As Chief Pascal grapples with grief, Ambulance 61 faces new challenges at a gym emergency.
As anticipation builds for the upcoming episode of Chicago Fire, fans are eager to see how the series will navigate the emotional fallout from recent events. The show is set to air Season 13, Episode 17, titled “A Beast Like This,” on April 2, 2025. This episode promises to delve deep into the lives of Firehouse 51’s crew as they confront both personal and professional challenges.
In the latest preview, Ambulance 61, featuring Violet (Hanako Greensmith) and Novak (Jocelyn Huddon), responds to an emergency at a local gym. The situation quickly becomes complicated when they discover a bodybuilder who has passed out, leaving them stumped in their efforts to figure out what happened. “Just can’t shake the feeling that we’re missing something,” Violet expresses, highlighting her determination to uncover the truth behind the incident.
The episode also sees Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) connecting with a troubled teen interested in the Girls on Fire program, while Cruz (Joe Minoso), Capp (Randy Flagler), and Tony (Anthony Ferraris) eagerly await the opportunity to test out Squad’s new saw. This mix of storylines promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Meanwhile, the return of Kelly’s (Taylor Kinney) half-brother, Jack Damon (Michael Bradway), to Firehouse 51 adds another layer of complexity. His arrival brings up concerns for Chief Pascal (Dermot Mulroney), who is already grappling with the recent death of his wife, Monica. Pascal’s apprehension about having family members working together in the firehouse is palpable, as he navigates the intricacies of familial ties and professional responsibilities.
As the crew deals with the aftermath of Monica’s death, the emotional weight of the situation is felt throughout Firehouse 51. In the previous episode, Season 13, Episode 16, titled “In the Rubble,” viewers witnessed Chief Pascal’s struggle to cope with his wife’s passing. The episode, which aired a couple of weeks after Monica’s tragic death, showcased Pascal’s descent into despair as he refused to accept the circumstances surrounding her fatal accident.
During “In the Rubble,” Pascal’s behavior raised eyebrows among his colleagues. He engaged in reckless stunts, something he would have previously disciplined others for, and lost his temper when he learned that no charges would be pressed against the driver responsible for Monica’s death. Severide (Taylor Kinney) quickly recognized that Pascal was likely contemplating revenge, and he warned him against taking drastic actions. “Don’t do it, Chief,” Severide cautioned, understanding the depths of Pascal’s grief.
The emotional core of the episode revolved around Pascal’s inability to cope, and viewers were drawn into his turmoil as he dragged the entire firehouse out to the scene of the accident, desperate for answers. The tension reached a breaking point when Pascal confronted the other driver, Robert Franklin, threatening him and revealing his knowledge of Franklin’s home address. This confrontation illustrated the lengths to which Pascal was willing to go to seek justice for Monica.
As the narrative unfolded, the crew of Firehouse 51 came together to support Pascal during his time of need. The final scenes of the episode showed the entire firehouse attending Monica’s funeral, reinforcing the bond among the team. Their solidarity in the face of tragedy underscored the theme of family that runs throughout Chicago Fire.
However, while the emotional depth of “In the Rubble” resonated with many viewers, some felt that the episode could have been even more impactful had it focused solely on Pascal’s story without the distraction of other subplots. The inclusion of Jack Damon’s return and his budding relationship with Novak felt tonally out of place amidst the heavy themes of grief and revenge.
As the series continues, the dynamics within Firehouse 51 will undoubtedly evolve. With Pascal’s fate hanging in the balance and the introduction of new relationships, fans are left wondering how these developments will shape the future of the show. The upcoming episode, “A Beast Like This,” promises to further explore these themes, as Violet and Novak continue their investigation while navigating the complexities of their own lives.
As viewers prepare for the next installment, the emotional stakes are higher than ever. Chicago Fire airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on NBC, and fans are eagerly awaiting the unfolding drama that lies ahead.
