Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 4, “Through the Skin” isn’t the most action-packed episode, but it could prove to be a pivotal one for the show going forward. The episode focuses heavily on Violet Mikami, as she’s the latest character to be threatened with firing, and Hanako Greensmith is terrific throughout her storyline. But more importantly, the script changes the viewer’s perspective on two characters who are more troubling than anything else.
“Through the Skin” is so named because Violet decides to perform an emergency C-section when she realizes that a recently deceased woman is pregnant. Although she saves the baby, the illegal procedure puts her medical license in jeopardy. And surprisingly, the NBC series returns to the story of Jack Damon… and handles him better than it has in the entire season. That may or may not affect the plot, but it will make viewers want to watch again.
Violet Mikami’s development on Chicago Fire has been one of the show’s most impressive storylines. When she was first introduced, she was a guest star whose sole purpose was to antagonize Blake Gallo. But after Gianna Mackey’s untimely departure, the writers had the smart idea to bring Violet back in a more fully developed role. It’s been fun to see her transition from Gallo’s ex to the paramedic in charge at Firehouse 51, especially as Hanako Greensmith gets to show more and more of what she can do. “Through the Skin” is one of her best episodes.
Greensmith’s performance has brought the typical Chicago Fire storyline to life. Violet isn’t the first character to risk her job to do the right thing; many members of the fire department have faced suspension or dismissal for various reasons over the years. But the specifics of the plot are largely irrelevant, as they serve as catalysts for Violet’s emotional journey. Facing the loss of her license — and therefore her career — threatens her entire identity. Add to that a silly question posed by Sam Carver’s girlfriend Tori, who had just clashed with Violet in Season 13, Episode 3, “All Kinds of Crazy,” and Violet has a well-deserved outburst. The scene where she finally explodes is so well done, because Greensmith conveys not just Violet’s anger but also her grief.
Chief Robinson: Morally, morally, you did the right thing in my book, Mikami.
There’s a reference to the death of Violet’s boyfriend Evan Hawkins that still tugs at my heartstrings, two seasons later. (The return of Laura Allen as Chief Robinson to replace Hawkins only added to the Hawkins nostalgia.) It also highlights what Violet has been going through in general. Aside from the licensing situation, she’s less than a season removed from losing her partner and friend Sylvie Brett, has been promoted to replace Brett, has adjusted to her current partner Lizzie Novak, and has a “will they, won’t they, can they do this now” thing going on with Carver. Violet and Carver agree to be friends, but it’s bittersweet because fans know that what Violet says isn’t what she means, and it seems like Carver doesn’t either. This episode is the culmination of Violet’s recent experiences, and it plays out beautifully, even if it does have a bit of an easy save, courtesy of Dom Pascal.
“Through the Skin” is also a big step forward for new Chief Dom Pascal. The character has certainly proven that he is no Wallace Boden with the way he has handled his team since his arrival, but what the show hasn’t established is why he belongs at Firehouse 51. That seemed to change when he kicked Jack Damon out of the building, but this episode undermines that by creating tension between him and Stella Kidd over finding a replacement. Pascal doesn’t fully change until he steps in to defend Violet, even though it means putting himself down. Pascal learns that his old acquaintance Vale is friends with a city official, so he goes to Vale’s office and asks his nemesis to have the city official plead for Violet. The city official’s vow to make a public scene of the case prompts the state medical board to reinstate Violet’s license. This storyline is certainly a quick and easy way to resolve Violet’s dilemma, but it’s also a great way to take the show’s least interesting storyline and make it make sense. In Season 13, Episode 2, “Ride the Blade,” Pascal punches Vale because he seems interested in Pascal’s wife, Monica. The whole Monica storyline is weird and over-the-top, and it stands out more because it’s the only character development the new sheriff gets. But now that attack is relevant, because it makes the q
