Chicago Fire Review: Going to War (Season 7 Episode 2)

Spoiler alert: While this review focuses on an episode of Chicago Fire, it also discusses portions of the corresponding episodes of Chicago Med and Chicago P.D.

Never underestimate the team at Firehouse 51.

Chicago Fire Season 7 Episode 2, “Going to War,” is everything you could want in the first segment of the much-anticipated three-show #OneChicago crossover.

It’s artful in its execution and manages to dig deep into the characters while also delivering the kind of action and suspense that makes you hold your breath for longer than you should.

The setup is brief, giving us a look at Firehouse 51 from the perspective of its newest member, Emily Foster. The way she marvels at the house and the people within it is small but important — she notices the camaraderie, the romance, and the importance of the past, which Boden sheds light on.

It’s nice to see that photo of Andy Darden and get the little reminder before the team heads into one of the biggest and most dangerous fires they’ve seen in a long time.

That’s often a bonus of new characters coming in. They give us a chance to see the place with fresh eyes and to be reminded of the past.

A LOT happens during the fire itself. Much of it is standard — watching the firefighters evacuate civilians and work to put out the fire, but Gorsch also follows too close, and Jay Halstead shows up in search of his father, who is in one of the apartments.

It makes it all a little more personal, and also serves to set up the crossover element in the first place. It’s a smart way to bring in all three shows — Jay is from Chicago P.D., and his brother is from Chicago Med. That’s the only way the three shows connect on the crossover, of course, but it’s quite an emotional start that works really well.

Somehow, there’s even time to work in Brett’s feelings over Gabby leaving, and a little closure when Casey gives her that note. It’s a nice moment, and I’m glad they’re addressing Gabby’s absence and how it’s affecting her partner. It even carries through when we see Brett put into action something she learned from working with her.

There are plenty of other details that reveal things about these characters and remind us of who they really are. Mouch offers inspiring advice, Joe shows his patience and kindness, Herrmann shows his leadership — the list goes on.

They’re all so good at what they do, and it’s inspiring to watch them do everything they can to save lives. Severide is forced to think quick and make a riskier move to save a little boy, for example. There’s nothing quite like watching him carry a child on a rope while hanging from a building that tall, and he does so with complete certainty.

The kid’s reaction when they make it to safety? That’s uplifting television right there, you guys. It’s all so well-done and so fun to watch.

Unfortunately, Stella is so worried about Kelly that she doesn’t focus on herself, and doesn’t tell anyone when her alarm goes off. She goes down and her life hangs in the balance. So does Papa Halstead’s.

Those carry over into the next portion of the crossover, as does Otis’s own experience with the fire and the victims he’s unable to save.

I’m still haunted by that vision of the mother and her baby in the elevator after having been burned alive. She should have listened to Otis, but in the moment, she clearly thought she was doing the best thing for her child. The result is horrifying, and to watch Otis’s face when he sees it up close is heartbreaking.

That particular image haunts him, and while it’s good news that his collapse isn’t due to anything physical, it definitely seems like PTSD is something he could be dealing with for a while.

There’s a stubbornness in his resolve to put that off — he doesn’t want to believe that’s something he could be dealing with. Add on what he went through over the past year, though, and it certainly does make sense.

I hope they do dig in and spend time exploring this even more. Either way, it’s a thoughtful use of the crossover to allow that additional character development for Otis.

The Med portion of the crossover also reminds us of how close the Firehouse 51 family really is.

When Connor and Ethan tells Severide the only way to save Stella is to remove one of her lungs, Severide insists they find another way. Unfortunately, no one is able to contact Stella’s family, and Severide can’t persuade them to look into other options.

The emotion Taylor Kinney puts behind his performance through all of this is so powerful. He’s not only worried about Stella surviving, but he knows her well enough to know how bad it would hurt her not to be able to be a firefighter anymore.

It’s a bit much that they have security escort Severide out, but it feels redeeming that Connor does find another way to save her.

It’s April who gets that rolling (another nice use of the crossover because of her relationship with Severide), by bringing Stella’s “other” family — her firehouse family — to help persuade the doctors. Speaking of reasons to feel inspired by these characters, you have to appreciate the way they stick together and truly do work as a family.

Other thoughts:

• I love that Gorsch is left behind when the rest of the firefighters head to the hospital to be there for Stella. He’s had a chance now to witness first hand what this team is like and how they work together under pressure.
• The missed opportunity from the crossover? Brett and Antonio. I’m disappointed that we don’t see them interact.
• Severide steps in to help Jay on P.D., which is another nice to way carry the story through. Plus, seeing them work together is a lot of fun.

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

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Chicago Fire airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC.

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