Spoilers Ahead
“There’s such a thing as having too much empathy. You leave nothing for yourself.”
Case Summary: When an entire family is brutally murdered, their youngest daughter and the only survivor has seen who’s done it. The only problem is, she’s heavily traumatized and disoriented leaving it up to Dr. Charles, Lindsay, and Halstead to find ways to get through to her. And after the events from last week, Roman can no longer return to patrol.
Review | Analysis: “She’s Got Us” was an exceptional episode showcasing why this show is so special. It was great to be reminded of why we chose to review this show in the first place taking us back to elements that were found in the very first season. As one of the most thematically powerful episodes all season, “She’s Got Us” exhibited character growth beautifully showcasing just how vital it is to keep a balance between empathy/self-care, love/partnership, and work/fun.
“She’s Got Us” was a prime paradigm of Chicago P.D. at its strongest — cases that are intriguing and character development that’s seemingly effortless. For instance, I loved the fact that Erin apologized to Dr. Charles only to have him respond that “she was just doing her job.” These are the kind of little moments that not only showcase honorable characteristics, but they have the power to make us question our own lives. Often times when we know how to do one job and another knows a different one, it’s easy to clash. But there’s always a resolution and it starts with the choice to rise above.
It was lovely of this moment to reveal that where there’s understanding and civil discussions, agreements can be made, and growth can take its proper course. Sure, Erin couldn’t understand why they needed to sedate Polly again, but Dr. Charles also didn’t see that she was close to getting through to her; however, the reality is, in that state, Polly was clearly still disoriented. And that’s why it was great to include a follow-up conversation that would showcase neither party is being arrogant with their expertise, but rather where a mistake has been made, an apology should be given. Erin’s a remarkable character, but she’s human, and much like the rest of us, she makes mistakes. At times, she can allow her empathy to take her to a place that’s probably unhealthy, but when the moment is right, and she isn’t as stirred up, she can make the decisions that reveal how strong she is. And strength isn’t just physical capabilities, but rather vulnerability and honesty — the courage to admit when we’re right or wrong.
Additionally, this plays a role in the choice we’ve made for the “Most Exquisite Scene” segment because it accurately depicts the fact that while empathy is phenomenal, at times it can be unhealthy. If we don’t take care of ourselves, we won’t be able to take proper care of others. Honoring the theme presented within “She’s Got Us”, it ultimately comes down to keeping a balance, and if there’s any couple on this series that’s done so beautifully, it’s Jay and Erin.
Most Exquisite Moment: There are a number of procedurals on air right now, but if there’s nothing uniquely profound grounding the series, then it becomes noticeably average. But at its best Chicago P.D. is filled with outstanding dynamics that illuminate the fact that the strongest partnerships always inspire one another to be his/her best self.
That said, it’s no surprise that Halstead and Lindsay’s partnership has been a fan favorite since the beginning. (Right?) And tonight’s episode was a prime example of why. Jay and Erin are both incredibly compassionate people, but the reason we have a partner in life isn’t that we aren’t complete on our own, but rather, we need someone who knows us best to remind us of what our strongest self looks like. That said, it was sweet to see Jay take care of Erin by bringing her a change of clothes and food, but perhaps the most beautiful was the way he emotionally carried her through her. His choice to remind her of the fact that too much empathy can be a bad thing was precisely what she needed at that moment. It’s funny because when something resonates deeply with them, they both have a tendency to get lost in the case. They both have a tendency to be over-empathetic, and thus, such moments are when they need one another most. As human beings, it’s easier to see that another might be in need of help thereby, when it’s our turn to take care of ourselves, it’s easy to be blind.
Essentially, the key to anything is balance. There’s even such a thing as too much of a good thing, and when we reach that point when it becomes difficult to distinguish, it’s lovely to have someone by our side to remind us. And that’s what real love is at its strongest — a balanced relationship that’s able to effortlessly bring out the best in both partners. When a case shakes them to their core, they’re both susceptible to losing themselves, and in the same way that Erin was there for Jay in “Forty-Caliber Bread Crumb,” Jay was there for her in “She’s Got Us.” On a completely off note, it was great to watch them bring back the ridiculous banter that’s made them extraordinary.
