Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 16 ‘In the Rubble‘ does a pretty good job of examining grief and the fine line between that and anger. It’s much more effective than “Too Close” was, because it’s not just about Pascal, but also about the people around him, people we already care about. The episode, however, still manages to be much more effective when it’s dealing with the big picture than when it’s just about Monica or about Dom Pascal.
This is no knock on Dermot Mulroney, who delivers a devastating performance as a Dom Pascal who is never more relatable than as a man trapped in a grief he can blame on no one. It’s just that the voiceover of Violet’s letter to Carver grounds the episode in a way that the final shot of Monica Pascal’s picture doesn’t—can’t. It’s what it is. At least we care about something.
NO ONE EVER REALLY KNOWS DOM PASCAL
I am briefly reminded of our intro to Dom Pascal as we accompany him into grief, and as Firehouse 51 does what they always do: show up. In many ways, the episode develops the way I expected it to, and I admit I got a little emotional at the end when everyone showed up at the funeral because, as someone who has been on Pascal’s side of grief way too many times before, I know what it means. And I know how hard it is to ask for it sometimes.
But I also don’t know that, storytelling-wise, I buy Pascal’s turn into this person. What, Severide warned him off, and he just listened? He forgot all his issues with Damon and gave Severide what he wanted because what? He’s a good person? Or did he just want Severide happy and occupied because Severide’s the only person who realizes what he is capable of?
Not to mention, we never even got the full story of what happened in Miami. What even brought Pascal to Chicago? And there’s the fact that Herrmann passed that test, and if Pascal stays, well… it all feels like that storyline was for nothing. Just saying that they could be setting up quite an exit for Pascal to end the season, and Herrmann taking over, just one season later than we expected.
THERE’S NO ‘I’ IN TEAM
Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 16 ‘In the Rubble’ was one of those episodes that had what we call a ‘B’ plot with the letter, but that felt like it had everyone involved pretty much consistently and was one of the better examples of what makes this show work. Procedurals in general are rarely as good as Chicago Fire is at juggling this large a cast and making it feel like they all matter, from the character who are clearing at the center of the storyline, like Stella and Severide, to ones that don’t always get to be anything other than comedic support, like Cap or Tony.
That’s why the show is still going strong 13 seasons in. And that’s why we will likely be here for Season 14 come fall. It’s not one person or two. It’s a team. And it works really, really well.
Things I think I think:
- Okay, but I am actually enjoying Damon and Stella and Severide so much now.
- Please tell me you’re going to end up showing this novel to Carver at one point, Violet.
- Novak is a good friend.
- Food is actually always a good idea.
- I actually dig Novak and Damon these days; what can I say?
- I also really like the little team of Herrmann, Stella, and Severide
- Plus, as always, Kelly and Stella just talking through everything that happens, A+, wouldn’t change it for anything.
Agree? Disagree? What did you think of Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 16 ‘In the Rubble’? Share with us in the comments below! And if you have your own opinion on the show, leave a review/rating on our Chicago Fire hub!
Chicago Fire airs on Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC.
Disagree. Stella and Kelly are way too good for Damon who still didn’t tell them how he almost got Stella fired and made Pascal questioned her every decision. He should listen to Severide and take care of his career, not keep depending on his big brother and his big heart.
I can see your POV, I truly can. But I think people can change and it’s kinda normal for Kelly to want to give his brother a second chance. He’s not totally forgiven for me, but he seems to be genuinely trying here. Not sure Pascal is bringing him back for good reasons, but I’m willing to give Damon the benefit of the doubt for now.