Chicago Fire: Top Moments from “The Strongest Among Us” (Season 6 Episode 20)

For Chicago Fire, the focus has always been the team members’ strength of character. On Chicago Fire Season 6 Episode 20, “The Strongest Among Us,” that focus really comes through.

Not only in Otis’ triumphant return to Firehouse 51 but also in Chief Boden’s reflection on his career and Dawson helping Bria.

Here are the top moments from “The Strongest Among Us.”

Otis’ Return

When Otis first got injured on the job I was worried that he wouldn’t ever come back to Truck 81. Over the last few weeks, it’s been exciting to watch him struggle through his therapies and his mental health struggles.

Being a firefighter is everything to him. It was a slow preparation for the seemingly inevitable end of Otis’ time at Firehouse 51.

With all the drama that has been circling around the firehouse the last few seasons, I was prepared for the house to lose a valued member. After all, it has been a while and the timing was perfect for it.

Once again Chicago Fire surprises us and puts Otis back on Truck.

The more interesting part of this development is going to come in the remaining few episodes. Otis may be back but, what if that still presents it’s own challenges? In all honesty, I hope it does.

Gabby

Gabby has always had a warm and mothering soul. This episode really shows her strength at maternal instincts through her interactions with Bria.

Ideally, it would be great to have Gabby be a full-time mom to a child of her own. However, if surrogate mom is all we will get from her then I will take it.

Watching Gabby step in to help Bria in her preparation for Prom is a beautiful moment. Maybe one of the best ones this season. It isn’t often that we see Gabby show off her feminine side. So when she does it blows us away.

She saves Bria from the humiliation of her own lack of skills and also gives Bria the mother she desperately needs. That is one of Gabby’s strengths. She can see a broken bird and find a way to help them or nurse them back to health.

Even better, is when Casey steps in to help as well. He will always have Gabby’s back, a strength in their relationship that is a long time coming. His care for Bria because of Gabby is why we love them. They are the strongest relationship on the entire show.

Spring Training

In an episode completely focused on the firefighters themselves instead of the rescues they make, the most fun to watch is the “spring training” competition between Otis and Kidd. A little healthy competition between team members is always worth the screen time.

It’s even more fun on “The Strongest Among Us” because of what’s at stake for Otis. He’s just returned and he still feels a bit out of place. He wants to desperately prove to everyone that he’s still Firehouse 51 material.

The part about this that wasn’t expected is Kidd’s motivations behind the competition. She not only did it for personal reasons, I mean who wouldn’t want an excuse to get out of chores, but also for team building reasons.

Kidd just wants Otis to feel a part of the team again. It’s a move that had me crying happy tears. After all, Otis deserves any and all the love he can get.

Casey uses this moment to show his true leadership by encouraging and praising Kidd’s actions. He manages to successfully be a stellar leader by leading by example. He puts himself 100% behind the team building exercises.

Boden’s Surprise

Boden could have easily taken the money and used it for the boat he’s been eyeing. The mere fact that Boden didn’t take the money, not even for a second, shows the type of man and leader he is. When facing the reality of our career’s it is sometimes easy to go astray.

No matter what, Boden never does. That alone is why he is the best choice for Firehouse 51’s Chief. His example of leadership shows in not only Casey and Severide but also every other firefighter on down the chain.

This moral high ground is what allows Boden to see when someone isn’t all they seem to be. It helps him to make his command one of the strongest firehouses. He takes the role of community helper very seriously.

It’s been shown to us time and time again, but this time seems different. There is definitely something new and exciting on the horizon for Wallace as a result of this monetary event.

Cruzin for a Bruisin’?

If Otis is unlucky in love then Cruz is definitely cursed. The poor guy has a heart of gold and just wants to share it with someone else. Ideally, he wants Brett, but in the meantime, he’s throwing himself at just about anyone.

When Cruz first mentions his ex to the guys my heart drops. It’s clear that this will not end well (after all his dating ventures rarely do). Then to find out that she is married.

Cruz is asking for trouble with this one.

Or maybe not. He does weigh what he should or shouldn’t do with both Otis and Brett. He knows his closest friends and that they will give him two very different answers.

In fact, Brett’s answer makes you think that maybe there is a bit of Cruz/Brett romance on the horizon.

Ultimately, Cruz has to make a decision and he relies on the advice and support of his friends in order to do so. We get to see him struggle a bit because he does want to be happy, but he also doesn’t really want to get involved in the mess she brings with her.

One of the best things about Cruz, besides his friendship with Otis, is that he always strives to do the right thing. Let’s just hope that his friend’s opinions will continue to guide him.

All in all this episode was filled with moments of strength and true family togetherness. Firehouse 51 reminds us that we can always count on them like family because they are one.

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

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

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