Chicago Fire Review: Law of the Jungle (Season 6 Episode 11)

They may sometimes have their differences, but driving a wedge between Matt Casey and Kelly Severide isn’t going to be that easy.

On Chicago Fire Season 6 Episode 11, “Law of the Jungle,” Chief Grissom tries to do exactly that in hopes of pushing Severide up a career ladder he has no interest in climbing. And when Severide has the chance to put blame on Casey, he instead insists that they worked as a team.

It’s clear the two of them are still adjusting to the new power dynamic, which is a really an interesting place to take these characters. After many years, they are no longer of equal rank.

As much as Kelly has no interest in taking on a role like that, at least for now, that doesn’t mean there couldn’t be some jealousy there. That would be normal regardless.

Still, he does the right thing in responding to Grissom’s questions about a situation that had no great solutions in the first place.

Meanwhile, Casey is still a bit insecure in his position. This is all new, and it’s complicated considering how long he’s been at Firehouse 51. So when Grissom comes at him with the same questions, it’s not that surprising that he’d think Kelly put the blame on him. Thank goodness those two get that out in the open with a quickness, but I’m much happier watching the two of them work together as a team.

At its core, that friendship has always been part of the driving force behind this series — and the complexity of it. The first episode of the series puts the two of them at odds with each other after they lose a close friend in a fire, and it comes down to the call that was made.

It’s honestly something I wish would be explored on a deeper level, because there’s so much there. Let’s at least see them smoke cigars together soon? God knows they deserve it.

The theme of friendship and brotherhood between Casey and Severide is brought to a conclusion/cliffhanger right at the end of the episode. Severide takes a risk in trying to shut off that valve, and when Casey hears that’s what he’s doing, he immediately goes to help — knowing they should work together as a team and also not wanting to leave Severide to do such a thing on his own.

It’s during all of this that Severide finds out it was Casey who recommended that commendation, not Grissom, which is a really nice moment.

It’s shocking and kind of beautiful what happens next. When they realize the danger they’re still in after they close that valve, Casey makes a suggestion — that they jump into the river. Quite honestly, I can see no other way either, at least from the information we’re given.

But it works as a leap of faith. First, for Severide to trust in Casey’s plan, and second, for them to literally take that leap together. To me, that suggests a clear resolution in their new dynamic and a trust in the friendship. (It also suggests injury and pain, but let’s be honest, we know they’ll be okay.)

“Law of the Jungle” manages to be one of the most suspenseful and gratifying episodes it feels like we’ve seen in a while. It plays on the pressure of having limited time, first with the sheriff and the prisoner in the back of the van — a scene that is remarkably intense and somewhat difficult to watch — and then with the impending chemical explosion.

I do still wonder if Severide will ever change his mind. For the moment, he likes the way things are, and again, that goes back to early days of Chicago Fire when he was injured and faced with the possibility of not being able to do this job.

If there’s one thing that’s been consistent with his character, it’s that this is the job he was born to do. But as important as Grissom has been to him, some of those words are bound to stick, at least on some level.

Other Thoughts:

• Stella and Zach are going nowhere fast. It’s almost too bad, but I’m much more interested in seeing what happens next with her and Severide.
• Brett and Cruz — this feels… redundant. I do appreciate that Mouch winds up joining Brett for that spa day.
• Herrmann’s daughter as a junior cop is freakin’ adorable.

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

Reviewer Rating:

User Rating:

 

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

Follow us on Twitter @telltaleTV_

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!