Chicago Fire (13x12) ⁞⁞ Episode Spotlight

Episode 12 of the thirteenth season of the NBC firefighter drama Chicago Fire put some significant focus on gay firefighter Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri). In recent weeks, Ritter had been dealing with his relationship with cop Dwayne, who had been looking to take the next step and move in together, which had Ritter feeling like he wasn't ready to take that step. This week, Ritter began the episode titled "Relief Cut" chatting with his best friend Violet (Hanako Greensmith). She asked him about not texting her back the night before, as she was hoping for a double-date. Ritter revealed to her that things had been weird between him and Dwayne ever since he told him that he wasn't ready to move-in together. Dwayne was very disappointed. They were soon interrupted by an emergency call. Ritter sprang into action with the crew, working together with Carver (Jake Lockett) to free a woman trapped in a burning car. After his lieutenant Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) ordered him to make a specific cut that he hesitated on, she told Carver to take over, leading Ritter to later apologize. Stella told him that he was a great firefighter but he was still learning in his new role in the truck and she was sure he'd get better with time. Ritter ran into Carver in the locker room and quizzed him on Kidd's shorthand from the field. Carver assured him that it took him a while to get it too when he joined the firehouse. He told Ritter that moving from engine to truck is a big move. He offered to take some time to show him the equipment cut from the field, which Darren appreciated. 

Later, Carver was shown with Ritter, as he explained how the relief cut worked with the jaws of life. With Carver's help, Ritter quickly understood Kidd's shorthand for the move. They were interrupted by a text from Dwayne that brought a smile to Ritter's face. He revealed to Carver that Dwayne invited him to dinner at a fancy restaurant, leading him to believe he was finally out of the doghouse with his boyfriend. He met Dwayne (Samuel B. Jackson) that evening, finding him waiting outside the restaurant. Ritter picked up on Dwayne's discomfort with their kiss and wondered what was going on. Dwayne tried to take things inside but Ritter wanted to know what was going on. Dwayne brought up how hesitant Ritter has been in their relationshp, even after a year of dating. He asked Ritter where he sees their relationship in five years. Dwayne brought up the thought of marriage and Ritter tried to slow him down. Dwayne told him that he's been honest about what he wants for the future, but he doesn't feel like Ritter's been doing the same. Ritter disputed that, but Dwayne said that if he can't see a future for them together, then they shouldn't be together. Dwayne then left Ritter behind on the street. The next day, Carver asked about his date and Ritter revealed it never happened because Dwayne broke up with him and he couldn't figure out anything to say in the moment. He confided in Carver that he has always felt relieved after a relationship ended, but this was different. Carver told him that a bad break-up may point him in the right direction. After his shift, Violet and Novak (Jocelyn Hudon) convinced him to go out for a drink with them, instead of going home to mope around and listen to sad music. The trio had drinks and Ritter announced he was taking his break-up shot after a deep breath.