“Chicago Fire” returned with an episode heavy on personal struggles and moral dilemmas, focusing on Carver’s hidden battle with addiction, Violet’s unexpected confrontation with a past enemy, and Kidd’s contemplation of the future.
Carver’s storyline took center stage as his secret attendance at AA meetings came to light. The episode effectively portrayed his internal struggle to stay sober while maintaining a facade of normalcy at the firehouse. The pressure of keeping his addiction hidden clearly weighed heavily on him.
Meanwhile, Violet found herself in a complicated situation when her boyfriend, Chief Evan Hawkins, asked for her help with Jared Lennox, the medic who had previously attempted to sabotage her and Severide’s careers. Lennox was facing negligent homicide charges, and despite their history, Violet wrestled with the moral implications of helping someone who had wronged her so deeply.
Kidd and Severide reaffirmed their dedication to the Girls on Fire program. Kidd proposed that Severide design a ropes course, further cementing their commitment to mentoring young women. The scene also offered a glimpse into their personal lives, as they briefly discussed the possibility of adoption.
The episode’s tension escalated when Carver rescued Violet from a volatile encounter with Lee, an unstable acquaintance from his AA meetings. Lee’s break-in at Violet’s apartment forced Carver to finally confront his alcoholism, admitting his struggles to Violet, who agreed to support him while keeping his secret.
In a satisfying turn of events, Violet uncovered evidence that exonerated Lennox, leading to the dismissal of the charges against him. This development brought a sense of closure to a long-standing conflict, though the lingering tension between Violet and Lennox remained palpable.
“Chicago Fire” airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC.
