The Chi: Season 7 Episode 10 – Recap and Review
As The Chi works towards the end of season 7, so comes the question of whether there may finally be real, long-term consequences that feel like they will matter.
Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.
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Episode 10 “The Block Is Hot” Details
- Available On: Showtime
- Public Release Date: July 18, 2025
- Director(s): Haley Elizabeth Anderson
- Writer(s): James Rogers III
Episode 10 “The Block Is Hot” Recap (With Spoilers)
Conviction Over Fear: Jada, Darnell, Emmett, Kiesha
While being in a life-or-death situation may have led Emmett to propose, Kiesha isn’t ready to jump the broom with Emmett as soon as he gets out of the hospital. Lest we forget, from co-parenting to cohabiting, Emmett has not been the best partner. So, making their relationship official in the eyes of not only friends and family, but the government, isn’t something she is sure about, and she tries to avoid embarrassing Emmett with her hesitation.
However, Darnell and Jada still see the awkward moment, and neither is against Kiesha for trying to slow this all down. Jada especially for, no sooner than Kiesha puts a pin in the proposal, Jada reveals she is dying of cancer. This really lights a flame under Emmett’s butt as he thinks he needs to marry Kiesha before his mom dies.
Ultimately, though, while Jada gives her engagement ring to Emmett, it is clear to both her and Darnell that Emmett is speaking out of fear rather than conviction, and with Kiesha picking that up, it is unlikely she will be a firm yes anytime soon.
Block Party Shenanigans: Papa, Kenya, Carolyn, Renee, Hannibal, Shawnita, Emmett, Kiesha, Damien, Zuri, Ezekiel, Nora, Shaad
With Pastor Ezekiel experiencing a soft reset in life, it seems he not only wants to throw a block party for the sake of the community, but maybe to rekindle things with Carolyn. Initially, she isn’t necessarily jumping at the idea of getting back together, but Renee isn’t opposed. Also, after Carolyn and Ezekiel spend the day together, it seems old feelings are bubbling up, and the idea of reconciliation might be reciprocated.
They aren’t the only ones rekindling, however. Papa and Kenya do talk, and while they don’t get close as they hand out fliers and things like that, considering how much Renee and Carolyn have said about Kenya’s heart being broken, it does seem Papa could still have a chance, if he wants to step up. But, alongside them are Zuri and Damien.
Now, Damien is in an odd spot because one of the first things Shawnita did was fire him. But, strangely, Nuck decides to advocate for him and use Hannibal’s part in all this, and his influence, to coerce Hannibal to give Damien a job. Let it be known, Hannibal isn’t happy he was pressured into doing this, and with one of the first things Damien decides to do is steal some mushrooms to share with Zuri at the block party? While he may have a good time with her, who knows what Hannibal may think or say when he does inventory.
Speaking of Shawnita, Emmett isn’t fond of her. Lest we forget, Emmett inherited Smokey’s and has learned on the job how to run it. Shawnita had actual experience and background knowledge, and because of this, and her liking Smokey’s product, she is seeking new ways to market and give Emmett a taste of his own medicine. If you remember, Emmett had ideas for changes, too, when he came onboard, and they weren’t taken well to, so consider this a callback to when Emmett was the new guy doing things without asking permission.
Which leaves us with Shaad. With becoming single, and the type who usually likes living with the woman he is dating, he is on the prowl and meets Nora while at the block party. She makes candles, Shaad likes them, offers to make her a meal, she makes it clear he can buy one, and after a joke or two, they exchange numbers to plan out that date.
Be Careful What You Say And To Who: Hannibal, Angie, Nuck, Toussaint, Alicia, Bakari, Victor, Tiff, Jackie
Tiff and Victor still have beef due to him not saying Reg is back, and unfortunately, they aren’t the only ones who end up having issues. Alicia pulls Bakari’s scholarship when Toussaint reveals she found his DNA on Alicia’s doorstep, from when Rob was killed. Thus leading to a confrontation there.
In addition to that, Hannibal tries to rat out Reg when he overhears him and Jackie were supposed to rob a jewelry store. But that information that went from Hannibal’s ears, to Nuck’s phone, to Toussaint goes bust. Thus, it seems Hannibal and Angie could be in danger.
