Chicago Fire - Scorched Earth - Review

“Have you ever heard the expression, arsonist firefighter? ...It refers to a firefighter who starts fires so he can put them out, be the big hero.”

So have outside forces finally given Casey and Dawson a break? After this episode, it seems like it. But before everything was fine, everything was a disaster. Continuing with last week’s development, Dawson’s fostering of Louie is in jeopardy. Casey says he’ll handle it, and he certainly does. He wastes no time getting Susan Weller involved, and she surprisingly settles everything quickly…too quickly. There’s something fishy going on here and I just want answers!

Casey is no dummy; he knows everything was resolved a little too quickly and easily as well. After speaking with a reporter and learning that Alderman Deering is also a client of Susan’s, he pieces everything together. Afraid of losing Casey, as he decided not to pursue a political career, Susan orchestrated a scheme that had Casey coming to her for help and more importantly, one that would bring her back into the fold. Oh, Susan. You sly little devil, you. Casey makes quite a threat that leaves Susan looking terrified, but I’d be surprised if she doesn’t still have a role to play.

“I am a decent, reasonable guy. But I have my limit. Putting Louie in jeopardy? That was ten miles past it. I need you to get out of my life and stay out, or I will dismantle you. I don’t care. I will lay you to waste and leave nothing behind but scorched earth. Don’t even think for a second that I’m not serious.”

So, yes. Outside forces seem to be giving Casey and Dawson the long-awaited break they deserve. But don’t let that adorable closing family scene fool you; internally, I still think there’s something wrong. Gabby was quick to blame Casey for the whole mess, and though they put on a united front, don’t think he’ll forget it. There’s that saying, “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you,” that Gabby would do well to remember. It’s because of strings Casey pulled that she even got Louie to begin with, and it certainly isn’t his fault that he was almost taken away. Hopefully these two have smooth sailing ahead, because they definitely need time to repair damage that’s been done.

Elsewhere…

“Maybe a gesture from someone who doesn’t know him, who isn’t judging or expecting anything in return, who just wants to help. Maybe that will make the difference.”

After rescuing a kindred spirit, Stella feels compelled to find Chris, a kid in need of Hepatitis C medication, after he disappears from the scene of the fire. While this storyline received a bit too much screen time, it was refreshing to see Stella, with the help of Boden, want to help someone else simply because they needed the help. With all the politics happening on the show (and in real life), it’s nice to see that it’s not always a “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” world. This was a great story to not only bring in Sharon from Chicago Med, but State’s Attorney Mark Jefferies from yet-to-premiere Chicago Justice as well. But most importantly, this storyline gave us a bit of insight into Stella’s past. Based on her conversation with Grant in the premiere, it’s clear she had a difficult childhood. This story hinted that perhaps she was homeless, or at least, didn’t have much of a family to turn to.

“You know how to have a good time.”

Severide has seen better days. He’s easily had the most character growth on the show, so it’s sad to see him go through such a regression. He’s still hanging out with socialite Travis Brenner, who you just know is going to get him in trouble. During a party, Severide saves a girl who overdoses. Travis takes her to the hospital, but Severide learns from Sylvie that Travis dropped the girl off on a bench outside. Severide was upset, something the Severide of a few years ago probably wouldn’t have been. So, that’s something. The real question is, are Travis’ actions a deal-breaker for Severide and their month-long trip around the world?

Wow, did things cool quickly between Severide and Stella. One minute I was watching, thinking they’d be the couple of the season. Now, I don’t think they have any sort of future. What changed? Are these two not a good match after all? They are very similar, to the point that it might hurt more than help. I’m not as disappointed as I thought I would be, and I still won’t give up hope for a Severide/Sylvie relationship in the future. And hey, they actually shared a scene this episode! Perhaps the writers are bringing that back in as a long-term plan for the future?

“I’ve got an ex-wife who’s certifiable, a mess of a custody situation, I spend my days getting shot at, and I barely have enough energy to microwave a pizza…we’re in different places right now. Trust me.”

Speaking of Sylvie…get it, girl. After Antonio gives her all the reasons they shouldn’t pursue their chemistry, Sylvie’s bummed. But Dawson convinces Sylvie to give it another chance, because though Antonio said it was a bad time, he’s apparently bad at personal advice. And even though I’m against cross-show romances, I couldn’t help but hope she would go for it. I mean, how adorable were they “casually” (but not really) bringing each other up in conversation? So, she goes for it. And he buys her a drink. And…am I on board with this relationship? Well, not quite. I still think it’s going to fizzle out, as cross-show romances tend to do, but I suppose we can enjoy the ride. As a side note, it was a little disheartening to hear Antonio talk about his ex-wife the way he did. They started off so strong on Chicago PD and we haven’t gotten much about them since their split. Sad.

A few much smaller notes: Mouch and Sylvie’s writing adventure is still going strong (hallelujah!) and Molly’s might be struggling financially (though Travis might have helped a bit). Perhaps Molly’s can be a featured setting in the novel? So when Sylvie and Mouch inevitably sell millions of copies of their book, everyone will feel compelled to make a Molly’s pilgrimage! Yes. That could work. But is it probable? Probably not.

Line of the night: Mouch’s discovery of a very specific romance novel sub-genre
“Did you know that six of the ten best-selling romance novels involve BBWs in love with shape-shifting men who turn into tigers or bears?”


What did you think of the episode? Will Casey harbor a bit of resentment toward Dawson? When will Severide cut ties with Travis and get it together? How long will Sylvie and Antonio last? Share your thoughts below!

About the Author - Meghan Reynolds

A Colorado native, Meghan was born a raised a Denver Broncos fan. Aside from football, she loves television and some might say watches too much of it. Some of her favorite shows of the past and present include Galavant, Blindspot, The Office, Veronica Mars, The 100, and Gilmore Girls. She reviews Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, and Chicago Med for SpoilerTV.

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