Chicago Fire “Last Chance” Spoilers Ahead
Chicago Fire‘s penultimate episode of the season is a frustrating hour where drama is concerned, but its result leads to the kind of moment that will make next week’s season finale a game-changer. Where there’s high tension with our couples, at least we can count on Mouch to provide necessary entertainment, even if that equates to a Sherlock Holmes-type investigation to see who’s messing with the couch legs.
Chicago Fire’s “Last Chance” succeeds in its ability to shock the audience through storylines that work. Gallo is stepping up in ways we always hoped he would, and in doing so, he continues to be on the right path toward growth. Emma is still the worst, yet we have no idea why. Kelly Severide isn’t a character who’s going anywhere, but the next few days aren’t going to be easy for him. If nothing else, this season’s penultimate makes it clear that when there are people in your corner looking out for you, the fears you harbor don’t have to be too difficult to carry.
Tension and Future Fears
It’s entirely understandable why Stella would be hesitant to marry, but it’s not exactly clear why fears merit Kelly’s behavior. And while Stella apologizing shows more of her ability to put aside stubbornness out of fear and adoration, it’s still unnecessary that she needed to apologize for something that wasn’t even true. In short, the tension in Chicago Fire’s “Last Chance” felt like fabricated drama to hasten things along even though there were other paths to take.
It’s worth noting that the final scene we get with the two of them is anything but frustrating, but we could’ve gotten here without all the TV-specific drama. Why on earth is Kelly so scared? We don’t know. It’s also important to look into what this case shakes out of him, reminding him that though events like this aren’t terrifying, losing Stella is the worst thing he could experience. And sure, there’s no handbook for what makes a successful marriage, but it shouldn’t be rocket science when two people wholeheartedly love each other.
Miranda Rae Mayo and Taylor Kinney are incredible in beats of vulnerability like this when they remind the audience that Stella and Kelley are solid. While we could doubt if they’re ready for marriage or not, what we could never doubt courtesy of their last moment is how deeply the two love each other. The love that runs through their veins for the other person isn’t something they’ll ever find elsewhere, proving that the worst moments are made better when the other is near to hold them through whatever is happening.
And next week, no matter how high the stakes, they’ll be saying “I do” while we collectively bawl our eyes out.
Going Down Together
Every time I think I can’t possibly ship Hawkami more, another endearing scene between the two proves me wrong. Violet is not only fully aware of what Emma demands from Hawkins, but he shows her, with both actions and words, that she’s not going down without him. If she’s out of 51, or if somehow their relationship is busted in the process, he’ll be right alongside her. And while TV has jaded me far too much to trust in moments like this, it’s becoming harder and harder to grapple with the possibility that these two aren’t the endgame ship. And now it’s even better with Gallo teaming up with Hawkins to help Violet.
But what we really need to talk about is the softness in Evan’s voice and the sheer adoration on his face when he extends his hand to Violet. It’s in looks like this where we could see more of his heart and the promises that aren’t uttered aloud, but the ones always nearby like lingering embers from a fire.
In an episode where fear is an overarching theme, Hawkins masks his by keeping his strength afloat for Violet. He might not be successful in completely shutting Emma out because nothing is more evident than the fact that she won’t leave easily, but we can be confident in his love for Violet—the detail that he’ll fight as hard as he can to ensure she keeps her job. Thus far, he’s been true to his words, and wherever this whole Emma situation leads, at the very least, we could be confident in the fact that he’ll find a way to make things a little easier.
Chicago Fire’s “Last Chance” is, in more ways than one, a reminder of how much heart lies in Firehouse 51. There’s nothing but immense adoration within this team we have now, even while they mess with each other. This squad is nothing if not loyal to one another, and we can trust in the process that they’ll stick by each other if (or when) worse comes to worst.
Further Thoughts
- It’s always lovely to see Hailey Upton back on our screens. Can Hank Voight leave Chicago PD so I could finally start watching again? Thanks.
- No, but seriously, what on earth is Emma’s deal? Does anyone else think it could have something to do with the guy in the photo in her locker? Old boyfriend? Current? What’s his deal? You can’t show me a picture like that and not expect me to want to know more.
- Ritter and Mouch teaming up together is aces.
- Boden calling Stella and then Boden walking her down the aisle next week? Cue the tears.
- I need more Hawkami, always.
- I genuinely thought Emma would have a change of heart after Violet saved her life, but clearly, nothing is enough for that girl.
- 100 points for Gallo this week. This friendship with the trio needs to remain strong to the end. Period.
Now streaming on NBC and Hulu: What are your thoughts on Chicago Fire’s “Last Chance?” Let us know in the comments below.