In “Chicago Fire” Season 13 Episode 5, “Down the Rabbit Hole,” the show takes a breather and delivers what feels more like a filler episode than the intense, action-packed episodes fans are accustomed to. . The episode is slower paced and more focused on character relationships and setting up future storylines than live action. While it’s clear the writers are planting the seeds for upcoming episodes, this episode didn’t offer much excitement.
A large portion of the episode focuses on Carver realizing that Tori is a negative influence. As he begins to reflect on the people in his life, he finally sees through her and even deletes Violet’s text messages. Meanwhile, Violet is moving on, but there’s a palpable “will they or won’t they” tension between her and Carver that hints at a long, drawn-out arc to come. It’s clear that they still have unresolved feelings and this episode will likely be a slow burn.
Going even more investigative, Seyfried and Kidder delve into the increasing mystery of an accident involving a local trucking company. They discovered a troubling practice: The company was using “ghost” drivers — essentially forcing drivers to work two shifts, causing dangerous fatigue that could lead to accidents. While this subplot brings some intrigue, it ultimately feels underdeveloped and less intense than what we saw in the Chicago Fire investigation.
This episode also brings some lighter but less impactful storylines. Herman and Kelly find a way to buy a new radio for Firehouse 51, a small victory that brings relief but lacks their typical emotional depth. Meanwhile, Ritter’s attempt to impress Chief Pascal backfires when Novak scares him in the Chief’s office and he drops Pascal’s Valor Trophy. Surprisingly, Novak stepped in and took responsibility, prompting Pascal to share what the trophy symbolized – valor and bravery. Her actions impressed Pascal, who appreciated her honesty and let her go without any disciplinary action, while Ritter still struggled to win Pascal’s approval.
Ultimately, “Down the Rabbit Hole” didn’t deliver the fire that Chicago Fire fans were hoping for. While it spends a lot of time with key characters like Carver and Violet, the episode mostly hints at future developments rather than delivering any substantial payoffs. Hopefully the next episode will recreate the high-stakes action and drama the show is known for.
About the author – Leslie M
As a penguin lover who enjoys watching TV and movies, I immerse myself in sports all day long, blending a love of numbers with a deep appreciation for storytelling. Outside of work, you can find me playing sports, watching the latest movies and series, and enjoying quality time with my family. My life is a balance between data-driven analysis and heartfelt enjoyment of entertainment.
