Chicago Fire: Who Is Margaret Mikami and Why Is Violet's Relationship With Her So Complicated?

Paramedic In Charge Violet Mikami collided with her estranged mother, Margaret Mikami, on the Wednesday, November 11 episode of Chicago Fire on NBC, learning that her mother has been diagnosed with ALS.

The family reunion unfolded in Season 15, Episode 6, titled “Over the Edge,” after months of tension. Viewers first caught wind of the fractured relationship in the Season 15 premiere when Violet, played by Hanako Greensmith, ignored a phone call from her mother.

Margaret Mikami is portrayed by Melinda McGraw, an alum of NCIS and Mad Men. Margaret arrived at Firehouse 51 directly after a quiet fundraising dispute revealed old wounds. Violet had been spearheading a Joint Duty Program fundraiser with Boston high school acquaintance Jacob Morales, played by Carlos Miranda, to help firehouses lacking adequate kits.

When the fundraising goal was met far faster than anticipated, Violet discovered the final donation came from her mother. Violet told paramedic pal Lizzy Novak, played by Jocelyn Hudon, that her mother was manipulative and had previously attempted to secure her admission to Stanford through a bribe.

Photo: meaww.com

That incident led to her parents’ divorce and prompted Violet to withdraw her application, though it ultimately pushed her to pursue paramedicine. Upon confronting her mother at the firehouse over the boundary violation, Violet refused to go to dinner.

Margaret then shared the devastating diagnosis. She has ALS and may have a year or less to live, explaining she planned to be in town for a week to connect.

McGraw is widely recognized for playing Diane Sterling on NCIS, as well as Bobbie Barret on Mad Men and Barbara Gordon in the 2008 film The Dark Knight.