A Day Off Turns Into an Emergency
In Chicago Fire’s powerful fall finale, “Pierce the Vein,” fans finally got a deeper look into the private world of paramedic Lizzy Novak (Jocelyn Hudon)—and what they found was raw, messy, and heartbreakingly real. Lizzy’s plans for a quiet day binging Botched were thrown into chaos when she got an emergency call from Chicago Med: her estranged sister Heidi Novak had been hospitalized.
Lizzy arrived in sweats and full panic mode, fearing the worst. Although the cause turned out to be accidental—a sleeping pill mixed with grapefruit juice—it was enough to reopen wounds that hadn’t fully healed since their family tragedy.
Heidi Novak’s Debut Brings Drama and Dread
Heidi Novak, played by breakout star Tatiana “Tatchi” Ringsby, made an unforgettable first appearance. What began as a medical scare quickly unraveled into a brutally honest emotional reunion between the two sisters. Lizzy questioned Heidi’s version of events, and Heidi’s defensiveness revealed deep-seated resentment.
“I’m not Mom, OK?” Heidi snapped—stopping Lizzy in her tracks and igniting memories of their shared trauma. Their confrontation in the car was filled with blame, silence, and references to a long-absent brother named Will, hinting at a family torn apart by suicide and emotional neglect.
Novak’s Quiet Confession at Molly’s
Later that night, Novak opened up to Violet (Hanako Greensmith) at Molly’s, revealing the heavy burden she carried after their mother’s death. Lizzy stepped into the role of caretaker without hesitation—but never asked if that’s what her siblings needed. Instead of bringing them closer, it drove them apart.
“I just kind of did it,” Novak admitted. “It never really occurred to me to ask what anyone else wanted.” The line struck a chord—not just with Violet, but with viewers watching a complex, unspoken grief finally spill out.
A Peace Offering With Schnapps and Memories
Moved by the conversation, Novak made a choice. She showed up at Heidi’s doorstep—this time not as the big sister trying to fix everything, but just as a sister. Holding a bottle of Peach Schnapps, a nod to a childhood punishment they both remembered, Lizzy offered an olive branch.
Heidi answered the door. Lizzy smiled. “I brought a peace offering.”
Heidi paused, then let her in.
Can their fractured bond survive the past—or is this just the beginning of a deeper healing arc for the Novak family?
