Chicago Fire Season 11 Episode 10 Review: Something for the Pain
For better or worse, Chicago Fire Season 11 Episode 10, “Something for the Pain,” follows a formula we’ve seen many times.
Don’t get me wrong — I’m glad, and not at all surprised, that Stella and Carver both make it out of the midseason finale’s explosion. But as is usually the case, the cliffhanger we’re left with is wrapped up within the blink of an eye on the following episode.
If Chicago Fire would just slow down a little, it could do so much more.
And it does get at some interesting character development with both Stella and Carver because of what they’ve gone through. Stella returns to work as soon as she’s able, shoving down her feelings but then having nightmares at night.
Meanwhile, Carver has become an entirely different kind of person around Stella — clearly shaken by the fact that she saved his life.
It’s humbling for him, and it’s another layer that makes his character really fascinating. More than that, I enjoy seeing what his character has meant for Stella in terms of her leadership. He’s been a new challenge, and this is another level to that as well.
Of course, Severide is the one who sees that problem from the outside and encourages Stella to sit down and talk with Carver. When she does, she learns about the older brother that bullied him and once pushed him into a fire. It really does explain a lot about his character and why he’s so grateful for Stella saving him the way she had.
Meanwhile, Violet makes a major mistake when it comes to Emma. She asks Boden to help her set a meeting with Emma’s boss at IAD, but because she has no actual evidence, there’s nothing that can be done. She obviously should have thought that part through, though it is a little surprising that she has nothing to show, even in text messaging.
And as she speaks with Emma’s boss, it seems like she could be digging a bit of a hole for herself too.
Worse, though, Emma shows up after finding out about that meeting — a consequence Violet also didn’t think about. And now Violet has a clear enemy in IAD.
It’s all pretty contrived if you ask me, and I think there’s more that could be done with Violet’s character, especially considering her trauma and the incredible performances Hanako Greensmith has given this season. But it could be interesting, and I guess if we’re talking about common formulas on this show, there has to be some sort of villain working with the fire department.
Speaking of characters who could be doing more, I am yet again disappointed by what we’re seeing with Brett.
While her idea for the safe surrender box is perfectly in line with her character and offers an important message in its storytelling, a lot of it is folly for comedy, and things like a ridiculously loud alarm and Capp having a GrubHub order delivered in a way he absolutely shouldn’t.
And yes, Ms. Goodwin from Chicago Med does show up and makes Brett realize how much of a difference this box might make, and that’s all great. But it’s time to see something of more substance for Sylvie Brett.
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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.
One thought on “Chicago Fire Season 11 Episode 10 Review: Something for the Pain”
I knew Stella was going to end up hurt. I’m glad she’s okay, though. My heart hurt seeing her struggle with PTSD though, and Severide didn’t know how to help her. Carver felt so guilty, but I liked learning more about his past. His brother was a jerk. Who does that to their sibling? I thought we’d wrapped up the Emma storyline last season. There was absolutely no reason to bring her back, other than unnecessary drama. What’s the point here? In reality, she never would have been promoted to Internal Affairs after what she did. I liked that Violet’s concerns were listened to, and the officer said he’d keep an eye on Emma. But, he was right. Violet doesn’t have any actual proof to back up her claims. And, Gallo has a point about letting it go. Now, Emma’s going to come after Violet even harder. I’m glad Violet realized at the end she was driven by revenge. And, I loved Brett’s safe surrender box for abandoned babies.
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