Jesse Lee Soffer and Sophia Bush know how to say a thousand words with one look, and it’s that type of non-verbal communication that’s often substantiated how intertwined the two actually are. Soffer was able to project palpable concern cobbled delicately with an understanding only Bush could respond to. And because Erin understands exactly what Jay means and how worried he is, she needed to prove that she was fine — she’ll rest when she truly feels she needs it. Bush made sure Jay understood that Erin’s not only grateful, but she hears him. And for the moment that was enough — letting him take care of her in all the little ways he could was enough. While his concerns for her throughout the episode were gorgeous to watch, it’s fundamentally, this little moment that reveals how well they’re able to work as partners (on and off the field) ultimately, staying true to the promise they’d made to always have each other’s backs.
Most Noteworthy Performance: It is truly so rare for a guest star’s performance to completely floor me, and it’s especially rare if they’re 12 years old. I knew Kylie Anne Rogers was a gifted little one because of Miracles from Heaven, but I was stunned by the paralyzing, raw trauma she manifested in “She’s Got Us.” Fundamentally, Rogers’ ability to hold her own with such gifted older actors deserves praise on its own. Honestly though, why am I even surprised? She was a class act in the film opposite Golden Globe winner Jennifer Garner. Rogers exhibited a full range of emotions I was never expecting, and thus, managing to make this week’s case the most heart-wrenching we’ve had in a while. When Polly was subtly breaking down inside the house, Rogers wore palpable grief in her eyes managing to project a kind of visceral pain not many can do. The thing is, it’d be easy for us to feel pain no matter who the actress was, a child in any sort of pain is effortlessly heart-shattering, but Rogers has done a type of work that’s truly fantastic — she’s convincingly embodied the character and delivered raw emotions that some adult actors have yet to master. When she cried in front of Erin towards the end, you saw the pain in her eyes, you heard the heartache and uncertainties of how to move forward in her voice, but most importantly, you felt for her. There’s without a single doubt an Oscar/Emmy in this little girl’s future.
Worth Mentioning:
- While I’m genuinely sad to see Roman go (Brian Geraghty is great, y’all), I’m a bit revealed. Or at least I would rather keep him, but have the relationship between him and Burgess end. In an episode that was meant to showcase the importance of balance in all areas of our lives, the relationship between Kim and Roman is more like a disheveled roller coaster. I’m honestly not sure if I’m supposed to take the “I love you. Probably” seriously. They’ve legitimately been dating for a minute and “I love you” exchanged? I mean, I can understand people move quickly, but this was too quick and frankly, it didn’t feel authentic. I genuinely hate to say this but it’s laugh worthy, and that breaks my heart because they’re both characters I individually care for. Jay and Erin have been dating longer and those words still haven’t been exchanged between them. There’s absolutely no reason to even compare the two relationships as they’re completely different, but when we’re presented with one couple consistently showcasing impeccable teamwork, it’s hard not to be disappointed in the fact that their relationship essentially ruined the partnership they had established long before.
- Erin’s great at empathizing with victims and reminding them of the fact that things will genuinely get better. And what she said to Polly at the end of the episode may just be one of the strongest statements to date. “Have you ever met a person and just known that you didn’t have to worry about them … like no matter where they go, everything’s going to be okay.” It’s safe to assume that we’ve all known someone like that. A person who’s bound to make the best of life because their spirit in all its kind, effervescent beauty is a conqueror. And though we knew her for a brief episode, it’s clear Polly is a conqueror.
What are your thoughts on this week’s episode? As we’ve said in the past, we’re more than happy to respond to all sorts of thoughts and opinions — even if the differ from our own. We only ask that we can discuss them as adults because unnecessary hate and negativity isn’t fun. However, we can’t discuss these things on other social media networks, thereby, if there’s anything you’d like to talk about or have us cover, let us know in the comments below. Thank you.