The Chicago Fire season 13 fall finale was not what fans were hoping for. While cliffhangers are a staple of the series, this episode left viewers with more frustration than anticipation. Packed with disjointed subplots and unresolved arcs, the episode felt like a filler that missed the mark of delivering the impactful moments fans have come to expect from the show’s finales.
Spoilers ahead for Chicago Fire season 13, episode 8, “Quicksand.”
A Jumbled Puzzle Without a Clear Picture
The fall finale introduced several new developments but failed to provide closure for many ongoing storylines. Instead of tying up loose ends, the episode added more questions to an already complex season, leaving fans dissatisfied. Though it sets the stage for drama when the show returns in 2025, the lack of resolution left many viewers feeling underwhelmed.
Novak’s Tragic Past
A standout moment in the finale was Novak’s visceral reaction to a call involving a hanging victim, hinting at a personal connection to suicide. Later, Novak revisits her childhood home, where an encounter with the current homeowner suggests something tragic happened there. The cryptic interaction pointed to a dark family history, possibly involving a parent’s suicide, but left viewers grasping for details.
Herrmann and Mouch’s Career Ambitions
The finale teased Herrmann and Mouch’s attempts to climb the ranks within the Chicago Fire Department by taking their officer exams. However, the results of their tests were not revealed, leaving a major question unanswered. With Herrmann eyeing the position of Chief, this storyline could significantly impact Firehouse 51, especially as Chief Pascal shows no signs of stepping down.
Pascal’s Mysterious Backstory
Speaking of Chief Pascal, his enigmatic past continues to be a source of intrigue. The finale hinted at trouble brewing, with Pascal’s wife seeking a gun for protection. While these moments suggest a dangerous event forced Pascal and his family to leave Florida, the show frustratingly withheld any concrete details, stretching the mystery even further.
Violet and Carver’s Unresolved Tension
Carver’s breakup with Tori became public knowledge in the finale, sparking an emotional reaction from Violet. While this development suggests the potential for reconciliation between the two, it feels like yet another subplot left in limbo. Violet’s concern for Novak’s emotional turmoil adds complexity to her arc, but viewers will have to wait to see how it unfolds.
Cruz Faces a Blast from the Past
In a surprising twist, Cruz’s storyline took a darker turn when he discovered bullets left in his locker and on his car. These ominous warnings lead to the reappearance of Flaco’s cousin, a figure from Cruz’s troubled past. The episode ends with a direct confrontation, as the man vows to seek justice for Flaco’s death in a season 1 fire. While this subplot adds tension, its sudden introduction feels misplaced and unnecessary amidst the already crowded narrative.
What’s Next for Chicago Fire?
The Chicago Fire season 13 fall finale tried to set up multiple storylines for the winter premiere but stumbled in execution. From Novak’s haunting past to Cruz’s unexpected threats, the episode introduced compelling elements without offering much payoff. Fans are left with high hopes that the show’s return in 2025 will bring clarity and resolution to these lingering mysteries.
