“The Wrong Guy” tries to juggle five plotlines but ends up dropping the ball.
After more than a decade on the air, Chicago Fire has earned its place as a Wednesday night staple, blending high-stakes rescues with heartfelt drama and humor. But even a well-oiled machine like Firehouse 51 can stall — and that’s exactly what happens in Season 12, Episode 10, titled “The Wrong Guy.”
It’s not a terrible episode. But it is a confused, overcrowded, and ultimately forgettable one, made up of fragments that never quite click. If you’re looking for character development, emotional payoff, or even a meaningful arc, this episode struggles to deliver.
🔄 Five Plotlines, Zero Focus
In a puzzling move, The Wrong Guy attempts to juggle five separate storylines — a challenge even for the most seasoned procedural. Among them:
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Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) steps in as acting supervisor.
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Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) grapples with pressure over her Girls on Fire program.
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Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso) faces a personal threat tied to his adopted son, Javi.
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Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) fights to keep her partner.
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Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg) goes to war with his daughter’s new smartphone.
Throw in the introduction of a mysterious new firefighter — Jack Damon (Michael Bradway) — and the absences of Mouch (Christian Stolte) and Boden (Eamonn Walker), and it’s no surprise the episode feels disjointed.
Even by Chicago Fire standards, where ensemble storytelling is a norm, this outing feels more scattered than serialized.
🕵️♂️ Jack Damon: Déjà Vu in Disguise
Jack Damon arrives with all the makings of a promising new addition — but his arc quickly feels recycled. His charm masks ulterior motives, and a late reveal hints that he’s hiding something big. Sound familiar? That’s because we’ve already seen it with Emma Jacobs, Hope Jacquinot, and most recently, Jared Lennox.
While the show could surprise us with a twist, so far Damon’s storyline appears headed down a well-worn path. It’s not just predictable — it’s uninspired.
The best part? The return of Katelynn Shennett as Kylie Estevez, stepping in for Mouch and bringing a welcome spark of energy.
🧸 Cruz Deserves Better
Joe Minoso finally gets a dramatic spotlight — and he nails it. Cruz is thrown off when someone claiming to be Javi’s uncle resurfaces, raising concerns over custody. The tension peaks when it’s revealed the man is a scam artist, extorting Cruz for $50,000.
The plot allows Minoso to show his emotional range and reinforce Cruz’s unshakable love for Javi. Unfortunately, it doesn’t do much beyond that. The story resolves quickly and doesn’t impact the larger narrative — a missed opportunity for deeper character growth.
Still, the father-son bond remains touching and genuine, even if the storyline feels more like a detour than a destination.
🩺 Violet and Novak: A Flat Dynamic
Violet’s subplot, centered on her efforts to retain her new partner Novak, falls flat. The chemistry is lukewarm, and Novak’s lack of interest makes Violet’s persistence feel awkward rather than endearing. Her reasoning — that Novak has “skills” and isn’t a “shill for Chief Robinson” — isn’t exactly a glowing endorsement.
It’s a subplot that goes nowhere fast, failing to add much to either character’s arc.
😂 Herrmann and Ritter: A Saving Grace
The lone bright spot? Christopher Herrmann’s accidental obsession with phone-tracking his kids. David Eigenberg and Daniel Kyri deliver comedic gold, grounded in character and heart.
Herrmann’s over-the-top reaction to his new tech “powers” is classic dad humor, while Ritter plays the perfect straight man. Their scenes are silly, yes — but they’re authentic, and they actually feel like they belong in the world of Firehouse 51.
It’s also a subtle reminder that Eigenberg is one of the series’ most reliable assets. Whether it’s drama or laughs, he delivers with nuance and warmth.
📉 Final Verdict: An Episode in Search of a Purpose
With too many characters, half-developed plots, and a new mystery that feels recycled, “The Wrong Guy” never quite finds its footing. It’s a rare miss for Chicago Fire — not because it’s bad, but because it feels like it doesn’t know what it wants to be.
For longtime fans, it’s worth watching for Herrmann’s hijinks and Cruz’s emotional moments. But once the credits roll, don’t be surprised if you’re left wondering: what was the point?
Rating: 2.5 out of 5
✔️ Best Moment: Herrmann and Ritter’s comedic pairing
❌ Biggest Letdown: Jack Damon’s predictable secret
💭 Takeaway: Less is more — especially when your cast is already bursting at the seams
