Ep 5. New Lease, New Reese

The episode "New Lease, New Reese" of Black Ink Crew Chicago season 4 revolves around the challenges faced by the crew as they deal with the aftermath of a fire in the shop. The episode begins with the crew having a meeting to discuss how they are going to move forward and regain their momentum after the devastating fire. Ryan, the owner of the shop, tells the crew that they have to work together and make some changes in order to get back on track. The crew, however, is not on the same page, and tensions arise.

The first challenge the crew faces is finding a new shop to work in while their original shop is being renovated. Ryan calls a meeting to discuss their options and ultimately decides that they will work out of his house until the shop is finished. However, this decision doesn't sit well with everyone, and Van, one of the crew members, becomes increasingly frustrated. He argues that working out of Ryan's house is not practical and that it doesn't reflect well on the brand.

Meanwhile, there is a new addition to the crew: Reese, a tattoo artist who has recently joined Black Ink Chicago. She is still getting to know the crew and has yet to build a good rapport with them. She is insecure and worried about her place in the group, but is determined to prove herself. Reese's introduction to the show has been met with mixed reactions, with some of the crew members sceptical about her joining the team.

The episode also follows the personal lives of some of the crew members. Don, a tattoo artist, is dealing with issues in his marriage and confides in his co-worker. Things are tense between him and his wife, and Don is unsure how to handle the situation. Phor, another tattoo artist, is still trying to balance his music career and his tattooing. He has a meeting with his manager, who has booked him some gigs, but is hesitant to take them because of his full-time job at the shop.

As the episode progresses, the crew begins to settle into their new work environment. They have to deal with the challenges of working out of Ryan's house, such as limited space and not having all their equipment at hand. Reese struggles to find her footing and win over the rest of the crew. She tries to impress them with her work, but some of her co-workers are not receptive.

The episode ends with the crew having a meeting to discuss the progress they've made and what still needs to be done. Ryan acknowledges that the transition has not been easy, but he's confident that they will come out stronger on the other side. Despite their initial differences, the crew starts to work together and make the best of their situation.

Overall, "New Lease, New Reese" is a compelling episode that shows the challenges faced by the crew of Black Ink Chicago as they try to overcome the aftermath of a devastating fire. It explores the personal dynamics between the crew members, their insecurities and vulnerabilities, as well as their strength and resilience in the face of adversity.