The Best Episodes Directed By Joe Chappelle

Every TV Episode Directed by Joe Chappelle Ranked from Best to Worst by Thousands of Voters

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    undefined Season 3 Episode 11 - Middle Ground
    8.9/10(38 votes)

    #1 - Middle Ground

    S3:E11

    "We ain't gotta dream no more." -- Stringer Bell The wire begins to yield information about the Barksdale organization, while Stringer and Avon reminisce on how far they have come.

    Director:Joe Chappelle
    Writer:N/A

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  2. undefined Season 4 Episode 13 - The Sky Is Falling
    8.8/10(12 votes)

    #2 - The Sky Is Falling

    S4:E13

    The team responds to a mass shooting; Casey investigates the missing money from the fund-raiser. Jimmy agrees to represent the firehouse in a boxing match against the Chicago PD's 21st District. Chili's behavior continues to be an issue for Brett.

    Director:Joe Chappelle
    Writer:N/A

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  3. undefined Season 3 Episode 19 - I Am the Apocalypse
    8.7/10(12 votes)

    #3 - I Am the Apocalypse

    S3:E19

    The Chicago fire team works seamlessly with Chicago Med personnel to help aid victims of a deadly gas leak, but things quickly take a turn for the worse when the hospital is suddenly forced into quarantine.

    Director:Joe Chappelle
    Writer:N/A

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  4. undefined Season 2 Episode 20 - A Dark Day (I)
    8.6/10(13 votes)

    #4 - A Dark Day (I)

    S2:E20

    Lt. Casey and Dawson volunteer to help at a charity run at Chicago Medical when a massive explosion sends Chicago into chaos. With one of their own missing in the blast, the firehouse is tested like never before. The crossover continues on Chicago P.D. S01E12 8:30 PM (II)

    Director:Joe Chappelle
    Writer:N/A

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  5. undefined Season 5 Episode 9 - Late Editions
    8.5/10(31 votes)

    #5 - Late Editions

    S5:E9

    "Deserve got nuthin' to do with it." - Snoop A promising lead makes Freamon's hard work worthwhile, although McNulty doesn't feel like a celebration. Michael is suspicious about his latest assignment;.Haynes gets fresh eyes to help with fact-checking. Namond's debating skills make Colvin proud. Davis points a finger at Levy and the courts. And Bubbles recounts a recent temptation overcome.

    Director:Joe Chappelle
    Writer:N/A

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  6. undefined Season 5 Episode 15 - Deathtrap (I)
    8.5/10(4 votes)

    #6 - Deathtrap (I)

    S5:E15

    Truck and squad are called to aid in a massive all-city response when an old, ill-equipped factory-turned live/work space quickly turns into a firestorm, trapping countless unsuspecting victims. The dire situation quickly turns personal when it is discovered that one of Chicago PD's own has a family member at the scene. The crossover continues on Chicago P.D. S04E016 Emotional Proximity (II) and Chicago Justice S01E01 Fake (III).

    Director:Joe Chappelle
    Writer:N/A

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  7. undefined Season 3 Episode 22 - The Day We Died
    8.4/10(27 votes)

    #7 - The Day We Died

    S3:E22

    As the thrilling third season propels to a climactic close, questions will be answered as Peter confronts his destiny and a beloved team member meets an untimely demise.

    Director:Joe Chappelle
    Writer:N/A

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  8. undefined Season 1 Episode 23 - Let Her Go
    8.4/10(11 votes)

    #8 - Let Her Go

    S1:E23

    Events force Lieutenant Casey to team up with the Intelligence Unit, now run by Voight, who doesn’t appear to have changed his crooked ways after his stint in prison. Shay's excitement at the prospect of becoming a parent grows, while Mills and Dawson face some personal challenges. Meanwhile, the house comes together to support the opening of Molly's.

