look, far be it for me to complain about this final scene, but Severide, you don’t look like you should be moving all that much. Let her do the work.
Are you excited for Chicago Fire 12×11 “Inside Man”? Share with us in the comments below!
Chicago Fire airs on Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC.