Chicago Fire 12×01 “Barely Gone” is a welcome return to Firehouse 51 after a very long time away. The things that make this show work — the vibes that make it much more of a comfort show than the rest of One Chicago, are not just pretty much present in this episode, they’re at the forefront of the hour.
But there are, of course, some pretty big questions coming off Chicago Fire 11×21 “Red Waterfall,” and the episode answers all about as best as it can considering the already confirmed 6-month time jump. Fans will always probably want more in this regard, that’s the problem with time jumps. But considering the real-world circumstances, we might just have to give this show a break and hope that it can give us even more context during the season.
Here are some teases for Chicago Fire 12×01 “Barely Gone”:
- Would I have taken the way they chose to bridge the 6-month gap over no time jump? No. But despite that, I thought they did a pretty good job at it.
- The beginning and the end are very nice bookends to the episode — and what this show is in general.
- And there’s a scene near the beginning of the episode that would make a list of favorites if I were inclined to make one. It’s been teased in interviews already and it is 🔥🔥🔥.
- Taylor Kinney’s presence is felt, just as it was felt when Severide was missing. And I’m not just saying that because my notes say “Severide will Severide.”
- This episode isn’t the type with blink and you’ll miss them type answers, it’s all very clear and out in the open. And the camera is lingering on those answers.
- My second-hand embarrassment almost killed me during one particular moment this hour, one involving Sylvie. You’ll know when you see it.
- There’s a thing that I see, and I want the show to know I see it, and I am choosing to ignore it till the moment when I cannot ignore it anymore. Which, knowing Chicago Fire, will be in like 3 episodes at most.
- From what had been teased, I expected to hate the Stellaride storyline, but I can surprisingly roll with it, as long as they do it justice. We shall see.
- Cruz is right.
- I laughed, I got a little emotional, and I smiled …all in all, this was a very good way to start Season 12.
Are you excited for Chicago Fire 12×01 “Barely Gone”? Share with us in the comments below!
Chicago Fire returns Wednesday, January 17th at 9/8c on NBC.