Chicago Fire spoilers: What happened in season 10 episode 9?

Chicago Fire is back! Well, more or less. The beloved drama returned for its mid-season finale before taking the rest of December off. There was plenty of exciting events that went on, from a collapsed Christmas tree to a tense decision as to who will take over the role of Lieutenant in the 51.

There were also some interesting developments with secondary characters, and their relationships with one another as they adjust to larger changes at 51. Nowhere is this more evident than with Severide, who experiences quite the shock at the end of the episode.

Be warned that the rest of the post contains detailed spoilers for the latest episode of Chicago Fire!

What happened on Chicago Fire last night? (December 8th)

The episode “Winterlands” opens with some banter between the 51 members. Severide and Pelham (Brett Dalton) are discussing a past rescue that the latter managed, and its clear that the latter is acclimating well to his role as interim lieutenant.

Chief Boden (Eamonn Walker) calls Severide into his office and gives it to him straight. He says that he’s considering which person to give the lieutenant role to, and while he initially considered Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) for the job, her absence and seeming disinterest has led him to reconsider Pelham.

Severide tries to contact Kidd several times throughout the episode, but she doesn’t respond to any of his messages. He agrees to go for drinks with Wendy Seager (Andy Allo) and thanks her the offer, admitting that he’s been lonely as of late.

Other romantic entanglements pop up courtesy of Gallo (Alberto Rosende) and Violet (Hanako Greensmith). They’ve been sharing romantic tension for the bulk of season 10, and the former decides to end his relationship with Carla (Alicia Regan) because of his growing feelings for Violet.

What he doesn’t realize, however, and what he notices towards the end of the episode, is that Violet is developing a flirty dynamic with Chief Evan Hawkins (Jimmy Nicholas). Hawkins has been in the mix a lot more thanks to his support of Brett (Kara Killmer) and her push for paramedic funding.

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He calls in a few favors and brings in civilians to the hearing in which Brett is pleading her case, and it proves to be the difference maker. Violet takes notice of Hawkins and his going out of his way to support a good cause, and they continue to ramp up their chemistry.

The subplots are where most of the holiday events come into play. The team are called out to rescue the victims of a tipped-over Christmas tree and Mouche confronts some of his feelings about aging and mortality.

In the end, Chief Boden decides to give the lieutenant job to Pelham. He tells the firefighter that he’s exhibited tremendous leadership skills, and Pelham is overtaken with emotion. Just as things seem to arrive at a simple conclusion, however, Severide comes home and discovers that Kidd is back.

The expression on his face is a mix of confusion and concern. He doesn’t smile so much as he seems desperate for answers. Kidd has a similarly cryptic expression, so it’ll be intriguing to find out what the future holds for their relationship and the 51 as a whole.

For the latest Chicago Fire season 10 spoilers and news, plus more on the entire series, follow the Chicago Fire category at One Chicago Center.