Chicago Fire Review: Foul is Fair (Season 6 Episode 9)

Well, that’s definitely a twist I didn’t see coming.

On Chicago Fire Season 6 Episode 9, “Foul is Fair,” Gabby continues her search for Bria, with some help from Severide, while Casey remains concerned.

This is right in line with Gabby’s character, first of all. Sometimes it feels overbearing for her to get involved in other people’s problems, but she’s always coming from a good place when she does.

And as I argued in my review of Chicago Fire Season 6 Episode 8, “The Whole Point of Being Roommates,” this is what sets Gabby Dawson apart. This is what really makes her a hero — that need to go above and beyond, and to do some with some admitted risk.

There’s now a level of responsibility in her search for Bria, though. Because Bria didn’t run away from the hospital and leave her dad’s side until Gabby spoke with a woman who was clearly a social worker. That’s part of the urgency in Gabby’s search.

Based on the phone call she gets at the end of the episode, Gabby’s world might be turned upside down.

My assumption, and likely what we were meant to assume, was that Bria would somehow end up living with Gabby and Matt. Instead, now we’re led to believe she’s dead.

I hope that’s not the case, but if it is, it could mean some really interesting character development for Gabby. What I hope it doesn’t mean, is trouble between her and Casey.

Casey is, of course, right to be concerned about what Gabby has been up to. Even Severide is worried when he realizes she hasn’t been telling him everything.

But at the same time, he knows her well enough to know that this is the kind of person Gabby is. It’s encouraging to see him be the one to take Gabby at the end and to have Severide take a step back.

While all of this is happening, the rest of the episode rushes to cram in several other storylines at the expense of doing much at all. The foul smell in the firehouse is funny (and said when you realize it’s coming from a dead Mr. Sprinkles), though it feels a bit useless.

That’s coupled with the fact that Casey is still trying to figure out exactly where he fits in now that he’s captain — an important point that I wish more time could have been spent on. It’s actually one of the highlights because though he finds himself annoyed with his men, he realizes he ought not to distance himself from them.

I think that’s something that could be explored further — and for the record, I’d also like to see a little more explanation as to what Casey’s new role really means.

Then there’s Brett and Kidd, who are competing for the attention of a man. Funny? Yeah, a little. But mostly it feels… like odd timing. It’s also, again, not explored quite enough since this episode is trying to do so many things in such a small amount of time.

The saving grace of it is the result. Because while at first it feels cliché to have the two women fighting over a man, it ends with them supporting one another — and that’s refreshing.

Granted, I don’t know that Brett’s decision to bow out and put in a good word for Stella isn’t rooted a bit in still having some feelings for Antonio. Maybe that’s just me being hopeful.

Other thoughts:

• I’ve always been a little nervous walking through revolving doors. Now that I’ve seen this episode, I think I’ll avoid them altogether.
• What kind of jerk starts banging on the glass when a woman’s foot is caught on the other side? This guy is unbelievable.
• Herrman: “That sounds made up.” Mouch: “It was on the internet!”
• Poor Mr. Sprinkles.

What did you think of this episode of Chicago Fire? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

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Chicago Fire airs Thursdays at 10/9c on NBC.

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