In Chicago Fire season 13, episode 14, “Bar Time,” several major storylines unfold as Firehouse 51’s crew faces a challenging shift. With Chief Pascal away, Captain Christopher Herrmann steps in to take command, while Carver deals with deep personal struggles. His situation worsens after his friend-turned-stalker ambushes Violet Mikami, adding tension to an already difficult day. Meanwhile, Joe Cruz finds himself unable to leave the station, repeatedly being called back to duty, making it clear that his commitment to the team is unwavering.
However, the episode also finally provides an answer to a lingering question about Firehouse 51’s beloved hangout spot, Molly’s. For years, fans have wondered how the bar continues to operate when Herrmann and Kidd are on shift, given that they are the usual bartenders. In “Bar Time,” this is resolved when the team at Ambo 61 responds to an emergency at Molly’s and we see other staff members keeping the bar running. Although it’s a little strange to see new faces in such a familiar setting, it makes sense that business carries on, even without Herrmann or Kidd behind the counter.
The episode takes an intriguing turn when Violet Mikami and Lyla Novak arrive at Molly’s, only to encounter a familiar face—Jack Damon. He’s revealed to be Benny Severide’s secret son and Kelly Severide’s brother. After being fired from Firehouse 51, Jack finds his way back into the Chicago Fire Department, albeit with a different team. He plays a pivotal role in the episode when he calls 911 after a woman collapses at the bar, which initially raises concerns about the bar’s safety, but thankfully, it’s unrelated to the drinks being served.
Molly’s holds a special place in the show, not only as a regular hangout for the Firehouse 51 crew but also as a backdrop for deeper character connections. It’s more than just a setting; it’s integral to the storytelling, offering a space where the personal lives of the characters come to the forefront. As Firehouse 51’s go-to spot, Molly’s has been a place where characters like Severide, Casey, and Boden have bonded outside of their intense work lives, and it continues to serve as a place for reflection and connection.
Beyond that, Molly’s also represents a potential future for Herrmann. As Captain of Firehouse 51, his career is evolving, but his retirement seems to be on the horizon. If he does choose to retire, Molly’s would be the perfect place for him to stay connected with his old team, especially since he seems less and less enthusiastic about his new responsibilities.
The episode also highlights a missed opportunity for more crossovers between the One Chicago franchises. While the recent 2025 crossover event reminded fans of how the various shows could intersect, it also underscored how rare it is for characters from Chicago Med or Chicago PD to interact with Firehouse 51 at Molly’s. It would be refreshing to see more of this crossover interaction, as it would give fans a glimpse into the relationships between characters from different teams, enriching the overall One Chicago experience.
