‘Chicago Fire’ 10×08 Review: “What Happened at Whiskey Point”

Chicago Fire 10×08 “What Happened at Whiskey Point” attempts to do two things and fails at both of them. Not because of bad writing, or lack of commitment, though, if it fails, it’s because we’ve been here a long time, and we’ve got too many emotions attached to these characters.

The first thing the episode attempts to do is sell us Jason Pelham as the perfect guy. And the show doesn’t really fail at that, though I don’t particularly love Pelham yet, I am indeed convinced he’s a good guy. Under other circumstances, he might be a good fit for Firehouse 51. He’s just not a good fit for a spot that’s meant to be Stella’s, period.

But the fact that the show does such a good job at fleshing him out, in a good way, is a great thing in my book. When Stella returns, I don’t want her getting the job because the other guy didn’t work out, or because she was the default candidate. I want her getting the job because she’s the best person for it, which we all know she is. And Jason Pelham can be a good guy, without being the guy for Firehouse 51.

The other thing the episode attempts to do is make us worry about Stellaride. And hey, I get it, the show is taking a month off, and then returning for just one episode before another break. They had to dial down the Casey long-distance drama, because it was taking over everything Sylvie did. And Severide is back at 51, and actually a human being in touch with his feelings now. It would have been weird if he didn’t express any emotion over Stella being gone.

I’m still waiting on the missing Casey part, or the I talked to Casey part, or the commiserating with Sylvie about missing Casey part, but hey, the season is young.

But the show is naïve if it thinks I’m going to spend any energy worrying about Stellaride, one of the most solid couples in the entire One Chicago universe. Sure, Severide misses Stella. I’m guessing she misses him too. And yes, separation causes anxiety and fear. But we know Stella will be back, and though a bit of that anxiety and fear might linger, it’s a minor issue they can work through together.

Particularly as the show is now focusing on another would be couple having their own issues figuring out their timing …Gallo and Violet. These two have had a rocky relationship, and though at times they’ve seemed better at friends, the truth is there was always something there, just waiting for the right moment.

Is this the right moment for them? I don’t know, but it feels like it’s coming to a point where they will at least be willing to try. And though before this episode I might have told you I didn’t care this much, after this hour I find myself much more invested in whether these two can figure out a way to try. Not even to figure it all out, but to try. Baby steps here. This is going to be a journey.

Just as everything on this show is and will continue being. A journey made up of people who are, as we always point out, a weird little family. Some moving pieces, but in the end, all tied together by the same sentiment, and by the fact that, deep down, these are all really good people.

At times, when there are episodes like this one, I wonder “what would someone who stumbles into this episode by mistake think?”, particularly if they’ve never watched another one? And after this hour, all I can think is …I hope they think this show always, always tries to show the good in people. I hope they understand that there’s heart in Chicago Fire, and in the One Chicago universe. And I especially hope they give another episode a try and become as invested as all of us are in this family.

It’s a worthwhile journey, even when it hurts. Even when you miss people. It truly is.

Things I think I think:

• I like the scenes that are just about the relationships between the people on Firehouse 51
• Gallo is all like rules are made to be bypassed, and honestly, it’s a mood.
• Look, I ALSO want to tell people to act like humans. Often.
• Ritter and Sylvie are true agents of chaos.
• So, Severide is just looking out for future Lt. aka Stella riiight?
• Aww Violet.
• People really do complain about the dumbest things, I swear.
• Someone hug Violet please.
• Not Gallo. Gallo just needs to sit.
• And like, remember the chain of command. Again.
• Mouch and Herrmann are so good together.
• I also truly appreciate Mouch mentioning the Casey/Severide bond.
• Appendicitis makes so much more sense than feelings for Gallo.
• Hanako Greensmith is a comedy genius.
• Grumpy Severide also needs to take it down a notch.
• This storyline with the guys and the baby things just GOT to me.
• Gallo grew up a little at the end of this episode, which is good to see.
• “I have a tendency to go a little dark when the people I care about disappear.”
• Awww Severide missing Stella.

Agree? Disagree? What did you think about Chicago Fire 10×08 “What Happened at Whiskey Point”? Share with us in the comments below!

Chicago Fire airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC.