Chicago Fire 10×18 “What’s Inside You” is an episode about Wallace Boden and an episode about what makes Firehouse 51 the family that it is. The answer isn’t just one person, of course. Or two — because this episode sees Kelly Severide truly step up as a leader in Boden’s absence. Instead it’s about the fact that every member of the Firehouse is part of the family, and every part is important.
Still, it’s fair to say that so much of what makes 51 what is is comes from the top, from the kind of person Boden is, the way he cares about absolutely everyone.
Being a first responder requires a certain type of individual. Not just someone willing to put themselves at risk for others, but someone willing to think of others before they think of themselves. This is not an easy mentality, and it’s one that’s hard to learn. Some people, however, are just wired that way. For me, those people are heroes.
Often, Chicago Fire is just …a show. There’s romance, there are comedic moments, there are fights, there’s drama. Other times, though, Chicago Fire is a reminder that, even when the world looks really, really bad …there are heroes out there. And that’s worth celebrating.
So, let us go into Wallace Boden, the hero, and Firehouse 51 as we review Chicago Fire 10×18 “What’s Inside You”:
WALLACE BODEN IS A HERO
The thing that makes Boden a hero in my eyes isn’t even all the stuff I already mentioned (though, it is), but the fact that in the middle of such a delicate, scary situation, he’s worried not just about every one of the hostages, but the shooter too. Because he’s a person, and every person is worth saving.
Imagine how hard that is. To look at the person holding a gun at you, at other innocent people, and think …he also deserves some grace. And the truth is, sometimes, that faith is misplaced. Not everyone is worth it. Not everyone will make the right decision. But wouldn’t you rather grant it to everyone in the hopes you can help the one person who needs it? Isn’t it better to save one person, even if that means there are a hell of a lot of other people who get more from you than they deserve?
For Wallace Boden, the answer is yes. And that’s what makes him the kind of man, the kind of Chief, everyone looks up to. The kind that inspires people.
FIREHOUSE 51 IS A FAMILY
Everyone at Firehouse 51 is there to back Boden up, because Firehouse 51 is a family. That’s why they listen, that’s why they follow his lead and don’t just run into danger without thinking, and that’s why they literally stand between Boden and cops. Because that’s what you do for family. You protect them. You also trust them.
To know how to handle themselves. To tell you when they need help. And to make the best decisions in complicated circumstances. You’ll be there when they need you. You’ll be there if they need you.
And, afterwards …you’ll remind them of what they themselves said. You’ll remind them to take the wins to heart, and not just the loses. You’ll remind them that, sometimes, the best you can do is make sure there’s another day. Another fight. Being a hero doesn’t mean you can — or should — fix all problems. All it means is that you help someone have another chance. The rest …the rest is up to them.
Things I think I think:
- Look: Protect Fire Dad at all costs.
- WE HAVE THE SAME QUESTION, CRUZ.
- Like, if Chloe can’t get an answer, will we ever get one?
- Is Ritter gonna get a storyline sometime soon?
- Okay, I’m good with Violet and Gallo just putting everything behind them. I don’t trust it, but I’m good with it.
- I’d go to Chicago Fire Land.
- Everyone following Severide out is a MOOD.
- This is a Boden episode 100%, but it’s also an episode that establishes Kelly Severide as the undisputed leader of Firehouse 51 after Boden. Stella might be the heart, but who did everyone follow, without a second thought? Kelly.
- Pretty good team Stellaride makes, wouldn’t you say?
- Who talks back to the guy with the gun in a hostage situation? Who?
- How did this show manage to make me care about the shooter?
- Yeah, I definitely agree with Ritter, there is something off about the new paramedic.
- Severide using Boden’s words against him is chef’s kiss.
Agree? Disagree? What did you think of Chicago Fire 10×18 “What’s Inside You”? Share with us in the comments below!
Chicago Fire airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC.