Who is Margaret Mikami? ‘Chicago Fire’ explores Violet’s family history as ‘NCIS’ alum makes debut
'Chicago Fire' just gave fans a glimpse into Violet's chaotic family history. 'Over the Edge' opens with Violet (Hanako Greensmith) carefully navigating her budding romance with former classmate Jacob (Carlos Miranda). The pair are working on a fundraiser, 'Joint Duty Program,' for firehouses that can't afford their own kits. The duo does everything they can to raise funds, including making a viral video to create awareness. Jacob and Violet caught up in the common room, where he informed her about a donation from the newspaper team. While dealing with an accident, Novak (Jocelyn Hudon) asked Violet about Jacob. Violet admits she liked Jacob, but isn't sure about the future. He talked fondly about their past, and she doesn't want anything to do with it. Soon, though, she will face a huge blast from her past.
Violet heads to Gaffney to return a charger she borrowed, where she bumps into Nurse Kacy. Kacy informs her that a big donation has been added to her fundraiser. This puts them past their goal. Violet was happy, but it didn't last long when she realized that the donation came from Margaret Mikami, her estranged mother. Violet quickly tells Chief Robinson that they can't accept the donation. Later, she shared with Novak that her mother must have ulterior motives for the donation. Novak was surprised by her reaction. Violet confessed that while in high school, her mother tried to bribe Violet's way into Stanford.
After finding out what Margaret had done, Violet withdrew her application. This incident led to her parents' divorce. The only good thing that came out of the fiasco was that Violet realized she liked helping people, and it pushed her to pursue paramedicine. However, the whole situation is still a sore spot for Violet, as she believes she could have gotten into Stanford on her own, without Margaret's interference.
Margaret finally comes on screen after Violet arrives in the firehouse. Margaret was chatting with Violet's colleagues while waiting for her daughter. Melinda McGraw, known for portraying Diane Sterling in 'NCIS,' plays Margaret in this procedural. Things are icy between the mother and daughter. Still, Margaret pushes Violet to go to dinner with her because she wants to share something important. Violet refuses and asks Margaret to tell her there. Left with no option, Margaret drops a bombshell. She has been diagnosed with ALS and has maybe a year or less to live.
Violet is shaken, but doesn't tell anyone. Novak finds out when she sees an ALS article open on Violet's tablet. Violet tells Novak that she's angry and doesn't know what to do. Novak tells her that she will figure everything out. Violet ends the episode running into Jacob's arms. To find out what happens next in Violet's life, tune in every Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. ET only on NBC.
