Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 4, “Through the Skin” isn’t the most action-packed episode, but it’s one that may prove to be important to the show much later down the line. The hour focuses primarily on Violet Mikami as she’s the latest character to be threatened with termination, and Hanako Greensmith is fantastic throughout her storyline. But almost as importantly, the script changes viewers’ opinions toward two characters who have been more trouble than anything else.
“Through the Skin” is named because Violet decides to perform an emergency C-section when she realizes that a recently deceased woman is pregnant. Though she saves the baby, the unauthorized procedure puts her medical license in jeopardy. And surprisingly, the NBC series goes back to the saga of Jack Damon… and handles him better than it has all season. That may or may not matter to the plot, but it will make viewers take a second look.
Chicago Fire Proves Violet’s Worth One More Time
Violet Mikami’s development on Chicago Fire has been one of the show’s more impressive stories. When she was originally introduced, she was a guest star whose sole function was to antagonize Blake Gallo. But after the surprise departure of Gianna Mackey, the writers had the smart idea to bring Violet back in a more fully developed role. To see her go from just Gallo’s ex to now Paramedic in Charge at Firehouse 51 has been a joy, especially as actor Hanako Greensmith keeps showing more and more of what she can do. “Through the Skin” is one of her best episodes.
It’s Greensmith’s performance that takes a typical Chicago Fire plot and makes it so interesting. Violet is not the first character to risk her job in order to do the right thing; numerous members of the firehouse have faced suspension or dismissal for various reasons over the years. But the plot specifics are almost irrelevant, because they’re just the catalyst for the emotional journey Violet takes. Facing the loss of her license — and therefore her career — threatens her whole identity. Add in a ridiculous question posed by Sam Carver’s girlfriend Tori, who just butted heads with Violet in Season 13, Episode 3, “All Kinds of Crazy,” and Violet has a well-deserved outburst. The scene in which she finally explodes is so well done, because Greensmith conveys not just anger, but Violet’s heartbreak, too.
