Chicago Fire Review: The One That Matters Most (Season 6 Episode 16)
It’s always interesting when someone new shows up at Firehouse 51.
On Chicago Fire Season 6 Episode 16, “The One That Matters Most,” the news about Otis is bittersweet. He’s not paralyzed — a successful surgical procedure instead gives him some hope. But it’s going to be a long road before he’s back on the truck.
Of all of the characters for this to happen to, it’s somehow the most heartbreaking for Otis. We’ve seen him struggle with self-esteem and we’ve watched him work to continue to prove himself on the job.
So to have that taken away from him is a major blow. It would be for any of these characters, but for him in particular, it all feels a bit more complicated.
He worries about how Lily will feel about it too, and so he tries to push her away. His friends, though, aren’t so easily persuaded to leave.
As usual, that’s one of the key messages here — this found family is so strong. When Otis gets out of surgery, everyone at the firehouse goes to see him and be there for him. And when he tries to push Cruz and Brett away, they insist on staying anyway, because they know better, and they sure as hell aren’t going to leave his side.
Meanwhile, though, Otis *is* effectively being replaced — probably the most difficult thing for him to handle. Cordova isn’t necessarily a bad guy, but his attitude is… surprising, especially knowing he’s basically walking into a tight-knit family here.
The dynamic does set up some good possibilities for the story, which is always a good thing. And apparently, it’s even more complicated, because he’s asking Gabby to keep a secret about their history.
Speaking of changes — Chief Grissom is back again, but this time, his purpose is mainly to let Boden know he’s suggested him for a promotion.
There are a lot of complicated emotions for Boden at that moment. For one thing, it’s a compliment. It’s a testament to how good he is at his job, and it’s something he should feel good about. It’s also a whole new life — one that’s less dangerous and better for his family, but at the same time, one that would pull him away from the action.
And one that would pull him away from his team.
He knows Casey would be able to step up and take charge of the firehouse in his absence, and he sees that even more clearly on this episode. Casey truly is coming into his own in the new leadership role.
That also leaves Boden feeling obsolete. What can it be like to feel that you’re no longer needed?
He is, though, as Casey demonstrates while he practically begs with his eyes for help offering a pep talk to his team. And even if Boden did leave, knowing that Casey could run the firehouse, it’s only because of his training that he’d be able to do so.
I have to say, though, I don’t trust Grissom. He’s still up to something somehow — I can feel it. Or maybe I’m just paranoid.
Overall, “The One That Matters Most” is a solid episode with a clear focus that also manages to bring in some humor. (Those poor women and their terrible food — I mean, how bad could that have really been?)
The Otis storyline does feel a bit rushed considering how much he’s already gone through. I’d have liked to see more focus on that, from the paralysis scare to the surgery and in particular, the beginnings of recovery.
Stella and Severide do have some nice moments, which also helps to balance the episode. Stella’s fake phone call from the landlord to not only get herself out of eating a terrible dinner, but also to pull in Severide so they could have some privacy?
That’s probably one of the best moments from the entire episode. And I adore these two together. Stella is such a strong match for Severide. The friendship they have reminds me of what he had with Shay, and adding a romantic connection to that works really well.
Plus, we’re not the only ones who saw it coming. Even Gabby could figure out the two of them were sleeping together just based on Stella’s singing in the kitchen.
What did you think of this episode of Chicago Fire? How do you feel about Cordova, and what do you expect to happen with Otis? 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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Ashley Bissette Sumerel
Ashley Bissette Sumerel is a television and film critic living in Wilmington, North Carolina. She is editor-in-chief of Tell-Tale TV as well as Eulalie Magazine. Ashley has also written for outlets such as Rolling Stone, Paste Magazine, and Insider. Ashley has been a member of the Critics Choice Association since 2017 and is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic. In addition to her work as an editor and critic, Ashley teaches Entertainment Journalism, Composition, and Literature at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.