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'Chicago Fire' Season 13 Episode 15 "Too Close" Review

Writer's picture: ZakiyyahZakiyyah

This episode of Chicago Fire is packed with emotion, career dilemmas, and an unexpected tragedy that shakes Firehouse 51 to its core. It all starts with Damon, who is stuck in an impossible situation. After the last fire, he hasn’t been able to shake what happened Jenner left him behind in the middle of the blaze. He barely made it out, and now he’s torn. If he speaks up, he risks making things worse for himself, especially since Jenner has already turned Firehouse 20 against him. Every shift feels more hostile than the last, with his team second-guessing him, shutting him out, and making it clear that he doesn’t belong.


Damon vents to some of the firefighters at 51, and they start to discuss whether bringing him back could be an option. Cruz and Capp aren’t so sure Damon’s last stint at 51 was rocky, and they don’t want to invite more drama. But Ritter pushes back. Damon has grown, and he deserves another shot, especially since Firehouse 20 is making his life miserable. The problem? Chief Pascal would have to sign off on it, and that seems unlikely. Herrmann suggests that if anyone can convince him, it’s them. The question is do they push for it, or do they let Damon figure it out on his own?


Meanwhile, Pascal is dealing with another matter—one that’s a little more personal. His anniversary is coming up, and he’s struggling to find the perfect gift for his wife, Monica. He confides in Mouch, who casually mentions that Monica often borrows her sister’s watch. That sparks an idea getting her a similar one would be a thoughtful, meaningful gift. Pascal is relieved to finally have a solid plan, completely unaware that in just a few hours, everything will change.


While Pascal is handling personal business, he’s also pushing Mouch toward a career opportunity. He’s been encouraging Mouch to interview for a lieutenant position at another firehouse, believing it’s time for him to take the next step. Mouch isn’t exactly thrilled about the idea, but Pascal is persistent. He arranges a meeting with Lieutenant Zomansky, who speaks highly of Mouch’s experience and leadership skills. Mouch remains unsure he loves 51 and doesn’t feel the need to leave but the seed has been planted.





Elsewhere, Severide and Kidd are anxiously awaiting news about their adoption application. The waiting is starting to get to them, and while their friends reassure them that they’ll make amazing parents, the uncertainty is hard to ignore. Kidd confides in Violet, admitting that she’s terrified of rejection, but Violet reminds her that no matter what happens, she and Severide are more than ready.


Then, in the midst of all the personal and professional turmoil, the moment Severide and Kidd have been waiting for finally arrives. Terry, their adoption agency rep, unexpectedly shows up at the firehouse. Instead of delivering the news over the phone, he tells them in person they’ve been approved. The weight of the moment crashes over them, and the firehouse erupts in celebration. After months of waiting, their dream of becoming parents is finally within reach.


But just as the joy settles in, tragedy strikes. A call comes in a severe car accident with multiple victims. The team rushes to the scene, working quickly to assess the wreckage. As they get closer, horror sets in. One of the victims is Monica, Pascal’s wife.

The realization stuns them, but there’s no time to hesitate they have to get her out. Pascal arrives as they’re extracting her from the wreck, his face frozen in fear. The urgency is unlike anything they’ve faced before. They stabilize her as best as they can, load her into the ambulance, and race to the hospital. Pascal follows closely behind, barely holding himself together.


At the hospital, Dr. Archer and his team work tirelessly to save Monica. Pascal paces outside the trauma room, hoping for a miracle. The firefighters who had just been celebrating Severide and Kidd’s adoption news are now sitting in painful silence, waiting for an update.


Then, the news they were dreading comes Monica doesn’t make it.


The firehouse is shattered. Violet breaks down in tears, and Pascal is left in stunned silence. Just hours ago, he had been stressing over an anniversary gift. Now, his wife is gone. The weight of it is unbearable.





As the episode closes, Firehouse 51 is left reeling. The contrast between the joy of Severide and Kidd’s adoption approval and the devastation of losing Monica is overwhelming. Damon’s future remains uncertain will he fight to reclaim his place, or will he let the weight of his situation bury him? Pascal, the man who had spent the episode guiding others, is now the one in need of support. And Mouch, who had been unsure about taking the next step in his career, is left wondering if change is something he’s even ready for.


This episode of Chicago Fire captures everything that makes the show so compelling the emotional highs and devastating lows, the unbreakable bond between firefighters, and the painful reminder that sometimes, no matter how hard they fight, they can’t win every battle.




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