Chicago Fire Season 11 Episode 15 Review: Damage Control

Chicago Fire Season 11 Episode 15, “Damage Control,” reveals how Severide is being written out of the series temporarily, and it’s both anticlimactic and completely expected. That’s not a bad thing.

Yes, it feels sudden and strange, especially considering that he apparently only had one day’s notice before taking off to Alabama for an OFI training opportunity. There aren’t many details, other than the fact that Boden clearly isn’t thrilled to have Severide taken from him without much warning.

It’s good that it’s not something very dramatic. The news that Taylor Kinney would be taking a leave of absence was only announced a few weeks ago, and the choice to give him something so fitting makes sense. It also means there’s no drama involved with Stella.

That said, it also seems pretty similar to when Stella took off for Girls on Fire and stayed gone for a mysteriously long amount of time. This is a little more cut and dry.

And somehow, it works out well that Seager shows up looking for help when Severide isn’t there. Having her hook up with Carver so quickly is an interesting choice — and it has a lot of potential. It is funny to me that Carver has had a crush on Kidd, and Seager clearly had a crush on Severide, now the two are winding up together instead.

I don’t know how much I buy that Carver is just over his feelings for Stella that quickly, but hey, at least it’s looking like he won’t be causing issues for Stella and Severide. Thank goodness.

Meanwhile, Brett is struggling with the beginnings of a relationship with Dylan. And while this is all fine and cute, and there’s a hockey game, and it’s nice that Violet is supportive, it’s disappointing that this is once again the focus for Sylvie Brett.

I’m dying to see her have a more substantial storyline, and one that doesn’t have to involve romance. It’s not as though there isn’t plenty of material available.

The most meaningful storyline on this episode remains with Herrmann and Cindy. Cindy’s condition is worsening to a point that it’s becoming harder on Herrmann and their kids, and it’s heartbreaking. As difficult as it is to watch, it’s great to see something with such substance for Herrmann.

David Eigenberg offers another incredible performance here, especially when he finally breaks down into tears. And rather than Herrmann trying to collect himself when Ritter sees him crying, he accepts the support. It’s a beautiful, powerful scene that says a lot about the ways people deal with grief.

The takeaway, then, is when Herrmann goes home to his family and tells his kids it’s okay to not be okay. The youngest is the one who’s been letting out his emotions, and he shows his dad and siblings what he means. Seeing them all punch the “cancer clown” together is really touching, and the whole thing sends an important message.

Other thoughts:

• Kylie is really stepping into her own, and even though she’s harsh, I love seeing how good she is at her job and how well she stands up to the firefighters.
• It’s a small moment, but another one of the most endearing scenes of this episode is when the man from the grocery store arrives with donations to the firehouse and Mouch offers that sincere thank you.
• Violet’s worry over Gallo is a little over the top. I’m glad Gallo points out what’s really going on with Violet beneath the surface.

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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Chicago Fire: Taylor Kinney to Take a Leave of Absence