Chicago Fire Season 14, Episode 4 ‘Mercy‘ is an emotional episode that delivers a devastating blow to Herrmann’s family, and by extension, to Firehouse 51. Because this show is about family, above all things. And when one of their family members is hurting, Firehouse 51 is.
But this episode is also about how family is about being there, in good times and bad times. Family is having someone to share in your successes, and someone to lift you up when you need help. And yes, Herrmann has Cindy and the kids, but he also has Firehouse 51. Hell, even Vasquez, who has been around for 0.2 seconds. Family. The one you can’t live without. The one no one at 51 has to.
Sometimes, Chicago Fire misses. I’ve criticized them plenty. This isn’t one of those cases. Instead, this is the kind of episode that reminds us that when this show wants it can be pretty great, despite the numerous cast changes. And the fact that it can still manage that is pretty amazing indeed.
MORE: Check out our review of Episode 1 of Season 14, Episode 2, and Episode 3.
LOSS IS HARD
There was, of course, nothing more important than making sure his family was safe for Herrmann. But once they are, the intrusive thoughts hit. Why did this happen? Was it his fault? And how can he fix it for his family, who’s going through such a hard time. Herrmann has always been the kind of guy who fixes things, and this isn’t a thing he can fix. At least not by himself.
It is just stuff that they lost. But stuff matters, even if it doesn’t matter as much as people. The ring from Cindy’s mother. The doorframe where Herrmann marked the kids’ height. Pictures. Things the kids used when they were little. Stuff carries weight because it has memories attached, and loss means grieving. Any type of loss.
That’s what comes next. Rebuilding, yes, but grieving. That part is normal. The good thing, if there can be any good thing about this, is that Herrmann and his family don’t have to do either of those things alone.
MORE: There were a lot of cast changes in One Chicago this year. Find out which here.
HOW DO YOU KNOW?
We get more of Isaiah this episode, and though his lashing out at Stella and Kelly feels like a setback, in many ways, it isn’t. He’s been feeling a lot of things and keeping them inside, and this hour, he finally lets them out. And yes, he’s a teenager and he’s angry and scared, so they don’t come out the right way. But at least now he’s expressing his feelings.
There’s nothing quite as scary as having all these things inside you and not knowing if you’re in a safe space to feel them, and not knowing if the people you’re with are going to be a soft place to land. We know Stella and Kelly are good people who care and who will have Isaiah’s back. He doesn’t. And he likely doesn’t have a lot of experience with being able to trust that people will be there for him.
Stella is good. No, Stella is great. But sometimes great is hard to handle for a kid who feels very close to losing his mom. Kelly is safer, has always been. And that’s an in for Isaiah into this family unit. Doesn’t mean he doesn’t want to get close to Stella; it just means he doesn’t know how to, and almost as importantly, he doesn’t want to risk it. But this episode is a step forward. Emotions are being communicated. Not always in the best way, but that’s still a step in the right direction.
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BOSS SEVERIDE
Isn’t it funny how often the people who least want responsibility turn out to be the best suited for it? Severide didn’t even want to be Captain, much less Chief. And yet, he’s the one who was left in charge by Pascal, and he’s the one rising to the occasion when Herrmann’s house is on fire, and when Violet needs someone to train as an EMT. Making the tough call. Stopping Herrman bodily when he has to. Suggesting Cap because, if Violet can train Cap, she can train anyone.
And that’s not even the only example we have of Severide being good at this responsibility thing. He’s also become a pretty good foster dad to Isaiah, and it hasn’t even been that long. Who would have thought this character would ever grow to be this? I’m sure not even him. But it is a testament to how well his character has been built, little by little, that we don’t doubt when he is comforting Stella, when he’s there for Isaiah in a way he can actually handle, or even when he’s standing outside of Herrman’s house giving orders.
Kelly Severide is no longer the reckless firefighter or the loose cannon no one can trust. He’s the steady boss, the loyal and loving husband, and yes, the great father. And almost as importantly, considering this is a TV show, he’s still a pretty interesting character, even while being all of those things.
MORE: Remember the last One Chicago crossover? Here’s our review!
Things I think I think:
- The glimpse at the Herrmann family life is just supposed to make me worry about what comes next, right?
- Stella just wanted to make him a sandwich.
- “Isaiah has a home here.” Kellyyyy.
- I also want to know what Severide as boss will be like.
- “It’s Herrmann’s house.”
- “Put us on the damn ticket, we’re going in.”
- I guess I like Severide as boss.
- Was I the only one who got hit with the feelings as soon as they saw the house and thought Herrmann’s kid could be in there?
- Herrmann had me really worried there for a second.
- You did good, Vasquez. You did good.
- But are we sure Cap can handle it?
- Kelly and Stella’s joint confused parental face was GOLDEN.
- Oh, Herrmann is feeling pre-guilt. Normal, I think.
- Every episode that has multiple Stella and Kelly conversations is a good episode.
- So glad we’re getting to see Herrmann’s family through this, and he’s not just off-screen.
- Isaiah pretending fire investigations are not super cool was cute.
- “At the end of the day, it’s just stuff” isn’t really comforting after you lose everything.
- Herrmann thanking Vasquez, my heart.
- Fine, Vasquez, you can stay or something.
- “This is not going in the report.”
- “It’s a good thing he’s got you looking out for him.” Everyone sees it!
- “You can train Cap, you can train anyone.” I see you, Kelly Severide. I see you.
- Mercy?
- Isaiah giving Stella his hat for Kenny, how many times is this episode going to make me cry?
- The riiiing. They found the ring!
Agree? Disagree? What did you think of Chicago Fire Season 14, Episode 4 ‘Mercy’? 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.
