A Sinister Chicago Fire Villain Just Returned to Redeem Himself
After he operated as an enemy within Firehouse 51's walls, Violet wasn't too thrilled to see Lennox again in Chicago Fire's Season 13, Episode 13.
Just when Chicago Fire fans tucked Wesam Keesh's Jared Lennox into the archive villains' past, we saw his unexpected return during Season 13, Episode 13 ("Born of Fire"). And Lennox got the redemption he desperately needed.
Appearing in three Season 12 episodes, Lennox was assigned to Ambulance 61 after Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) was promoted to Paramedic in Charge. He gave Violet problems from the get-go. Not only did he deliberately disrespect her orders, but he was messy on the job, nearly killing one of their patients by failing to check oxygen levels before administering a medication. To make matters worse, once Lennox realized his incompetence jeopardized his job, the paramedic turned on Violet and tried to get her fired.
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From his rocky introduction to his explosive exit, Lennox was no good during his first brush-in with Firehouse 51, so Chi-Hards were stressed when he returned during Fire's February 19 episode.
Jared Lennox returned in need of Violet's help
Lennox's return came after Violet touched base with her lawyer boyfriend, Flynn (Steven Strait), about his paramedic client navigating a negligent homicide charge. His client claimed he operated within protocol, but the States Attorney felt otherwise. The paramedic had administered a medication only for the patient to go into cardiac arrest shortly later. Catching wind of a complicated situation she could help with, Violet offered to meet the paramedic and provide her guidance.
However, once Flynn realized Lennox used to work with Violet, the congenial meet-up quickly turned into a tense reunion at Firehouse 51. Violet called Lennox out for keeping his 51 history from Flynn, instantly recalling that Lennox had nearly killed a patient under her watch. Why would she help him when she saw him do this before? Violet gave Lennox the cold shoulder, refusing to help, much to his dismay.
Lennox visited Firehouse 51 the next day in another attempt to speak with Violet, having more luck. After profusely apologizing for his Season 12 shenanigans, Violet explained their beef hadn't influenced her refusal — it was that she saw him make the same mistake while on Ambulance 61. Still, Lennox assured her he hadn't made the same mistake because of Violet's mentorship.
"And you are sure you checked his oxygen first?" Violet asked.
"Yes, and I was monitoring his levels because of what you drilled into me," Lennox explained. "I didn't want to make that same mistake again." As Lennox began crying while reflecting on the man's death, it dawned on Violet that Lennox was being genuine.
"There's 'gotta be someone else you can go to," Violet said. "Another medic that you've worked with."
"Sure, but none of them are a PIC with firsthand knowledge of me or my case..." Lennox pled. "I need you. This isn't just my career we're talking about. It's my entire life on the line, and you can save me."
After hearing Lennox out, Violet agreed to help, joining Flynn to visit the State Attorney. But the attorney refused to lessen the charges and tried to coax Flynn into getting Lennox to take a plea deal. While relaying this intel to Lennox, he felt pretty hopeless until Violet asked him to recount the call. After hearing the details, Violet realized that the ambulance had a cardiac monitor that could prove Lennox's care didn't cause the heart attack. With that proof, they could show Lennox’s treatment didn’t lead to the death.
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Later that night, Lennox and Flynn visited Violet at Molly’s with good news: Violet's hunch was correct. The monitor proved that Lennox had done everything within the protocol, so a preexisting condition likely caused the heart attack. The charges were dropped thanks to Violet's quick thinking.
“I meant what I said about learning from you," Lennox told Violet earnestly. "I have no idea how to thank you. Either of you.”
“Well, I do,” Violet smiled, inviting them to enjoy a cocktail with her.
Watch Chicago Fire on Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC and the next day on Peacock.
