The much-anticipated Chicago Fire season 13 fall finale, episode 8 (“Quicksand”), left fans with mixed feelings. Known for its jaw-dropping cliffhangers and intense emotional arcs, the NBC drama has set a high bar for its midseason finales. Unfortunately, this episode fell short, feeling more like a routine chapter than a crescendo of action or emotion. While it laid the groundwork for future storylines, it lacked the dramatic punch fans have come to expect.
Revisiting Cruz’s Past: A Slow Burn
The main storyline centered on Joe Cruz and a callback to season 1. Cruz finds bullets in his locker and car, later discovering they are connected to Junior, the cousin of Flaco, a gang leader Cruz left to die in a fire back in season 1. The plot unravels slowly, culminating in a tense confrontation in a church where Junior vows revenge.
While it’s intriguing to see the writers pull from early series history, the tension never fully ignites. Joe Minoso delivers a heartfelt performance, and Jeff Lima’s return as Leon Cruz adds depth, but the episode’s slow pacing diminishes the impact. It feels like a setup for something greater in episode 9 rather than a self-contained dramatic arc.
The Absence of Severide: A Void Too Big to Ignore
A glaring flaw in the fall finale was the absence of Taylor Kinney’s Kelly Severide. While the show provided a brief excuse—Severide is away in Michigan for a fire investigation—the explanation felt recycled, echoing his absence in season 11.
As one of the show’s foundational characters, Severide’s presence has consistently elevated high-stakes episodes. His recent storyline involving the takedown of a corrupt cop could have easily tied into the finale, but his unexplained absence left a noticeable void. Without him, the episode lacked the gravitas and unpredictability that often define Chicago Fire finales.
Novak’s Mysterious Past
The subplot involving Lizzie Novak teased a tragic backstory but left much to the imagination. Novak’s reaction to a suicide call hinted at personal trauma, further explored when she visited her childhood home. The cryptic exchange with the current homeowner implied a dark family history, but the lack of details left viewers disconnected from her emotional journey.
While Jocelyn Hudon’s performance brought nuance to Novak’s character, the vague storytelling undercut the impact. The subplot felt like a missed opportunity to delve into Novak’s struggles and explore her dynamic with Firehouse 51.
Lighter Subplots Add Little Weight
Other storylines in the episode included Mouch and Herrmann finally taking their promotion exams, Carver adopting an injured man’s loyal dog, and hints of trouble in Chief Pascal’s past. These elements were charming and added texture to the episode but didn’t carry enough weight for a fall finale.
Carver’s budding bond with the dog and Violet Mikami’s realization that Carver is single again hinted at potential future developments. However, these threads felt more like stepping stones than pivotal moments.
A Fall Finale That Misses the Mark
“Quicksand” lacked the drama, intensity, and payoff expected from a midseason finale. While it planted seeds for future episodes, it didn’t deliver the climactic moments that make finales memorable. The absence of Severide, combined with slow-paced subplots, left fans yearning for the high stakes and emotional depth that have defined Chicago Fire’s most iconic episodes.
As the show gears up for its winter premiere on January 8, 2025, viewers can only hope that these storylines gain momentum and deliver the payoff that this finale failed to provide.
