Line of Fire Season 1 Episode 6 “Cabin Pressure” threw a plane emergency at us, which, of course, involved Jane needing to help land the aircraft. Because this is the kind of show we have here. Not too crazy that we’re in 9-1-1 territory, but crazy enough that in Season 1 we have a pretty big emergency and the lead, Jane, makes it out alive with her family helping along the way.
“Cabin Pressure” also was big on revelations. First up there was Russ and Brandon. Russ didn’t speak this revelation, but his eyes sure did when he checked out Brandon and then was awkward about the girlfriend talk at the end there. And then there was the revelation about why the shooting that Mike was investigating happened. Will he burn it all down? But more importantly, will he and Jane give it another shot?
MORE: Need a refresher of the previous episode? Read our review for Line of Fire Season 1 Episode 5 “Cul-De-Sac.”
Something Brewing Between Russ and Brandon
Russ has been my favorite character on Line of Fire because he’s a contradiction. He’s so well put together and organized, yet he hides his girlfriend from his family. He connects with his sister and knows her favorite comfort shows and how she likes her bagels, but he fights with his brother to the point where his brother thinks he’s stopping him from going on a sunny vacation with the president’s daughter on purpose. And despite being the one to actually go and have military service under his belt, we haven’t seen him in action. Until this episode, of course.
Keeping all of that in mind, something shifted when Brandon appeared in “Cabin Pressure.” And at first I thought that he was making sure his hair looked all right because he’s just a put-together kind of guy. But after the looks that he gave Brandon, I think he was nervous because he wanted to make sure that he looked good around Brandon specifically. Because I think he has a crush. And maybe him presenting this united front where there’s not a hair out of place around his family and his work colleagues is a way of him controlling what he can because he can’t control what he feels inside for other guys.
When Russ is with Brandon, there’s like this nervous giddiness to him. He almost looks untethered. And it makes me wonder what more we could see of Russ if Brandon stays on longer. Because Brandon knows a version of Russ that no one else does. And when you’re in intense situations like they probably were in the Navy, a bond of trust is born that few can understand. But Brandon can. And if I can see this almost nervous version of Russ, I wonder if his siblings will when they’re not in a tense situation like their mom being stuck on a hijacked plane.
Also, this makes me sad for Russ but makes me love him more. As a queer person, I understand what it means to hide who you are because of the environment you are in. And I don’t think Russ’ family would love him any less. But the world isn’t an easy place for queer people. And that’s without taking into account the military part of it all. So I’m locked in and ready for what’s to come with Russ. Because he continues to be the most layered and interesting character on Line of Fire. And I want to know what comes next for him.
Jane and Mike Aren’t Over With
Just last episode I was talking about the end of Jane and Mike. But Line of Fire really went and showed me that I was speaking too soon on this topic. Because all it took was one emergency and Jane wanted to see Mike. Am I the only one who clocked that when Jane was hugging her children? She was happy that they were there with her. But she was hoping that Mike would be there too. Because even though her words say it’s over, her heart doesn’t.
Mike is also displaying signs of this not being over for her when it comes to his marriage with Jane. He refers to her as his wife even though they’re separated. And I like that Line of Fire is working on finding a balance of respecting Jane’s wishes but showing that they still clearly care for each other. It adds a mountain of tension. But also shows the kind of impression that they have left in each other’s lives. That isn’t something that’s shaken off easily, even if they’re separated and trying to date other people.
As I said before, I think Jane and Mike are going to be okay in the long run. But it’s going to take them a little bit to get back to where they were before, mainly because of Jack. And I like that Line of Fire is giving this couple a problem outside of the usual cheating scandal that they like to do when it comes to couples. Because, believe it or not, people go through things when they’re a couple besides cheating. There is heartache that tears people apart. And with a little patience, and a Season 2, I think Jane and Mike can find their way back to each other again.
Additional Thoughts About Line of Fire Season 1 Episode 6:
- Not Peter Krause starring in two shows where he’s the husband of the female lead who has to land a plane.
- As for Jane on the plane, love how she handled herself. But plane storylines always leave me feeling skeeved off. Like, ok, let’s wrap this up. I don’t like this kind of tension.
- This whole Mike mystery with the ex-Prez was messy. But I’m glad that Mike trusted his instincts. They haven’t steered him wrong yet. At least on the show…
- Micah needs to listen to his instincts a little more if we’re being honest
- But back to Mike. Is he going to burn it down? And if he decides to, with this guy let him walk out without a fight?!
- I’m not buying Clare and Raul. There’s just no spark. No chemistry here.
- But also, how long has it been since her ex was killed?
- Not trying to shame Clare. Just want to know what kind of timeline we’re dealing with here.
- Jack is messy. But Jack is quick. Jack is also 10 steps ahead of me and you.
- But he still cares for his family, hence the conversation with Agent Wallace.
- And I talked to Charlie Barnett about it in our exclusive interview coming soon!
Line of Fire airs new episodes on Mondays at 10/9c on NBC, with episodes streaming the next day on Peacock.