New Cast and Characters
Nora (Tammy Townsend)
- Check out other productions we’ve covered starring this actor: [Link to Actor’s Tag]
- Character Summary: Nora creates homemade candles and catches Shaad’s attention at Ezekiel’s block party.
Links
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Review and Commentary
Highlights
Reg and Alicia Cleaning House [81/100]
Reg setting up Hannibal to reveal himself is another chance for The Chi to show us that there are consequences for people’s actions. In fact, Reg retaliating, or having Jackie do so on his behalf, be it killing Hannibal or Angie, could be notable. Granted, Douda’s death wasn’t and he was a kingpin, but Hannibal is a major local drug supplier, so maybe his removal could genuinely shake things up?
But, the big thing would be a war between Alicia and Nuck. Yes, Alicia has lost her edge a bit, outside of randomly shooting people, but if she is really looking to clean the streets, taking out Nuck, potentially Bakari, who knows who else, could help re-establish her and make her someone notable. For right now, it feels like she is slowly but surely drifting to the back, with Jake and many others, who are more part of The Chi as collected actors than characters who significantly matter.
Shawnita [83/100]
Shawnita has quickly become one of, if not my favorite, character on The Chi. She has energy, personality, and challenges Emmett in ways that remind you that he isn’t necessarily a good manager, just has had good help, and just really feels like a character who doesn’t exist just because the actor has name recognition. There feels like, even if just to run Smokey’s and allow Emmett to focus on other things, there is a sense of purpose here. Something too many characters lack, even when brand new to The Chi.
Low Points
Emmett’s Storylines [64/100]
I’m sorry, but did Reg not shoot Emmett point-blank in the chest? How is he moving about like that after three weeks, like nothing happened? On top of that, there is something about his handling of Jada’s situation that feels way too selfish, and his making it all about what he is going through makes me feel some level of disgust.
Granted, he is a momma’s boy, but there are times when you have to look at Emmett and realize he didn’t grow up; he just ended up with more responsibilities, and it is in situations like his conversation with Darnell that force you to recognize that.
Dom and Jamal [67/100]
At this point, it feels like they are in a loop, and him hearing Dom say no and pressuring her into a yes feels wrong, especially since it is about having a child. If the topic was about moving, or he really presented a less flimsy response than “legacy,” I could maybe understand. But even with the push of him not having a dad, so he wants to love a child like he wasn’t, it makes me look towards Lynae, who still is a child in need of guidance and not getting much of that from her guardian.
On The Fence
Ezekiel Getting Back With His Ex-Wife [74/100]
What I struggle with regarding Ezekiel’s story is not only how he hit rock bottom, all because he decided to date a White woman, but also the fact that he is bouncing back so quickly. From taking over Papa’s family church, Carolyn’s willingness to get back with Ezekiel, with Renee’s approval, it all feels like Emmett’s situation, where the smoothest road is taken rather than really addressing the consequences.
So, as much as I enjoy seeing Black love, I do feel like, even with many years passing since the divorce, there needs to be far more work done to make this reconciliation welcome and not forced beyond lingering issues. Like, the note of there being infidelity.
Overall
Our Overall Rating [73/100]
With two episodes left of the season, The Chi is neither better nor worse than it ever was. It showcases a lot of Black talent, putting them in storylines that generally could be good and interesting. It’s just, The Chi has taken on the weight of operating as if there is no other Black dominant shows out there, so rather than focus on the best storylines it could, it tries to do as many as it can – rarely doing any of them justice.
Check Out Our Past Coverage Of This Series
The Chi: Season 7 Episode 9 – Recap and Review
While new characters have been pouring in all season, the ones introduced in “Last Respects” are the most likely to earn their keep.
The Chi: Season 7 Episode 8 – Recap and Review
Alongside some familiar faces joining The Chi, there is a tease that a long-standing cast member could be on their way out.
The Chi: Season 7 Episode 7 “Unfinished Business” – Recap & Review
The Chi pushes you to question if Douda’s death, the time jump earlier this season, actually changed anything for the positive.