    Director:Joe Chappelle
    Writer:N/A

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  9. undefined Season 5 Episode 8 - One Hundred
    8.4/10(10 votes)

    #9 - One Hundred

    S5:E8

    Lt. Casey and Dawson apply for permanent adoption of Louie, but quickly discover a hurdle. Firefighter-turned-medical student Jeff Clarke approaches Lt. Severide with an interesting proposition. With hopes of reinvigorating business at the bar, Otis convinces a skeptical Herrmann to throw a bash in celebration of the milestone 100th anniversary of Molly's, but not without complications.

    Director:Joe Chappelle
    Writer:N/A

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  10. undefined Season 3 Episode 5 - On the Rocks
    8.3/10(27 votes)

    #10 - On the Rocks

    S3:E5

    Dwight launches his bourbon brand as Dunmire schemes to crash the event.

    Director:Joe Chappelle
    Writer:N/A

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  11. undefined Season 3 Episode 6 - Bubbles
    8.3/10(33 votes)

    #11 - Bubbles

    S3:E6

    Dwight scrambles while facing threats from Dunmire and Quiet Ray.

    Director:Joe Chappelle
    Writer:N/A

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  12. undefined Season 2 Episode 4 - Momentum Deferred
    8.3/10(27 votes)

    #12 - Momentum Deferred

    S2:E4

    Olivia begins to regain her memories of her encounter with William Bell. Meanwhile, the "First Wave" tries to collect the head of their leader, and the traitor makes his move.

    Director:Joe Chappelle
    Writer:N/A

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  13. undefined Season 1 Episode 7 - One Arrest
    8.3/10(40 votes)

    #13 - One Arrest

    S1:E7

    "A man must have a code." - Bunk. Tipped off by the wire, Greggs, Herc, Carver and Freamon make a bust, but the incident makes Avon and Stringer suspicious, leading them to close shop in the Pit. Meanwhile, Bunk and McNulty look for another witness in the Gant slaying and hunt a suspect known as 'Mr. Bird.'

    Director:Joe Chappelle
    Writer:N/A

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  14. undefined Season 4 Episode 12 - That's Got His Own
    8.3/10(33 votes)

    #14 - That's Got His Own

    S4:E12

    "That all there is to it?" - Bubbles While searching for the missing bodies, Freamon goes around the chain of command after being rebuked by Landsman. Carcetti finds that his promises of raises could be undermined by the school debt, forcing him to consider groveling before the Governor for money to pay it off. Colvin tries to keep his experimental class funded. Bubbles considers taking extreme measures to get rid of the man who continues to steal from him. Prez is concerned about Dukie's academic promotion. Omar orchestrates another big sting while Namond and Cutty get a first-hand taste of the "new" Michael. Carver's promise to look out for Randy ends up looking empty.

    Director:Joe Chappelle
    Writer:N/A

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  15. undefined Season 3 Episode 1 - Always
    8.3/10(12 votes)

    #15 - Always

    S3:E1

    Boden forces members of Firehouse 51 to pull themselves back together in the aftermath of a harrowing fire explosion. While Severide goes missing for one week too many, Casey works to track down his whereabouts. Newhouse brings some unexpected news regarding one of Mills’ relatives. Herrmann and Otis make some new goals regarding Molly’s.

    Director:Joe Chappelle
    Writer:N/A

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  16. undefined Season 3 Episode 5 - The Nuclear Option
    8.3/10(13 votes)

    #16 - The Nuclear Option

    S3:E5

    Casey deals with the aftereffects of his sister's divorce announcement. Dawson and Mills get used to their new roles at Station 51. Brett ponders whether to leave Chicago. The Molly's crew works to get the food truck started.

    Director:Joe Chappelle
    Writer:N/A

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  17. undefined Season 4 Episode 1 - Let It Burn
    8.3/10(10 votes)

    #17 - Let It Burn

    S4:E1

    Casey is placed in a dangerous situation while working undercover to bring down a trafficking ring being run out of Nesbitt's club. The squad's high turnover rate results in an unwelcome surprise for Severide. Dawson recognizes that her life is about to change. A new candidate makes an unusual first impression. Residents band together to protest a drug den in their neighborhood.

