Critic’s Score: 3.25 / 5.0
3.25
Any Chicago Hearth episode with a synopsis that features “With the crew stretched skinny, a efficiency effectivity knowledgeable evaluates Firehouse 51” doesn’t give me the nice and cozy fuzzies.
I’m sick of a crew that’s stretched skinny.
However on Chicago Hearth Season 13 Episode 20, cutbacks, curveballs, and crushing disappointments reign.
“Reduce Me Open” won’t pack the high-octane motion we’re used to, but it surely nonetheless lands a punch, particularly for anybody invested in Stella and Severide’s journey to parenthood.
A Skeleton Crew Beneath Scrutiny
With Pascal out, Violet and Novak at a conference, and Carver nonetheless part-time, finishing his restoration, the dream staff left behind at 51 feels extra just like the leftovers — not less than till they’re thrown into the hearth.
Herrmann, Cruz, and Mouch maintain it down, however a shock audit from a hard-nosed effectivity knowledgeable often known as “The Padlock” places them immediately on edge.
From the second he steps into the station, Padlock is an uncomfortable mixture of smug and clueless.
He’s by no means been within the area, but he’s passing judgment on a crew that’s actually saving lives regardless of damaged A/C, malfunctioning gear, and the heatwave from hell.
The man can’t even take off his coat as a result of it’s “a part of the uniform.” After which he has the nerve to criticize them for having a backup plan on a name? Herrmann’s proper — it’s known as a failsafe, and it saves lives. However logic isn’t a part of Padlock’s playbook.
And naturally, he passes out from warmth exhaustion. Not solely does he steal Ritter’s aspirin, however he additionally must be cooled down with hosewater like a child at summer time camp. His response? “Why am I moist?” Effectivity icon, certainly.
Nonetheless, within the final irony, he clears 51’s audit — solely to drop the actual bomb: price range cuts are coming, with layoffs and compelled retirements concentrating on probationary firefighters first.
Which makes Carver a simple goal. In any case the expansion they’ve proven with this character, that course appears like a slap within the face.
Adoption Hope Turns to Heartbreak
On the opposite finish of the emotional spectrum, Stella and Kelly get a name that might change their lives: a lady in labor is able to place her child for adoption, they usually’ve been chosen.
It’s quick, chaotic, and terrifying — identical to real-life adoption eventualities typically are.
Jade, the younger girl giving delivery, is alone, scared, and a recovering addict who used as just lately as two days in the past. She’s doing her finest to let go for her daughter’s sake, however the determination weighs closely.
Stella and Severide are clearly overwhelmed, however in typical Stellaride style, they rally. Stella comforts Jade. Kelly grounds Stella.
The newborn arrives, uncovered to opioids however secure, and for a second, it appears like perhaps, simply perhaps, this story gained’t finish in tragedy.
However you don’t name an episode “Reduce Me Open” with out slicing straight to the core.
Jade’s father arrives out of nowhere, and although he’s shocked by the information, he doesn’t rail in opposition to her. In truth, the present provides us a uncommon second of parental honesty: “No one tells you that while you turn into a guardian, typically your finest isn’t ok.”
It’s clear he nonetheless loves her. That issues. And when Jade decides to maintain the newborn and go into rehab — together with her father taking non permanent custody — it makes emotional sense. Painful, however trustworthy.
The adoption caseworker confirms what we suspected: Stella’s heartfelt phrases about restoration and having one thing to stay up for probably modified Jade’s thoughts.
And that’s the half that hits hardest — as a result of it’s precisely what Stella would say. As a result of it’s true. As a result of it’s who she is.
Jade’s handwritten word — “Stella, thanks for holding my hand” — is likely to be a small gesture, but it surely’s a crushing one. Severide says it’s sufficient. Stella desires to imagine it.
The excellent news is that Natalie continues to be on the market, and that’s the adoption I think about coming to fruition.
Lingering Ideas
This episode asks a quiet however highly effective query: What occurs while you do every little thing proper, and nonetheless lose?
Between the looming risk of Carver’s elimination and the whiplash of almost turning into dad and mom, each storylines mirror an overarching theme: management is an phantasm. And for a firehouse constructed on precision, preparedness, and intuition, that’s a brutal realization.
However perhaps the important thing takeaway is that this: even within the mess and heartbreak, the individuals at 51 hold displaying up. They maintain the road, maintain one another, and typically, they only maintain a hand.
And that, in my view, is what makes this present nonetheless value watching. But it surely’s not a failsafe for the longer term.
What Comes Subsequent for 51?
Two episodes stay, and it appears like Chicago Hearth Season 13 is laying the groundwork for a severe generational shift.
The audit is likely to be over, however the specter of layoffs and early retirements looms massive. And let’s be trustworthy — regardless of The Padlock’s fainting spell and horrible perspective, he wasn’t bluffing.
We already know Carver and Ritter are on their method out. Dom Pascal will probably disappear subsequent, both quietly or ceremoniously. That would go away Herrmann with the reins, and it’s onerous to not see that because the plan all alongside.
In truth, I wouldn’t be shocked if Pascal’s ultimate act as battalion chief is selling Herrmann and Mouch earlier than saying goodbye to the youthful guys — Carver’s departure tracks, particularly along with his rehab storyline offering a neat exit ramp.
However Ritter? That one hurts, too. He’s been a quiet spine of this present — regular, empathetic, and simply the correct of coronary heart. Perhaps he’ll comply with Gallo to Detroit, or meet up with Casey and Sylvie in Portland. Both method, he can’t stick round if the purpose is clearing the decks.
However what does that go away us with? A crew of lifers in a home that was all the time about stability — youth and expertise, hearth and calm. Can the present thrive with simply the previous guard?
I say that with love, as a result of I am the previous guard, however come on. Each story wants recent blood to push in opposition to the system and hold issues from rising stale.
Right here’s hoping the subsequent two episodes present us a path ahead that doesn’t really feel like a eulogy. As a result of if 51 is being rebuilt, I need to imagine there’s nonetheless one thing new value constructing.
Nonetheless right here? You’re our type of individuals.
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