When I wrote that article about 5 things I was hoping for this year on Chicago Fire, I was not expecting any of them to happen this quickly. To say I’m thrilled after watching “A Shot in the Arm” is an understatement. While Wednesday night’s episode was technically back to more normal (what’s normal in One Chicago anymore anyway?) structure and rescue fare, it set up some really incredible long game plot threads that I hope will last. Without further ado, here are my top 5 moments of Chicago Fire (8×02): “A Shot in The Arm.”
1. Molly’s is Saved!
In true ABC plot form, Hermann spent the majority of the episode trying to drum up a new partner to help him run Molly’s in the wake of Otis’ death. This ached, and not even in a nice way since it seemed like no one in the firehouse was willing to step up and support a bar they all drink at regularly?? I was actually really surprised that Hermann didn’t try to reach out to anyone in Intelligence or at Med, since we love ample opportunity for a crossover and it’s obviously a bar full of professionals who respect and love each other.
BUT THEN MY DREAMS CAME TRUE. Mouch obviously saved the day, and as the true scene stealer that she is, so did Trudy! Her rant against Maraschino cherries was truly iconic; Trudy (and the 21st) having a stake in our favorite drinking establishment is going to pay so many hilarious dividends this year and I cannot wait.
2. Collins is Gone!
I’m not really sure what else to say about this besides: FINALLY. I really applauded Stella’s insistence that Emily work a little harder to get along with Collins despite him being The Worst at his job and as a co-worker. I have no idea how Collins made applause at Blake Gallo’s amazing opening scene look moronic (more on Blake later!) but he did.
Again in moments, I’ll have to let slide for the sake of plot, how was Boden not aware how awful Collins is? It seems like something Foster should have been recording or keeping on file in her shift paperwork? I dunno, but the scene in which she straight up fires him was gold. It’s definitely way above her pay grade, but Collin’s didn’t seem to know that. It also set the stage for number three:
3. Brett is Home!
As someone who’s made the big city to small town transition and back, I could definitely empathize with Sylvie’s obvious loneliness and her desire to stay connected with everyone in Chicago. Watching her suffer through several interactions with Hope and struggle to put on a happy face with the Chaplain was pretty painful.
From running into her nemesis everywhere to not having a single call her entire first shift, Brett’s misery was obvious to everyone – even Kyle. Their breakup was sweet and sensible; as usual, the Chaplain cannot be faulted. All he wants is for Sylvie to be happy, even if it’s not with him! (ugh, a good man.) It was also such a lovely reunion between our 51 ladies when Foster and Kidd decided to break Brett out of Fowlerton, only to find she’d already packed her bags!
Glad to have you back Sylvie! We missed you.
(As did Matt. YES I’M STILL ON THIS.)
4. Ritter is Out!
Out as in with a male partner, not out of Engine! Yes, my favorite Candidate has a boyfriend and we love that for him. It was just a quiet scene between him and Hermann at Molly’s and I loved the way this was played and handled. The “You’re not vegan too, are you?” really made me laugh. As one of the eldest members of the firehouse, tension arose in which you had to wonder: is Christopher not updated on love and acceptance for queer men, in the same way he seemingly accepted Shay and Foster as queer women? But of course he was, and we’re all BBQing at the Hermann’s and I’m thrilled at yet another true representation of life’s great tapestry on display.
I love one (1) firehouse.
And finally, arguably the most exciting development of the episode:
5. A New Candidate is In!
The moment I realized who was wearing the jacket marked Gallo (what a great shot), I gasped and immediately texted me best friend: “Your Shadowhunters bb is on Chicago Fire.” Without missing a beat, she asked, “Albertooo???” That’s right – Welcome to 51 and One Chicago Alberto Rosende! Simon Lewis was never my favorite character in the Mortal Instruments books, but Alberto’s turn as our beloved Jewish vampire on Netflix’s Shadowhunters made me appreciate him in a whole new way. I remembered reading months ago that he’d eventually appear on Chicago Fire, but I had no idea how or why, so I was thrilled to see him. His daring rescue of a dangling man from 5 stories up won him both fans (Casey) and opponents (Boden).
Perhaps it was obvious that this would be who Casey would finally choose to replace Otis on Truck 81. Equally obvious was Boden’s disdain of an apparent daredevil firefighter, so soon after such a deep familial loss. Is this a fair judgement of Blake? Maybe not. Chief’s hesitation is understandable, but firefighting is very clearly a dangerous job. If the people who do it aren’t willing to put their lives on the line for others, then what’s the point? What becomes clear when Casey invites Gallo for a beer is that Blake does in fact take his job very seriously. Not only that, he respects his superiors and understands the true meaning behind the position offered to him. It’s my standout scene and favorite dialogue both at once.
Blake: Am I interested? Yeah, you could say that. I’m freakin’ hyped. I mean– you guys are rolling the dice on me like this. What can I say? Thank you. And you know, I realize that this opportunity comes to me at a very high cost to 51. I don’t take that lightly. I know I’ll be walking in the shadow of a beloved member of this family.
I couldn’t be more thrilled at Gallo’s introduction (don’t even get me started on those arms). Seeing Alberto weekly from now on is going to be such a treat! Brett’s return and the Candidate of my dreams in the same episode was more than I could’ve asked for (I love you still Ritter; I can have two favourites!). Just pray he doesn’t pull a Jimmy and suddenly go all rogue and disappear in flames??
Stray Thoughts:
- Joe having to break his lease and move because it was too hard without Otis just broke my heart. MOVE IN WITH CHLOE, JOE. Her support throughout this episode was so amazing.
- Tuesday scenes are always the best scenes.
- Severide stubbornly trying to get Boden’s boat to work and then breaking it was really funny. Stellaride remains perfect!
Chicago Fire airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC.
