The investigation into Pelham’s case continued in tonight’s new episode, and Stella got a shot at the spotlight in tonight’s latest episode of Chicago Fire.

With Pelham on temporary suspension while they investigate what happened at the electrical fire, Stella is the acting lieutenant on Truck 81. Her leadership was put to the test while rescuing people who were trapped in a mall escalator, and her natural leadership saved everyone involved. All the while, a proud Chief Boden watched from a distance.

Boden proceeded with the accusation that Deputy District Chief Killborn is behind the allegations against Pelham, which started off with little to no traction, due to the lack of respect of Pelham in the Department. Stella suggested getting Stafford, the firefighter who Pelham took the fall for, testify to clear Pelham. Boden spoke with Stafford, and pleaded with him to do something for Pelham, since he owes him.

Stella sat Mouch and Gallo down and gave quite the inspiration speech about storming the CFD headquarters and confronting Deputy Commissioner Hill about reinstating Pelham. It showcased her talents as a leader, and how she should be ready to take on any leadership thrown her way. The three went to the office and threw down their uniforms as a threat to talk to the Commissioner.

After speaking with Stella and Stafford, Hill and Stella went to see Sarah, the firefighter who accused Pelham, and encouraged her to show her strength in this department. At the Chicago Fire Department Gala, Hill revealed that Sarah recanted her statement, and that she was coerced by Killborn to make that accusation, and Killborn was put on administrative leave.

Due to COVID (because, you know, that’s still around), the annual Fire Department Gala was for officers only, causing the rest of Firehouse 51 to throw their own gala for those who can’t attend. However, Ritter, Gallo, and Violet tried to throw a second party for only the young firefighters so that they can have more freedom to go crazy. The first party was, well, surprisingly good. The band that Capp is a part of (with a bunch of teenagers, making him stick out like a sore thumb) rocked the house down in a weird turn of events.

Herrmann taught some classes at the Fire Academy, and met Todd, the brother of a firefighter who died in action who Herrmann knew. Todd is not a firefighter, but sits in the memorial hallway where his brother’s badge is hung, to spend some time with him. The emotions got the better of Herrmann, as he came home to see two of his sons fighting, and he yelled at them, wanting them to be grateful to have their siblings around. Herrmann’s kids went with him to the Fire Academy to go speak with Todd, where he showed them pictures and told them stories.

Severide re-proposed to Stella, declaring himself to be the luckiest man in Chicago, as they continued to rebuild their relationship. Stella even got to let Pelham know that he is back in the lieutenant’s chair, and it’s his time to come back.

We even got a small cliffhanger, as Violet and Chief Hawkins shared a kiss at the gala.

My complaint of this week remains the same as it was last week’s, which is the unnecessary C plot, which in this case, was with Herrmann. He has been such a great constant of morality in the whole series, but I just didn’t care enough about this whole thing with Todd, and his kids.

At first, I didn’t care for the gala plot, but it did end up being quite relevant to close the Killborn story, and begin the new one that is to come with Violet and Hawkins.

Chicago Fire is taking a break for the Olympics but will be back at the end of February! What do you think will happen after the break? Leave a comment below!