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“Chicago Fire’s” Lowest-Rated Episode: A Rare Misstep in Season 13
Chicago Fire, the cornerstone of NBC’s One Chicago franchise, has long been celebrated for its compelling storytelling, strong character dynamics, and high-stakes drama. However, even the most iconic series can stumble occasionally, and for Chicago Fire, that stumble came in the form of season 13’s “Birds of Prey,” the third episode of the season. Despite the show’s usual excellence, this particular episode has earned the dubious distinction of being the franchise’s lowest-rated installment of 2024, with a 7.5 rating on IMDb.
The Context Surrounding “Birds of Prey”
Season 13 of Chicago Fire began with significant momentum. The opener introduced Dom Pascal, the new chief played by Dermot Mulroney, setting up a power dynamic that promised to shake up Firehouse 51. Episode two then delivered a shocking emotional blow with the exit of Jack Damon, Kelly Severide’s half-brother. These pivotal events left fans eager to see how the show would follow up.
Unfortunately, “Birds of Prey” failed to maintain the momentum. Instead of capitalizing on the emotional and narrative groundwork laid in the first two episodes, the installment felt like a placeholder. It attempted to bridge the gap between the explosive season opener and subsequent episodes, but its lack of significant developments or character growth left viewers underwhelmed.
A Storyline That Felt Stretched Thin
At its core, “Birds of Prey” aimed to explore the interactions between Pascal and Kelly Severide. While these moments had potential, they lacked depth and impact. Severide’s skepticism about Pascal’s leadership was touched upon, but the episode failed to delve into the complexity of their relationship or Pascal’s character.
This lack of focus extended to the rest of the Firehouse 51 ensemble. Instead of honing in on a few key storylines, the episode tried to incorporate too many characters. As a result, no single plotline or character dynamic stood out. The episode fell into the common pitfall of trying to do too much, leaving each storyline feeling underdeveloped.
Missed Opportunities for Character Development
One of Chicago Fire’s greatest strengths has always been its ability to balance intense action with meaningful character arcs. Unfortunately, “Birds of Prey” missed an opportunity to develop its characters in any significant way.
The new characters, Pascal and Lyla Novak, were given some screen time, but their appeal relied more on the charisma of actors Dermot Mulroney and Jocelyn Hudon than on strong writing. For long-time fans, this lack of depth was disappointing, particularly since both characters had shown promise in earlier episodes.
Meanwhile, the core members of Firehouse 51 felt sidelined. The ensemble nature of the episode meant that no one character received enough focus to drive the narrative forward or create memorable moments. This approach diluted the emotional impact and made the episode feel disjointed.
Aiming for Filler but Landing Flat
Not every episode of a long-running series needs to be a high-octane blockbuster, and filler episodes can serve an important purpose in pacing a season. However, “Birds of Prey” struggled to justify its place within the season.
In retrospect, the episode feels aimless when compared to the rest of season 13. It lacked the tension and stakes that Chicago Fire is known for. Viewers could skip this episode entirely and still follow the season’s overarching storylines without difficulty—a sign of its narrative insignificance.
Why “Birds of Prey” Earned Its Low Rating
The 7.5 IMDb rating for “Birds of Prey” reflects fans’ disappointment rather than outright disdain. It’s not that the episode was terrible—it’s just that it didn’t live up to the high standards set by Chicago Fire.
The lack of major plot developments or character growth, combined with the episode’s inability to stand out within the context of the season, made it feel like a missed opportunity. Fans have come to expect more from the series, especially during a season that started with so much promise.
Lessons Moving Forward
Despite the misstep of “Birds of Prey,” season 13 has delivered plenty of strong episodes that remind viewers why Chicago Fire remains a cornerstone of the One Chicago franchise. Both Pascal and Novak have since been better integrated into the ensemble, and later episodes have done a better job of balancing character dynamics with compelling storylines.
Ultimately, every long-running series has its low points, and Chicago Fire is no exception. The show’s ability to rebound from weaker episodes is a testament to its resilience and the dedication of its creative team. For fans, “Birds of Prey” may serve as a reminder that even the most beloved shows occasionally falter—but they always have the potential to reignite the flames.
