Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 7, titled “Untouchable,” turned up the tension as Chief Monica Pascal (KaDee Strickland) and Lieutenant Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) faced off against a corrupt State Police Captain named Bishop. What started as a risky investigation escalated into a dangerous game with high stakes, putting Pascal and Severide’s loved ones directly in harm’s way.
A Dirty Cop and a Deadly Game
The trouble began in Episode 6, “Birds of Prey,” when Chief Pascal uncovered evidence of corruption involving Captain Bishop. Initially, Pascal attempted to handle the situation alone, but Severide soon caught on and demanded to be included in the investigation. By Episode 7, the two had joined forces, revisiting the scene of a suspicious fire and coordinating with law enforcement to take down Bishop. However, Bishop quickly realized what was happening and decided to strike back by targeting the people Severide and Pascal care about most: their wives.
The Threats Hit Home
Bishop wasted no time sending veiled threats to both Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and Monica Pascal. In a chilling scene, Bishop shows up at a location where he knew Stella would be, making it clear that she was on his radar. Meanwhile, a subtle but alarming message arrives at Pascal’s home, which her wife, Monica, receives. Although the exact details remain vague, Monica’s reaction — “This is Miami all over again” — hints at a dark history that we’re only beginning to uncover.
Chief Pascal’s panic is palpable as he urges Monica to stay with her sister, fearing for her safety. The mention of a past incident in Miami suggests a traumatic event that shaped Pascal’s resolve to protect his family at any cost.
A Risky Move Pays Off
In a surprising twist, Bishop’s own house catches fire later in the episode. Severide takes advantage of the chaos to gather the evidence needed to expose Bishop’s crimes. During a quiet moment afterward, Pascal and Severide share cigars, reminiscent of the camaraderie once shared between Severide and Matt Casey. Pascal cryptically suggests he may have had a hand in the blaze that helped seal Bishop’s fate, telling Severide, “All that matters is he won’t be messing with our family again.” For now, Monica and Stella are safe, and Bishop is behind bars.
Is This Really the End of Bishop?
While it seems like Pascal and Severide have come out on top, there’s a sense that this victory was too easy. Bishop is not a minor antagonist who would simply disappear without a fight. If he manages to get out of jail, he could be a significant threat, and his next move would likely be even more dangerous. He already knows how to strike where it hurts most — their families.
The New Chief: A Different Kind of Leader
Chief Monica Pascal’s actions raise questions about her leadership style and morality. Unlike her predecessor, Wallace Boden, who was known for his unwavering integrity, Pascal appears willing to bend or even break the rules if it means protecting her own. Severide, too, seemed caught off guard by Pascal’s methods, suggesting he might not have made the same choice unless pushed to the limit.
Pascal’s willingness to operate in the gray area introduces a compelling new dynamic to Firehouse 51. Is she simply doing whatever it takes to protect her family, or is there a darker side to her past that we haven’t yet seen? Her actions suggest that she may not always have a “good reason,” and the reference to Miami implies that there’s more to her story than she’s letting on.
What’s Next for Pascal and Severide?
As the episode wraps up, the camaraderie between Pascal and Severide is undeniable, but so are the unanswered questions. Can a chief who’s willing to play by her own rules truly fit in at Firehouse 51, or will her methods eventually lead to conflict? And what exactly happened in Miami that has Monica so on edge?
With Bishop temporarily out of the picture, it’s only a matter of time before we find out if the cost of their choices will come back to haunt them.
