One Chicago Winter Premiere Recap: One Chicago Med "Triple Threat"/Chicago Fire "A Man Possessed"/Chicago P.D. "Born Screaming"

 

The winter premiere of One Chicago did not disappoint. Here's a recap and review of Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago P.D.

Chicago Med "Triple Threat" 

The winter premiere of Chicago Med didn't just pick up the pieces from the fall finale’s city-wide blackout—it shattered them. Using a non-linear structure of interrogation rooms and flashbacks, "Triple Threat" explored the professional and moral fallout of three high-stakes situations that occurred in the dark.

The episode opens with Caitlin Lenox in a police precinct. Flashbacks reveal the terrifying conclusion to her confrontation with the abusive Devin. After Devin knocked her out and held her and Faye hostage in a basement, the situation turned lethal. In a shocking twist, Faye—at Devin's urging—ended up shooting Devin to save herself and Ripley. To protect Faye from the legal system, Lenox and Ripley coordinate a story for the detectives: Faye acted in self-defense to save them. It’s a new, morally grey side of Lenox that makes her more "human" than ever.

Archer and Kingston face a board of inquiry over their decision to continue Jeremy’s high-risk surgery during the power outage without moving to a backup-powered OR. While Jeremy survived, he has yet to wake up, and a possible stroke looms. In a rare show of solidarity, Kingston takes the heat for Archer's call, though the tension between Archer and the board is far from over.

Dr. Charles spent the episode in his own therapist’s office, recounting a panic attack and physical collapse (a nosebleed) that occurred during the blackout. After a heated, uncharacteristic outburst against a colleague over a heart transplant candidate, Charles is forced to confront a sobering question: Has he reached his limit? The episode ends with him seriously contemplating retirement.

On the personal front, Hannah Asher is spiraling. She finally confesses to Archer that she’s been having nightmares about dying in childbirth, just as her mother did. The "Triple Threat" title takes on a personal meaning for her: her past, her pregnancy, and her fear of the future.

"Triple Threat" truly shines as one of the standout episodes of the MacDonald era. It’s impressive, especially considering my thoughts on the fall finale. Shifting away from the standard "Case of the Week" format to explore a more psychological story brought a fresh, lively energy to the show. The portrayal of the "New" Lenox was particularly captivating—seeing her, usually so strict and rule-driven, lie to protect someone was a fascinating change for her character. Her bond with Ripley has grown beyond just professional ties; it’s become a shared secret that adds complexity. 

The ongoing chemistry between Archer and Asher, whether heading toward romance or remaining supportive "platonic co-parents," is made so engaging by Steven Weber and Jessy Schram’s wonderful performances. Archer’s gentle handling of Hannah’s trauma was beautifully done, with darkness and flashlight-lit flashbacks creating a tense, cinematic feel that perfectly matched the story’s intensity. 

Oliver Platt continues to be fantastic, though the storyline about whether he’s retiring feels a bit different from before. Given Charles’s past crises, we’re hopeful this will lead to a new path rather than just a quick leave of absence. Chicago Med came back with its own "triple threat'—amazing acting, a daring structure, and high stakes. The aftermath of the blackout is far from over, and the looming legal issues for Lenox and Ripley are like a ticking time bomb for the rest of the season. Overall, I’d rate it a solid 9/10.

What did you think of the winter premiere of Chicago Med? Do you think Dr. Charles will actually pull the trigger on retirement, or is he just suffering from "blackout burnout"? Would you like me to help you draft a "Season 11 Status Report" for the rest of the Gaffney staff? Leave a comment. 

Chicago Fire "A Man Possessed"

The winter premiere of Chicago Fire delivered one of the most emotionally charged episodes in recent memory. Picking up directly from the fall finale’s cliffhanger, "A Man Possessed" put Kelly Severide’s relentless drive to the ultimate test when a tragedy struck the extended 51 family.

The episode opens with the harrowing escape from the apartment fire that started in the finale. Severide and Captain Van Meter (Tim Hopper) are trapped on the upper floor with Principal Cole, the target of a targeted arson attack. In a pulse-pounding sequence, Severide uses a makeshift harness of bedsheets to lower Cole and Van Meter to safety. However, the flames catch up—Van Meter is severely burned and suffers massive smoke inhalation.

At Chicago Med, the prognosis is grim. Dr. Archer informs a devastated Severide that Van Meter has been placed in a medically induced coma. This injury transforms Severide into "a man possessed." He ignores protocol and his own recovery to hunt down the arsonist. 

Severide, working with Detective Gerard, focuses on a hateful Facebook group targeting Principal Cole. The investigation leads them to Lily, a student who created the group for "clout," and eventually to the real culprit—Wyatt’s father, seeking revenge for his son's school troubles. The hour ends on a tense note: while they have their man, Severide’s aggressive interrogation techniques have gotten him benched by the district commander.

