Stella Kidd has become the heart of Chicago Fire on many different levels.

Not only is the Stellaride relationship a core component of the NBC drama,

but Stella’s personal character arc has seen her become both a literal and

emotional leader at Firehouse 51. Chicago Fire Season 12, Episode 4, “The Little Things” is another episode that puts Stella’s compassion front and center.

There’s also some valuable screen time for Chief Wallace Boden, who gets an unexpected visit from his stepson James and some crushing news that goes with it. Plus, there’s a requisite comedic subplot involving firefighters and baby Julia that One Chicago fans can all guess (and laugh at). But the heart of the episode in every sense is Stella’s investigation into a backyard blaze and what she learns along the way.

Chicago Fire Reinforces Stella Kidd’s Popularity

‘The Little Things’ Shows What Makes Her a Fan-Favorite

After the departure of Monica Raymund as Gabriela Dawson, Stella Kidd became Chicago Fire‘s most high-profile female character. While it took extra time for the show to figure out what to do with Sylvie Brett both professionally and personally, Stella’s place within the show was very clear. Her own friends-to-lovers relationship with Kelly Severide had already gone through its “will they, won’t they” phase, and Stella being a firefighter meant that she could be thrown into all kinds of action-packed situations. When Chief Boden began to encourage Stella to take new career advancement opportunities, that was a clear in-universe reflection of how highly the series’ creatives thought of Stella, too. “The Little Things” is a reminder of why the character was, and still is, so popular.

continues to push the idea that Harper needs help, even over Harper’s mother’s objections, and is eventually proven right when Harper’s house goes up in flames at the end of the episode. It’s Stella who personally finds Harper sheltering under a sink and ensures that she’s taken to safety. Stella connects with characters outside Firehouse 51 and her determination is front and center.

But “The Little Things” also works because Stella isn’t just the hero of the day; she also has to reflect on herself, namely the ongoing back-and-forth going on about Severide continuing as an arson investigator. That was the awkward in-universe explanation for Taylor Kinney’s absence, and in her conversation with Office of Fire Investigation boss Van Meter, Stella seems to find a little bit more understanding of Severide, too. The script is putting her in Severide’s position — wanting to close an arson case no matter what gets in the way. Stella has a lot of great qualities, but she’s also given the opportunity for growth.

Boden’s Personal Life Returns to Chicago Fire

Eamonn Walker Shines in a Boden-Centric Subplot

All of the plots in this Chicago Fire episode revolve around family in some way. There’s Harper and her mother, Brett having to leave baby Julia at Firehouse 51 while almost everyone gets invitations to Brett and Casey’s wedding, and Boden being surprised by his stepson. The latter is the most resonant because it’s the least predictable and because of the talent of Eamonn Walker. Walker is one of the actors who’s been part of Chicago Fire‘s cast from the very beginning, and when he’s given a subplot of his own, he always shines in it.

“The Little Things” follows Boden as he learns that his ex-wife Shonda has been arrested for trafficking fentanyl into the United States from Canada. James is insistent that Shonda must have been set up by the owner of the club she’s working at, and begs Boden to help keep his mother out of prison. But when Boden visits Shonda in custody, she confesses that she knowingly trafficked the illegal drugs across the border. The news is devastating to Boden on two levels. Not only is he shocked and saddened by this, but James believes that Boden must be lying, and it’s not until the very end of the episode that he understands the truth and the two are able to make up.

So many of Boden’s storylines have to do with the management of Firehouse 51 or protecting it from outside conflicts, and that number has gone up a little bit more since his promotion to Deputy District Chief. It’s wonderful to see another Boden subplot that has nothing to do with the fire department — even if it’s a painful one. Walker is brilliant at conveying Boden’s feelings, especially since his most emotional moments are in reaction to James and Shonda. And with so much emphasis on Firehouse 51 as found family, it’s always nice to check in with characters’ actual families.

What Does ‘The Little Things’ Do for Chicago Fire?

Season 12, Episode 4 Largely Stands on Its Own

Aside from Boden’s storyline being partially open-ended, “The Little Things” has no impact on Chicago Fire Season 12 overall. It’s a case of the week-style episode where the biggest reveal is Daniel Kyri’s character Darren Ritter quickly sussing out that Violet Mikami and Sam Carver are not just “having fun.” The reason to watch the episode is simply that it shows many of the different reasons why the show has lasted this long. It has a fire to investigate, personal drama for certain characters and a comedic subplot where baby Julia predictably is lost in the firehouse. (The talent of David Eigenberg is highlighted here, because of course it’s Christopher Herrmann — the firehouse’s wise dad — who gets the last laugh on that subject.)

Not every TV episode has to be a showstopper, and this one is an example of being entertaining without overreaching. Fans of Stella Kidd and Stellaride will be happy to see her taking the lead again, plus putting her in Severide’s shoes is another way to address the tension in their relationship without being obvious about it. Speaking of obvious, people waiting eagerly for Brett and Casey to tie the knot get a laugh out of Joe Cruz worrying that Brett didn’t invite him simply because they dated seasons ago, even though they know that he’s overreacting. Anyone looking for serious, heartwrenching drama will find it in the Boden story.

“The Little Things” includes a little bit of everything — and in so doing, avoids the common mistake of taking one story and trying to stretch it across an entire TV hour. It probably won’t be remembered by the end of Chicago Fire Season 12, but it serves as comfort food to One Chicago fans and helps them to recall why these characters matter to them. It is, to quote the title, the little things that make this episode worthwhile.