Carver looks after a dog in Chicago Fire season 13, episode 8 (Preview)

Fall finales are big. We know from the past that Chicago Fire delivers some major cliffhangers, and we’re expecting that in Chicago Fire season 13, episode 8.

The new episode is going to focus a little on Cruz’s past, a major call that leads to Carver getting a dog, and some exams. We’re not ready for the extended break, but we’re sure to go in with a bang.

Cruz gets a visit from the past in Chicago Fire season 13, episode 8

Let’s start with something on the lighter side of things. Carver ends up looking after a dog that belongs to a severely injured victim. This is sure to end up leading to some lessons about compassion and love. We know that dogs are the master of unconditional love, and Carver is sure to see that as this dog pines for his human—yes, human and not owner!

Tori is gone and things with Violet are still icy. Carver isn’t dealing very well with all of that, but could having this companionship help with him figuring out his feelings. He’s a man who doesn’t like being alone, and maybe having a dog could help.

Meanwhile, Cruz will end up with a blast from the past. He finds a round in his locker, which means someone has snuck into the firehouse and planted it. Why? I can only guess that this is gang related.

We just have to remember that Cruz helped his brother get out of the gang life seasons ago. When I chatted to showrunner Andrew Newman about the season, things about Cruz’s brother came up, and there were hints that something about that past would come up in Chicago Fire season 13. It looks like it’s happening.

We’ll also get to see Mouch and Herrmann take their exams. They are both ready to move up the ranks in the firehouse, but what does that mean for other positions? To stay with Firehouse 51, Mouch needs Herrmann to move up from the Engine lieutenant. Herrmann will become captain first and then will need to take the chief exam to take that spot at Firehouse 51.

Check out the promo and synopsis for Chicago Fire season 13, episode 8:

"Herrmann and Mouch prepare to take their officer exams; Cruz receives a chilling omen; Carver takes care of a dog after its owner is injured on a call."

Look at the images from Chicago Fire season 13, episode 8

There is an adorable photo of Carver with the patient’s dog in the photos from the episode. It looks like this comes from the big call with Violent and Novak. I am curious about why Novak is getting advice from Pascal about running into the danger. The pup will also come to the firehouse, and it's going to be great to see that. Tuesday is definitely missed, and it will be nice to have another Firehouse 51 dog.

There are also some images of Cruz getting the bullet in his things at the firehouse. This is sure to be a bigger storyline, and it is sure to have the rest of the firehouse on edge. Can Severide do anything to help his guy?

Chicago Fire airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC. Catch up the following day on Peacock.