Ep 1. Welcome to the World of Being Seen

In the season 8 premiere of Black Ink Crew Chicago, titled "Welcome to the World of Being Seen," the crew is back and ready to take on new challenges. The episode opens with a brief recap of previous seasons and a glimpse into where the crew members are now.

The first scene shows Ryan and his wife Rachel preparing for the birth of their second child. Ryan expresses his excitement and nerves about becoming a father again, and Rachel reminds him of the importance of being present in his children's lives.

Meanwhile, Charmaine is dealing with the aftermath of her wedding, which was interrupted by her mother's unexpected arrival. She reflects on how her mother's behavior has affected her marriage and her relationships with the rest of the crew.

Don, who recently got engaged, is focused on creating a new line of clothing for his brand 9Mag. He meets with a designer to discuss his vision and shows off some of his sketches.

Over at Loyal Ink, the crew is dealing with drama of their own. Owner Phor is still struggling with the fallout from his breakup with Nikki, who has moved on to a new relationship. He confides in Cobra, who advises him to focus on himself and his art.

Later on, the crew comes together for a party to celebrate the opening of a new tattoo shop, hosted by a well-known influencer named Max. The party is filled with glitz and glamour, and the crew is excited to rub elbows with industry professionals and potential clients.

As the party gets underway, tensions rise between some of the crew members. Charmaine confronts Max about his past behavior towards her, and Don and Phor get into a heated argument over the direction of their businesses.

Despite the drama, the party is a success and the crew members are reminded of the importance of networking and building relationships in their industry. As the episode comes to a close, Ryan and Rachel welcome their new baby into the world, and the crew reflects on what's in store for them in the coming season.

Overall, "Welcome to the World of Being Seen" sets the stage for another exciting season of Black Ink Crew Chicago, filled with drama, romance, and plenty of tattoos. The episode introduces new storylines while also tying up loose ends from previous seasons, making it a must-watch for fans of the show.