In the latest episode of Chicago Fire, titled “Born of Fire,” the spotlight shines once again on the Girls on Fire
program, founded by Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo). It’s been a while since this initiative has been prominently
featured, but the episode breathes new life into it by involving Kidd’s husband, Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney). This
unique twist not only reignites the program’s relevance but also deepens the personal connections between the characters.
The action kicks off when Firehouse 51 receives a distress call regarding a woman trapped by a zipline. Severide showcases his impressive technical skills, skillfully maneuvering to rescue the woman. This incident inspires Kidd to approach her husband about creating new drills for the Girls on Fire program, aimed at enhancing the students’ firefighting education. Severide is on board with the plan, showcasing his support for Kidd’s passion and the initiative.
Amidst these developments, Stellaride has a heartfelt discussion about their adoption plans, which they previously agreed upon. Kidd mentions that she has confided in Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) about their intentions. This moment of transparency highlights the trust and partnership between the couple, while Kidd humorously points out that they are affectionately referred to as “Stellaride” around the firehouse, much to Severide’s amusement.
Parallel to these personal storylines, Sam Carver (Jake Lockett) struggles with his battle against alcoholism. The episode finds Carver determined to turn over a new leaf and attend Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings as a means to confront his drinking problem. It’s a significant step for Carver, reflecting the character’s growth amid a challenging season and showing a glimmer of hope for his recovery journey.
Violet finds herself entangled in a more complex narrative involving her lawyer boyfriend, who is representing a fellow medic accused of negligent homicide. While initially inclined to support the case, she discovers that the medic in question is Jared Lennox (Wesam Keesh), a character from season 12 who previously caused her considerable strife at work. Given Lennox’s troubled history and unprofessional behavior, Violet grapples with the ethical implications of her involvement.
As the episode unfolds, Carver’s storyline intertwines with Violet’s in an unexpected way. He tries to remain sober while reconnecting with an old friend, Lee (Spencer Treat Clark), whose intentions quickly become suspect. Lee’s influence proves detrimental; he leads Carver into trouble, resulting in his arrest for using Carver’s identity. This situation ultimately culminates in a mix-up when Kidd bails out the wrong person, showcasing the chaos that ensues from Carver’s attempts at recovery.
Lee’s character further complicates matters when he develops a disdain for Violet, deeming her unworthy of Carver’s friendship. In a tense moment, he even breaks into her apartment, but thankfully, he’s subdued before he can inflict any harm. The situation escalates into an emotional climax where Carver and Violet connect, and he reveals to her his commitment to attending AA, solidifying their growing bond amid the tumult.
In a satisfying resolution, Violet decides to aid Lennox, ultimately helping to clear his name after discovering he was actually innocent of the charges against him. This unexpected turn not only brings closure to her fraught history with Lennox but also reinforces the idea of redemption. The episode concludes at Molly’s Pub, where the firefighters gather to unwind and share in camaraderie, while Stellaride revisits their conversation about adoption, leaving viewers with a sense of hope and connection.