Chicago Fire has had an eventful Season 13, marked by significant changes like the introduction of Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) and the departure of Jack Damon (Michael Bradway). While the season started with mixed reviews, it has seen steady improvement, as evidenced by rising IMDb scores. The season’s early episodes were among its lowest-rated, but one installment has emerged as a fan favorite: Episode 8, titled “Through the Skin.”
Scoring an impressive 8.1 on IMDb, “Through the Skin” is the only episode of Season 13 to break into the 8+ rating so far, and it’s easy to see why. With its return to ensemble storytelling and emotionally charged moments, the episode delivered a balance of action, humor, and heartfelt drama, reminding fans why they love Chicago Fire.
A High-Stakes Decision for Violet Mikami
One of the most gripping storylines in “Through the Skin” centers on Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith), who faces an intense moral and professional dilemma. When confronted with an unconscious pregnant woman, Violet performs an emergency C-section under unconventional circumstances, risking her career in the process.
The decision places her under scrutiny from her superiors, but ultimately, her bold move saves lives. This storyline not only highlights Violet’s unwavering dedication to her job but also provides one of the season’s most suspenseful and rewarding arcs. Fans praised the emotional weight of her decision and Greensmith’s compelling performance.
Comedy and Camaraderie: The Search for Cruz’s Son’s Bike
While Violet’s storyline is intense and emotionally charged, the episode also delivers levity through a subplot featuring Mouch (Christian Stolte), Cap (Randy Flagler), and Cruz (Joe Minoso). The trio embarks on a mission to find Cruz’s son’s stolen bike, bringing humor and heart to the episode.
This lighthearted storyline showcases the strong bonds within Firehouse 51 and provides a welcome comedic counterpoint to the heavier moments. The mix of drama and humor is a hallmark of Chicago Fire, and this subplot struck the perfect balance, giving fans a breather from the high-stakes action.
Severide Faces Family Tensions
Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney), a consistent anchor for the series, continues to grapple with the fallout of his half-brother Damon’s actions. Damon’s departure from Firehouse 51 has left Severide dealing with feelings of betrayal, as his sibling disobeyed a direct order before leaving.
While Severide’s role in “Through the Skin” is more subdued, his presence looms large, adding depth to the episode. Fans appreciated the nuanced portrayal of Severide’s struggle with loyalty and leadership, further solidifying his role as a cornerstone of the show.
A Return to Ensemble Excellence
One of the key reasons “Through the Skin” resonated with fans is its ensemble approach. The episode masterfully weaves together multiple storylines, giving each character their moment to shine. From Violet’s life-or-death decision to the comedic camaraderie of Mouch, Cap, and Cruz, and Severide’s simmering family tensions, the episode captures the diverse dynamics that make Chicago Fire so engaging.
This balance of subplots and tones is a reminder of the show’s strength when it embraces its full cast. It’s a formula that fans hope to see more of as the season progresses.
Looking Ahead
“Through the Skin” has set the bar high for Season 13, proving that Chicago Fire still has the power to deliver standout episodes after more than a decade on the air. Fans are eager to see whether the writers can maintain this momentum and continue crafting stories that blend action, heart, and humor.
As Chicago Fire moves forward, episodes like this one serve as a blueprint for success, demonstrating the value of ensemble storytelling and character-driven drama.
