Chicago Fire Season 15, Episode 2 ‘Rattle the Cage‘ feels like a trial for the new version of this show, with fewer characters and fewer people they can give the B and even C plots to. That means we once again get to focus on the probies more than we would want, and that Severide and Kidd’s relationship takes center stage. Only one of those things is a good thing.
The focus on Stellaride’s relationship is always welcome, and it would have been pretty unbelievable if the change in circumstances for them didn’t come with some growing pains. Severide’s new job isn’t something they were preparing for, something they planned out. It’s something that happened pretty recently, and that will require them both to approach their job differently. That will take some adjustment, and I’m glad we’re getting to see it.
I’m not so glad we’re getting this much of the probies, or that Vasquez has been drawn into this silly fight, because I frankly do not care. Violet and Lizzie’s secondary storyline is a little more interesting, because it feels real and also because we like Violet and Lizzie enough to follow them on the journey. The rest? Well, I might be warming up to Vasquez, but I’m a long way from feeling anything positive towards Burke, or the other probies. And I don’t see that changing anytime soon.
MORE: Chicago Fire Showrunner Victor Teran Previews Season 15: ‘You Can’t Reinvent a Show Like This’
COPY THAT, CAPTAIN
Being Captain is one of those things that fits Severide really well, but doesn’t actually fit Severide at all. It’s funny how that works; sometimes the people who are better at leadership are the people who are just natural leaders instead of the people putting themselves up as the leader. But there is a level of adjustment to the new position that was always going to be hard for Severide, and that will, of course, impact Stella more than anyone else.
Severide and Kidd working in the same Firehouse is unorthodox, to say the least. And before, it didn’t matter as much, because they were both just Lieutenants. Now, the power dynamic has shifted. Severide is his wife’s boss. And that means valid questions about favoritism and whether both of them can actually put their job first. Just because Kelly and Stella hadn’t thought of it doesn’t mean others won’t.
This is actually a pretty good “obstacle” to throw their way, and a believable one. Severide isn’t trying to ‘favor’ his wife; he just recognizes she’s good, so he gives her a wide berth. Stella isn’t just listening to Kelly because they’re married; she respects him and his position. But they love each other, and that colors their response to what the other does. There’s no way to deny that.
Can they balance that out with doing their job? We can argue they’ve been doing that for a while, without any big problems. Sometimes, though, you have to prove a thing over and over again for people to believe it. Life is unfair like that.
MORE: Read our review of the first episode of Chicago Fire Season 15
MAKE ME CARE
Bringing in new characters is complicated, and Chicago Fire actually has a pretty good track record with it. I didn’t think I’d like Hawkins, and I did. After that, I didn’t think I’d like Carver, and I did. I’m even starting to warm up to Vasquez at this point. So there’s no doubt they know how to do it, and they will probably manage with these new guys. We’re just not there yet. And we’re not even close.
Making Burke get into a tussle with Vasquez doesn’t help, particularly when Vasquez is mostly right and ends up taking the blame, after saving Burke, too. I know there’s supposed to be a lesson here, particularly for Burke, but I just don’t care enough about the lesson he’s learning yet. So, if anyone’s going to learn lessons, I’d rather it was Vasquez! Or Stella.
We’re clearly not dropping this storyline, so we will get to know more about these probies. If we’re keeping Burke, I think we should probably start with that chip on his shoulder and what exactly his problem is with absolutely every man in his vicinity. We got some crumbs this episode, but it’s not nearly enough. Particularly because it’s making him very hard to like. And the more time they spend on a character the audience doesn’t care for right now without working to change the narrative, the more the audience is going to resent that character.
MORE: What did Hanako Greensmith and Jocelyn Hudon have to say about their characters?
Things I think I think:
- I mean, they are trying to have that baby. There is that.
- Boden reached out!
- Yes, maybe just have an adult conversation, Lizzie.
- Why throw away the food? Can’t you save it for later?
- Always call firefighters or paramedics and not cops.
- No way Violet is letting this go.
- Of course Severide would tell Violet to go check it out herself.
- “Tread lightly?”
- Who wants to run 51? I mean, apparently a lot of people, but who?!
- Okay, Severide, but you gotta talk to your wife.
- I love when Violet plays detective more than when Severide plays fire cop.
- Look, I know Vasquez is more experienced, but I don’t think these guys are good.
- Dr. Charles!!
- Stella is MAD. And she’s got a right to be.
- It wasn’t really your fault, Vasquez. Though you shouldn’t have reacted.
- “I can’t always say yes to you.”
- Again, communicate with your wife. If you tell her why you’re worried, she will a) not get this upset with you, b) provide emotional support.
- Mouch, go do your reading.
- “We’re not even in the same ocean.”
- I mean, nepo baby is kinda true though.
- “That came out wrong.”
- Yeah, you don’t say. Again, communication is key!
- “It’s your call. And I gotta get used to that.” This is fair, because Stella was hoping Kelly did what she wanted. That much is clear. This isn’t just an adjustment for him.
- “Whatever you decide, I’ll support you.”
- So proud of you, Violet.
- “You’re cocky, and you’re inexperienced. And that combination gets people killed.”
- Herrmann is a good friend.
- Maybe having a journalist friend isn’t such a bad thing.
- “If it does, I’ll deal with it.”
- The HANDS.
- Like either of them is ever going to stop fighting for what they think is right.
- “Everything else, we’ll figure out.”
- Together.
Are you excited for Chicago Fire Season 15, Episode 2 ‘Rattle the Cage’? Share with us in the comments below!
Chicago Fire airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC.
