Chicago Fire Season 14 Episode 18 Review: Instinct
Before digging into everything that happens on Chicago Fire Season 14 Episode 18, “Instinct,” we must mention the one thing that stands out as a big mistake.
While we understand that nobody knows how they will react in a dangerous situation, particularly when you’re being held at gunpoint, it must be said that Novak’s actions do feel a bit out of character. For someone who prides herself so much in her martial arts practices, her training, and the people she’s trained with, her lack of use of this knowledge on the episodes is alarming.
Eventually, she does use a bit of that knowledge to bring the kidnapper down with Violet, but it seems weird that she waited until the very last minute. Maybe it makes sense combined with the awkwardness she feels between her and Violet, but it doesn’t for the big picture. It takes away from the strong, badass character we know her to be.
Beyond that detail, the idea of placing Violet and Novak in a life-or-death situation when their friendship is going through its toughest, most awkward patch is actually genius from the writers. It locks them in a place where they need each other to survive and must rely on the trust they have.
A trust that Novak calls out two seconds prior to being taken. While she knows she can trust Violet on the field, she doesn’t know how to trust Violet again in their personal lives. She feels betrayed by a secret that was kept for so long, and that might affect their relationship.
But even through that awkwardness and second-guessing about their bond, the two paramedics work together to save their patient(s) and themselves. There’s an understanding between them that can be expressed with simple looks, no need to speak, proving that their friendship is still real even if it’s being tested.
Combining their strengths, knowledge, and the love they have for one another, they are able to come up with the perfect plan to make it out alive. This leads Violet to make it very clear that the relationship that matters most to her is the one with Novak. It goes to show that she is willing to step away from Vasquez if it means keeping their friendship intact.
Ironically, Vasquez is the one who puts the pieces of the puzzle together and realizes Novak and Violet are missing. It’s still not clear what his intentions are as he continues to stand between the two friends. Does he know who he really likes? Or is he playing along to see what happens?
Despite the unknown, they are lucky Vasquez realizes they are missing and doesn’t take no for an answer. Without his attitude, Violet and Novak may have been in danger for longer. They still save themselves, but it’s nice to know someone is doing everything they can to find you.
While we’re stuck wondering where Vasquez’s mind lies between Violet and Novak, we see that he has paid attention to both and gotten to know them. He knows how Violet ties the wound wraps and the caffeine gum Novak likes to chew, which essentially leads him to know who has taken them.
Even though it’s endearing to see him care about them, it’s confusing to see him play between them. A relationship with him would not be as important, relevant, or necessary as the friendship between Novak and Violet is for the show.
Hopefully, the show will change direction and let Violet and Novak remain friends without a man in the middle.
What also stands out this episode is Lucy’s willingness to help the team, even when Hopkins has asked her not to. She seems to be stalling the delivery of the paperwork against Severide, trying to buy some time until he returns.
It’s going to be interesting to see how Hopkins reacts to her behavior because we know he is very adamant about bringing Severide down. However, Lucy has seen Severide’s good side and understands there is a personal vendetta at play.
What did you think of this episode of Chicago Fire? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to leave your own rating!
Critic Rating:
Audience Rating:
Chicago Fire airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC.
Check out our latest TV recommendations, updated weekly!
Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!
Lara Rosales
By day, Lara Rosales (she/her) is a solo mom by choice and a bilingual writer with a BA in Latin-American Literature known as a Media Relations Expert. By night, she is a TV enjoyer who used to host a podcast (Cats, Milfs & Lesbian Things). You can find her work published on Eulalie Magazine, Geek Girl Authority, W Spotlight, Collider, USA Wire, Mentors Collective, Instelite, Noodle, Dear Movies, Nicki Swift, and Flip Screened.