As the flagship series of the One Chicago universe, Chicago Fire holds a special place in NBC’s lineup. The series set the foundation for its sister shows, Chicago Med and Chicago PD, and remains a fan favorite. However, even the most iconic shows have their off days, and in 2024, Chicago Fire aired an episode that became the lowest-rated of the year.
The episode in question, “Birds of Prey,” was the third installment of Season 13, airing after a dramatic premiere and an emotional second episode. The season opened with the introduction of Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) as the new Battalion Chief, and the follow-up shocked fans with the exit of Severide’s half-brother, Jack Damon (Michael Bradway). In contrast, “Birds of Prey” offered a quieter, more transitional story that failed to capture the same level of intrigue.
Why “Birds of Prey” Fell Flat
Unlike its predecessors, “Birds of Prey” didn’t focus on any major revelations or high-stakes drama. Instead, the episode aimed to advance character relationships and dynamics within Firehouse 51. However, it didn’t provide enough depth or excitement to make a lasting impact.
One of the episode’s biggest shortcomings was its lack of focus. While Dom Pascal and Lyla Novak (Jocelyn Hudon) received some screen time, their presence was more reliant on the actors’ performances than compelling writing. Other characters, who typically shine in quieter episodes, didn’t have standout moments either, leaving the story feeling flat and aimless.
The episode also struggled with pacing, as it failed to strike a balance between plot progression and character development. Viewers could easily skip “Birds of Prey” and move on to Episode 4 without missing any critical story points—a glaring issue for a series known for its high-stakes drama and emotional resonance.
Viewer Reception
“Birds of Prey” received a 7.5 rating on IMDb, making it the lowest-rated episode of Chicago Fire Season 13 so far. While this score isn’t terrible, it pales in comparison to episodes from its sister shows, Chicago Med and Chicago PD, which often maintain higher ratings and occasionally break into the 9s.
This lukewarm reception highlights the importance of balancing episodic storytelling with meaningful character arcs. While transitional episodes are necessary in long-running dramas, they still need to offer something memorable to keep audiences engaged.
What This Means for Season 13
Even the most beloved series have their missteps, and “Birds of Prey” is likely a small hiccup in an otherwise promising season. With compelling storylines already set in motion—such as Pascal’s leadership challenges and Severide’s evolving relationships—there’s plenty of potential for Chicago Fire to rebound.
For fans of the One Chicago universe, “Birds of Prey” serves as a reminder that not every episode will hit it out of the park. However, the series’ history of delivering emotional, high-stakes drama gives hope that Season 13 will quickly recover from this stumble and deliver the memorable moments that have defined Chicago Fire since its inception.