    Director:Joe Chappelle
    Writer:N/A

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  18. undefined Season 7 Episode 21 - The White Whale
    8.3/10(6 votes)

    #18 - The White Whale

    S7:E21

    A serial arsonist cold case is reopened when Lt. Severide finds a connection to a recent salon fire. Firehouse 51 celebrates a retirement party.

    Director:Joe Chappelle
    Writer:N/A

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  19. undefined Season 2 Episode 1 - A Problem House
    8.2/10(12 votes)

    #19 - A Problem House

    S2:E1

    An arsonist targets Lt. Severide. Meanwhile, Station 51 is under scrutiny by Gail McLeod, a financial consultant for the city who is deciding if any firehouses should be closed. Mouch receives a visit from his Japanese girlfriend, Lt. Casey "celebrates the one-year anniversary of Andy's death, and Shay suspects Severide's paternity.

    Director:Joe Chappelle
    Writer:N/A

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  20. undefined Season 2 Episode 8 - Rhymes with Shout
    8.2/10(12 votes)

    #20 - Rhymes with Shout

    S2:E8

    When the shooting of a young girl happens in their neighborhood, Cruz and his brother, Leon are forced to think about the gang they have tried to escape. The battle between Chief Boden and McLeod continues to escalate and Isabella convinces Mills to dress up for a fancy gala. Meanwhile, Lt. Casey is sad Dawson won't be coming by as much now that his parental duties are over, Shay is fed up with the firehouse and digs in deeper with Devon and Zoya's visa is expiring, prompting her to come up with an idea.

    Director:Joe Chappelle
    Writer:N/A

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  21. undefined Season 4 Episode 9 - Short and Fat
    8.2/10(10 votes)

    #21 - Short and Fat

    S4:E9

    Patterson fills in for Boden, who's trying to clear his name. Severide learns where Serena may be hiding. Herrmann and Otis give Freddie a job that keeps him close by. Jimmy and Chili draw more attention then either bargained for.

    Director:Joe Chappelle
    Writer:N/A

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  22. undefined Season 3 Episode 1 - Olivia
    8.1/10(26 votes)

    #22 - Olivia

    S3:E1

    After the extraordinary turn of events that shockingly left an imprisoned Olivia "over there," she fights to find her way home. Meanwhile, Peter and Walter try to move on with their lives unknowingly alongside alternate Olivia.

    Director:Joe Chappelle
    Writer:N/A

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  23. undefined Season 4 Episode 19 - Letters of Transit
    8.1/10(27 votes)

    #23 - Letters of Transit

    S4:E19

    The Fringe team goes back to the future as the story jumps ahead to 2036, when the Observers and the Fringe team engage in a game-changing battle.

    Director:Joe Chappelle
    Writer:N/A

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  24. undefined Season 2 Episode 3 - Defcon 1
    8.0/10(12 votes)

    #24 - Defcon 1

    S2:E3

    Lt. Severide has his strong ideas on who the serial arsonist is, but first needs to find proof to back up his suspicions. Meanwhile, Lt. Casey adjusts to his new lifestyle in the wake of recent events and Molly's bar is failing, much to the dismay of owners Hermann, Dawson and Otis. Elsewhere, Dawson goes out on a date with Jay Halstead, one of the bar regulars, and Mouch's campaign trail starts to get on track with the aid of Isabella, an old friend of Dawson's.

    Director:Joe Chappelle
    Writer:N/A

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  25. undefined Season 3 Episode 12 - Ambush Predator
    8.0/10(11 votes)

    #25 - Ambush Predator

    S3:E12

    Severide and Dawson unearth shocking evidence about the fire that killed Shay. Elsewhere, the firehouse bonds over a serious car accident, and Chief Boden's father visits, only to give unsolicited parenting advice.

    Director:Joe Chappelle
    Writer:N/A

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Joe Chappelle Ratings Summary

"Middle Ground" is the best rated episode directed by Joe Chappelle. It scored 8.9/10 based on 38 votes. It was written by N/A. It aired on 12/12/2004 and is rated 0.1 points higher than their second-best episode, "The Sky Is Falling".