Chicago Fire Season 14, Episode 3 ‘In The Blood’ might just be the best episode of this young season, because it proves that the show does perhaps have an idea of what the journey is for Stella and Kelly. It’s a long and winding road they’re taking, but if it ends somewhere—and if it gives us actual character development—then it won’t make everything else worth it, but it will at least make the future something to look forward to.
The hour is also a pretty good showcase of what firefighters and paramedics do and how administrative decisions can affect not just first responders, but the people they have to save day in and day out. That’s a pretty interesting storyline to tackle, even if the show is likely only doing it because it gives them a pretty good excuse to not have all their regulars every episode.
For now, the good news is that Chicago Fire Season 14, Episode 3 gives us back a little bit of hope in the process. Now, let’s see what happens the rest of the season.
MORE: Check out our review of Episode 1 of Season 14, and Episode 2.
FOSTERING
‘In The Blood’ goes deeper into Stella and Kelly‘s fostering journey, and their different approaches to it. Kelly takes Joe’s advice and bonds through gaming, and though he and Isaiah don’t really talk about anything deep, the boy does seem way more comfortable with Kelly after a night spent gaming together.
Stella, meanwhile, is having a harder time connecting. And in a way, that makes sense. Isaiah already has a mom, she’s actually stepping into someone’s shoes. Parental figures aren’t that common for him, so Kelly isn’t competing with anyone.
But there’s also the fact that the show has always painted Kelly as the one who’s sure about this step, and Stella as the one who isn’t. I will argue that when she actually got pregnant there was no sign of doubt in Stella, but she did have plenty of doubts before and it’s not a bad thing that the show is finally addressing them.
Because the decision to foster is not the same as the decision to have a kid, and yet it’s somewhere in the vicinity. You’re still responsible for another human being, even if it’s not since they were little and it might not be forever. And when they suffer, you suffer. When they’re happy, you’re happy. That’s parenting.
Did Stella need this particular experience (and losing a baby!) to realize perhaps she really wants a family? I don’t think she did, but that seems to be the road the show is taking. And again, I don’t love it, but I’ll acept it if we get actual development for her.
If we get more scenes like this episode, of her and Kelly talking through things, being an unit. If we continue to get supportive husband Kelly Severide, the one who always has his wife’s back. And if we get those things on-screen. It’s not the journey I wanted, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a good one.
MORE: There were a lot of cast changes in One Chicago this year/
VIOLET MIKAMI IS A PRETTY DOPE CHARACTER
The thing about Violet Mikami is that, at many different times, Chicago Fire has treated her as half of a ship. There was Gallo! Then Hawkins. And of course, Carver. She’s worked with all three, at different points. And I, personally, wouldn’t be opposed to her working with Carver again, sometime in the future. But the best thing the show can do now, considering the decisions that they themselves have taken, is let Violet show us how great of a character she is, on her own.
Not just how great of a paramedic, which she’s shown many times. Not even how great of a friend, which we have also gotten to experience. Instead, the show can focus on giving her even more depth as a person and in letting her be more than the job, even on a show focused on the job. Because she’s a pretty cool character, and she is not just the ships she’s been part of.
That being said, I believe she’s the character who has suffered the most from this notion that women cannot be as awesome as she is if they are in a relationship, which is also a problem. I’m excited to see more of a focus on Violet, but there was no reason why the show had to make a big chunk of the stories about her before this be about her relationships.
Violet can still be a great character and find love. She can still be a great character and be in a relationship. And yes, she can be a great character without that. As long as we remember that both are possible.
MORE: Remember the last One Chicago crossover? Here’s our review!
Things I think I think:
- I have so many feelings about how prisions are not actually about rehabilitation, but torture, so this Vasquez storyline could work for me if done well.
- Stella is trying so hard to connect, and it’s so awkward and I just want to give her a hug.
- Actually a pretty clever excuse for some characters missing time, honestly.
- Kelly speaking to Violet! That almost never happens. I mean, only because she’s being super reckless, but you take what you get.
- “So, he’s a teenager.” LOL, Joe and Herrmann giving Stella advice about parenting.
- “Thanks guys, good talk.” LOOOOOOOOL.
- I mean, good on Pascal. Go fight some people.
- Look, if you tell Violet the crash was your fault, she’s gonna go all detective on you, that’s just who Violet is. Especially with a friend involved!
- Who has important conversations without a shirt?
- Engine brings the water, Truck brings the tools.
- Stella’s reaction to the show lady calling Isaiah her ‘son’ was so telling.
- You are putting too much pressure on yourself, Stella. And I’m glad you’re talking to your husband about it.
- Right, are you training for Squad, Violet?
- “Be careful.”
- A Puerto Rican delicacy? I accept it.
- “Never seen the Chief walk more than 10 feet to compliment somebody.”
- Have we talked about how good “Do your thing” Kelly Severide is.
- SHE FLIRTING WITH PASCAL?
- He said “I’m married,” but he isn’t married. Now I got sad.
- Feelings. For Pascal. What is this?
- Not a cigar chat with Kelly! Noooo.
- “Or maybe she just likes you.” Imagine that!
- “I have no doubt that 51 will be in capable hands.” Ok, look, I understand this is not what Kelly wanted but I like it.
- The Vasquez mystery is going to take forever, isn’t it?
- Using dad jokes to break the ice? I’m proud of you, Stella.
- “Don’t treat him like a baby, we’re talking about his mom.” Stellaaaaa, you’re already such a good mom.
- Herrmman’s house? Really?!
Agree? Disagree? What did you think of Chicago Fire Season 14, Episode 3 ‘In The Blood’? 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.
