Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 5 Recap: Truck Crashes and Warm Fuzzies

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Another week, another Severide (Taylor Kinney) near-death experience. Seriously, is this guy insured? This time, it’s a transfer truck crash that almost takes him out, leading to an investigation with Stella into the shady world of “ghost drivers.” As usual, the case itself was fine, but the real meat of the episode was the character moments. And boy, were there a lot of them.

The writers crammed a surprising amount into this hour, somehow managing to avoid feeling overstuffed. We got Stellaride being all hot and bothered, then seamlessly transitioning into investigative mode. Violet (Hanako Greensmith), finally moving on from Carver (Jake Lockett) (thank goodness), snagged a date with a handsome bystander, proving that sometimes, good things happen to paramedics who aren’t trapped in burning buildings.

Lizzie and Ritter’s (Daniel Kyri) attempts to impress Chief Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) provided some lighthearted relief, highlighting Lizzie’s steadfast loyalty. Even Herrmann (David Eigenberg) and Kylie (Katelynn Shennett) got in on the action, pursuing new radios for the firehouse with the tenacity of a dog chasing a dropped hot dog.

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Speaking of Pascal, the man continues to be a walking enigma. After weeks of being unreasonable, he was practically a saint in this episode. Is this a genuine change of heart, or is he just lulling 51 into a false sense of security? I’m skeptical, but also slightly intrigued. Meanwhile, Carver and Tori’s relationship continues its downward spiral, a train wreck I can’t look away from, even though I know I should.

The episode also delivered a hefty dose of heartwarming moments. Mouch, ever the dependable friend, organized Violet’s birthday party, reminding us that Firehouse 51 is more than just a workplace; it’s a dysfunctional, yet lovable, family. We even got a brief Chicago P.D. crossover, with Trudy (Amy Morton) assisting Stella and Severide in their investigation. It’s these small, human moments that elevate Chicago Fire beyond your standard procedural.

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Watching these characters interact, support each other, and occasionally drive each other crazy, is what keeps us coming back for more. It’s not the fires, the explosions, or the near-constant threat of death (looking at you, Severide), but the genuine connections between these characters that make Chicago Fire more than just a burning building of the week.

Chicago Fire airs Wednesday nights on NBC, just not next week though as the ‘Chicago shows’ are taking a week off and will be back November 6.

Andrew Martins, reviewer, recapper, deep diver, scifi specialist. Thinks Blakes 7 is better than Star Trek. Yes I do go to fan conventions and no I don't dress up. Well okay maybe I do a bit.