Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 8 ‘Quicksand‘ is actually, a very uneventful mid-season finale. Who knew? No one’s hanging off a literal cliffhanger on the show that has left characters hanging off cliffhangers more than they have not. And perhaps, because of it, the mid-season finale feels mostly underwhelming. No, it’s not really a bad episode, but it also feels like just another hour. Nothing too special about it.
The lack of Severide doesn’t help, because Severide is, in many ways, the linchpin to this show. But the hour still works without him because Stella, Carver and Novak shoulder much of the emotional weight in a way that feels realistic. It’s not a huge, explosive episode—even if the end makes it seem like Cruz is in danger. But it’s also not a bad one. If you like these characters, you probably enjoyed it. Even if you, perhaps, were waiting for the bang.
MORE: Is Chicago Fire Season 13 living up to our hopes for the show? Read on for more!
FAMILY OR LACK THEREOF
Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 8 ‘Quicksand’ gives us our first glimpse of Lizzie Novak’s tragic backstory, just as it sees Carver—who, for all intents and purposes doesn’t have one, bond with a dog. It feels like the two things aren’t really related, but they are. Because this Firehouse sometimes feels like an island of misfit toys, and yet in a way, it also feels like family because of it.
Sam Carver and Lizzie Novak are two of the newest additions to the Firehouse. We already knew a bit of Carver’s tragic backstory, and in this episode, we find out more about Novak’s. And in an episode without Severide, it still feels like the show has a great emotional center because these two storylines work and because they go back to the one thing Chicago Fire has always been good at—the fact that these people might not have had the types of relationships they’ve built with each other before, but now they’re not alone.
Lizzie has Violet. Carver has Stella—and I’d argue Violet too, if he let himself. But sometimes, when you’ve been without something the idea of getting it, in whatever way, is scarier than living without it. Because you’ve gotten by without it. You’re used to the absence. But once you get it, once it becomes a part of you, what do you do if it’s taken away from you?
That’s why Carver pulled back before he could lose Violet. That’s why Lizzie didn’t feel like she could share. But if this episode gives us something, it’s hope for both of them. Hope that they can finally accept the family they’ve been building without noticing. Little by little.
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THE NEXT STEP
Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 8 ‘Quicksand’ sees Herrman and Mouch prepare to take their officers’ tests—with Herrmann taking the Captain test and Mouch taking the Lt. test. It’s a big next step, and we’ve been privy to how much has prepared for it. We just haven’t been privy to anything but doubts from Herrman, who actually missed the first test he could take on purpose and is basically the reason we have Pascal at Firehouse 51 right now.
Of course, the thing is, Pascal is here now. And if Herrman passes, there’s no spot for him. But we can’t really lose Herrman, can we? Except if he doesn’t go, then Mouch has no spot if he passes! It’s all a very complicated situation with basically no good solution other than saying goodbye to Pascal. We might be starting to like him, but he hasn’t been around for that long! Except do we really want to say goodbye?
There are no easy answers here, and thankfully the show doesn’t pretend. This is going to get messy either way. But, considering the messes this show has given us, this one feels kinda manageable, in the grand scheme of things.
Things I think I think:
- That was…so cute. Who was that? Lizzie’s sister?
- Ritter, maybe you just need to try it?
- NO SEVERIDE?
- “I have achieved a state of zen-like calm.”
- Literally could not look at that man’s leg on screen.
- Did I tear up at the dog? I teared up at the dog.
- Stella and Carver talking to Pascal like he’s the grumpy dad is kinda funny to me.
- “I don’t like being without you?” THESE TWO ARE DRIVING ME INSANE, WHAT IS THIS TOXIC RELATIONSHIP?
- Ritter is kinda right, the dynamics are messed up.
- Again, what does Pascal have against Stella? It’s seriously something.
- I expected to have answers on what was going on with Cruz earlier in the episode.
- Well, the backstory for Novak is heartbreaking, as expected.
- Sure, sure you’re good.
- Okay, so should we be worried about Cruz?
- I swear Pascal is nice to everyone BUT Stella.
- “It’s hard, to let people know you.”
- “51 is like quicksand that way.”
- “You’ve been braver than me so far.”
- So far?
- Stella and Violet my babes.
- Violet’s face at the fact that Tori moved back to Texas was something.
- I KNEW THEY WERE CREMATED REMAINS.
- Am I feeling bad about Ritter or…?
- What am I supposed to feel about Dom and Monica? Because I’m super confused.
- “Not anymore. Come on in.” I CRY.
- Eh, I don’t think he wants to talk.
Agree? Disagree? What did you think of Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 8 ‘Quicksand’? Share with us in the comments below!
Chicago Fire airs on Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC.
Our Chicago Fire reviews:
Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 1
Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 2
Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 3
Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 4
Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 5
