Chicago Fire is back with an episode led by the Girls on Fire program. It's been a while since the program founded by Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) has been given shine, but "Born of Fire" puts a fresh spin on it by bringing Kidd's husband, Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney), to the mix.
The episode really gets going when 51 gets called to a scene in which a woman is trapped by a zipline. Severide does some nifty moves with the zipline and is ultimately able to save the woman. The situation gives Kidd an idea, though. Upon returning to 51, Kidd asks her husband to help her come up with new Girls on Fire drills that allow students to further their firefighting education. Severide agrees.
Stellaride also discuss the adoption plans they agreed upon last episode. Kidd informs Severide that she informed Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) about their plans, while assuring him their decision will be kept on the low down. There's also a fun moment where Kidd tells Severide that they're known as "Stellaride" around 51. It's a cute nod to the term that the One Chicago fans have coined.
Sam Carver struggles to kick his alcoholism
There's plenty of other character stuff littered throughout "Born of Fire." Sam Carver (Jake Lockett) has turned over a new leaf, and decided to attend AA meetings to kick his drinking problem. He's had a difficult season 13 thus far, and the character is still in the throes of his vices, but it's encouraging to see him take the first steps toward getting better.
The juiciest storyline in the episode, though, goes to Violet. The medic gets dragged into a situation in which her lawyer boyfriend is representing another medic charged with negligent homicide. Violet looks into the case, and determines that the medic should be cleared of all charges. That is, until she discovers who the medic is: Jared Lennox (Wesam Keesh).
Lennox worked alongside Violet in season 12, as a possible long term medic. He proved to be an absolutely nightmare on the job, though, as he repeatedly disobeyed his superior and tried to get Violet fired. Violet balked at the idea of helping Lennox, given that his shakey execution in the field is what got him fired from 51 in the first place.
Violet gets involved with Lennox's criminal charge
The Carver and Violet storylines converge in a fascinating and unexpected way. Carver attempts to stay sober while hanging out with an old friend, Lee (Spencer Treat Clark), but it's clear from the jump that Lee does not have his best interest at heart. He gets arrested and uses Carver's identity, leading to an awkward moment where Kidd comes and bails out the wrong person.
Lee, an unabashed alcoholic, also develops a disdain for Violet, claiming that she isn't good enough for his friend. He goes as far as to break into the medic's apartment. Thankfully, he's subdued before he can do any harm. Carver and Violet share a tender moment after all the chaos, and he admits to her (and her alone) that he's attending AA.
The Girls on Fire scenes, despite being front and center during the first leg of the episode, takes a backseat to the Carver and Violet storylines. Violet's initial refusal to help Lennox takes a surprising turn as well, as she discovers he was innocent in the negligent homicide and actually helps to clear his name. A happy ending to an otherwise fraught relationship. The episode ends at Molly's Pub, as firefighters commiserate and Stellaride resume their opening conversation about adoption.