Back at the house, Chief Pascal and Mouch learn the truth about the impending budget cuts. Annette Davis reveals that Engine 51 is on the chopping block for decommissioning. Pascal realizes the decision was political rather than operational, leading to a fiery confrontation between him and Annette. Mouch, facing the end of his career, begins scouring civil service records for a loophole to save his job.

"A Man Possessed" really stands out because it shows a different side of Severide, one where he isn’t so stoic, reminding us that the show's best moments come when the stakes hit close to home. With Van Meter’s life hanging in the balance and Engine 51's future on the line, the last part of Season 14 looks to be quite the challenge. Taylor Kinney delivers an incredible performance, revealing a Kelly who is vulnerable, grieving, and at times dangerously irrational. It’s rare to see Severide treat anyone with as much respect as he does Van Meter. Seeing the experienced OFI Captain in a hospital bed makes the stakes feel incredibly personal and meaningful within the show's universe. 

Even though Stella was in Cleveland at the start, her return with Isaiah brought the emotional stability Severide needed. Their heartfelt reunion at the hospital was a quiet yet powerful moment of "found family." Dermot Mulroney’s Pascal has been somewhat mysterious all season, but his choice to prioritize his crew over a potential romantic or political connection truly confirmed his role as a genuine leader of 51. The interrogation scene was intense, but the reveal about Wyatt’s father seemed a little rushed compared to the emotional weight of Van Meter’s story. And even though it seems like Mouch is constantly fighting to keep his job, we’re hopeful that the conclusion of this budget storyline will give him a more lasting sense of security. Overall, I’m giving this episode a strong 9/10.

What did you think of the winter premiere of Chicago Fire? Do you think Severide being benched will actually stop him, or is he about to go full "Fire Cop" to ensure Van Meter gets justice? Would you like me to help you draft a "Case File" on the remaining arson clues if we find out Wyatt's father wasn't working alone? Leave a comment. 

Chicago P.D. "Born Screaming" 

Chicago P.D. returned from hiatus with a harrowing, psychological midseason premiere. Picking up directly from the fall cliffhanger, "Born Screaming" brought the Raymond Bell serial killer saga to a bloody close while finally exposing the truth behind the blackmail threats targeting Hank Voight.

The episode begins in a frantic race against time. Eva Imani (Arienne Mandi) is trapped in Bell’s "House of Horrors" after finding a victim, Cal, chained in the basement. Before Intelligence can breach the property, Raymond Bell (Barry Del Sherman) opens fire and flees with his granddaughter, Julie, who remains psychologically tethered to his abuse.

While the search for Bell begins, Atwater makes a discovery that turns the case into a nightmare: several decomposed bodies are found stuffed into the home's window seats and walls. Bell wasn't just a killer; he was a "collector" of trophies.

The hunt leads the unit to a carjacking where Bell brutally beats a civilian, and eventually to an estranged cousin’s property in Lockport. When they corner him, Bell claims he killed Julie. Imani, fueled by the trauma of her own sister's disappearance years ago, snaps. She delivers a savage beatdown to Bell, stopping only when Voight pulls her off. Her instinct pays off—she realizes Bell is lying and finds Julie alive, hidden in a drainage pipe.

The hour’s title refers to a final, stunning confrontation between Voight and Commander Devlin. Devlin attempts to use old hospital photos of a young, battered Voight to frame his father as an abuser. Voight sets him straight: he wasn't abused; he was "born screaming" and went looking for fights with older kids. His father was a hero who taught him to point that inner monster at the real monsters of the world. Voight warns Devlin to back off, wearing his father's badge holder as a reminder of the line he refuses to cross.

"Born Screaming' truly shined by embracing its gritty noir style, creating a dark, intense, and cathartic experience. It felt more like a horror film than a typical procedural, making it all the more compelling. Wrapping up the Bell case and Devlin’s blackmail within an hour, the episode felt streamlined and set the stage for new beginnings. This installment firmly introduced Imani as the "Next Voight," with her emotional intensity perfectly complementing Voight’s calm, calculated demeanor. Her heartfelt backstory about her sister finally brought the depth her character needed. Jason Beghe’s powerful performance in the final scene was unforgettable, adding a layer of honor to Voight that makes his gray-area actions seem even more principled. LaRoyce Hawkins beautifully conveyed the emotional toll of discovering the "wall of bodies,' offering a grounded moment in an otherwise dark episode. While the focus was mainly on Voight and Imani, leaving Burgess and Torres somewhat in the background, Ruzek's absence—due to an emergency involving his father—left the team feeling a bit short-staffed during such a significant case. Overall, I give this episode a 9.5/10.

What did you think of the Chicago P.D.? Now that Voight has neutralized Devlin’s blackmail by owning his past, do you think Imani is heading for a promotion, or is she too dangerous for the badge?
Would you like me to help you draft a "Case File" for the second half of the season as we wait for Ruzek's return? Leave a comment.

You can One Chicago Wednesdays beginning at 8/7c on NBC and streaming the next day on Peacock,