Chicago Fire Season 11 Episode 9 Review: Nemesis
While much of Chicago Fire Season 11 Episode 9, “Nemesis,” feels like old hat, following a standard type of formula the show is known for, it certainly has a few surprises.
Mainly, the title of the episode, “Nemesis,” is quite apt. I don’t think anyone could have expected Emma to show up again, at least not in the capacity of IAD.
But let’s back up a bit. A biker tries to cross a bridge as it’s going up and gets himself in a life-threatening situation. (This is the stuff of nightmares for me, by the way, probably because I had to cross a draw bridge every day as a child to go to elementary school. Really — it’s a recurring nightmare that I have. But I digress.)
What’s redundant about this is that there’s a worker who won’t do what he needs to do to help the situation. In this case, it’s lowering the bridge so that Severide won’t die. But, protocol, right?
So Carver, being the Carver we’ve quickly come to know and love, takes matters into his own hands. He shoves the guy aside and operates the bridge himself. It’s a great save.
Of course, we know what’s coming next. It’s so predictable for Chicago Fire at this point that it’s almost painful. The guy complains, and Carver is in trouble.
This time, that means he has to face IAD. But that’s the kicker. It’s not just any random person that shows up from IAD. It’s the notorious Emma.
I’d really love for someone to explain to me how she got that position, but it’s interesting, to say the least. She makes it clear right away that she has a problem with Firehouse 51, and Carver assumes he’s not going to get out of this one.
Emma really is villainous, too. You can see it in her eyes and the way she carries herself. And yet, she lets Carver off the hook.
What’s more unsettling than anything, though, is her “hey, girl!” attitude toward Violet and the comment that it would be good for 51 to have a friend in IAD. I guess we’ll be seeing more of Emma when the series returns from hiatus.
Meanwhile, Severide is struggling with what to do about Detective Pryma and this Martucci guy. Stella notes how it’s been interfering with his sleep, and it’s affecting his mood as well.
This is honestly one of the more intriguing storylines we’ve seen for Severide in a long while, and the way he handles it feels right for his character. He’s angry, sure, but he still wants to do the right thing. He finally says he will, but only if he can face Cavenaugh first.
Cavenaugh actually seems genuinely sorry about what he’s done, but it’s hard to know if that’s real. He does give useful information that brings the episode toward its cliffhanger.
It’s the Fall finale, so obviously, there has to be a cliffhanger. This one involves high risk, and I can’t decide if I think it’s entirely believable. Kidd does what any other lieutenant at Firehouse 51 would do, which is to put herself right in the midst of the danger.
Carver volunteering to go as well is endearing, especially after he admitted earlier in the episode how much it meant for her to have his back. But we’re also seeing how skilled and brave he is and why he’s a good addition to the team.
Of course, it’s Pryma that they head in to save, and the live grenade situation is incredibly tense. Then, just as you think it may be okay (that would be too easy though) the thing explodes and they have just enough time to try to take cover.
Now, in most cases, cliffhangers like this are resolved quickly and easily in the first few minutes of the next episode. I can’t imagine they’re planning to kill off Stella, and I’d be hard-pressed to think Carver is any real trouble either since so much time has been spent on his character.
More often than not, everyone comes out of these situations okay. Unfortunately, that makes the cliffhanger feel a little less… well, like a cliffhanger.
That said, the death of Chief Hawkins came out of absolutely nowhere, so I suppose they are still keeping us on our toes.
Other thoughts:
- The adoption of Javi is official! This is such a sweet scene, and it’s even more special that the judge notes how Javi’s “village” is there to support them as well. I’m glad to see Cruz get a win like this.
- Oh, Gallo. Campaigning for Herrmann is a really sweet gesture, even if it does mean Herrmann is going to Miami, Ohio for a conference instead of Florida.
- It’s a little maddening that Gallo comes out with the truth to Herrmann about his niece, especially since she’s apparently just gone now.
What did you think of this episode of Chicago Fire? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Chicago Fire airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC.
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Ashley Bissette Sumerel
Ashley Bissette Sumerel is a television and film critic living in Wilmington, North Carolina. She is editor-in-chief of Tell-Tale TV as well as Eulalie Magazine. Ashley has also written for outlets such as Rolling Stone, Paste Magazine, and Insider. Ashley has been a member of the Critics Choice Association since 2017 and is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic. In addition to her work as an editor and critic, Ashley teaches Entertainment Journalism, Composition, and Literature at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.