Chicago Fire Review: This Isn’t Charity (Season 7 Episode 4)

The focus on character building is a highlight on Chicago Fire Season 7 Episode 4, “This Isn’t Charity.”

Herrmann is adjusting to his promotion as engine lieutenant, and that comes with more challenges than he anticipated. This is actually a really interesting move because it lets us see a function of the firehouse we haven’t paid much attention to in the past.

More than that, testing his character this way is a chance for growth — and Herrmann proves he’s ready for this position. He knows what needs to be done and he isn’t taking crap from anyone.

We saw Casey have his struggles with his promotion to captain, and I like that we’re going there again with a different character. The struggles are different, but it makes it feel like we’re moving forward in a positive way.

That someone would put Herrmann’s pins in a urinal is just cringeworthy and childish (speaking of different struggles) and after a talk with Boden, Herrmann handles the situation by getting rid of the guy causing the problems to begin with.

Doing so leaves a spot open for another firefighter, which is perfect timing because Mouch wants so badly to help Ritter, who he met during the crossover episode.

I love that Ritter is getting another chance at Firehouse 51 of all places, and I’m really excited to see Mouch continue this role as a mentor.

The awkwardness of the episode comes from Stella and Severide, and Stella’s old friend from high school who, yeah, is totally in love with her. Severide is jealous as soon as he realizes it — and Tyler certainly does lay it on thick.

All of it feels a little weird and forced, and I’m betting this isn’t the last we’re going to see of Tyler. I’m hoping we’re not getting set up for #Stellaride relationship drama, though.

It’s been so refreshing to see them as a happy couple, especially now that Gabby and Matt are over, and I think any drama with these two at this point would just feel exhausting.

Meanwhile, the team has been responding to concerning calls involving grenades, and they leave some unsettling results.

After she sees what’s happening on the news, a woman shows up to the firehouse will a whole box of them — she had no idea they were actually real and had sold three.

Casey’s face when he takes the box full of grenades from her is priceless, that’s for sure.

Nothing says suspense like Casey showing up just a kid is about to throw what he thinks is a fake grenade.

Luckily, no one is hurt, but it’s a heck of a close call.

As for Foster and Brett, there’s still some adjustment happening there as well. Brett admits that it’s different for her to work with a new partner after being so close with Gabby, but Foster is proving herself even as she pushes boundaries.

She does so for a heartbreaking reason — it’s so upsetting to see this injured girl and find out she’d been giving performance-enhancing drugs by her coach. It’s almost equally upsetting that she’s so laser-focused on being strong and being able to win.

Luckily, Brett is warming up to her new partner and willing to have her back. It’s an inspiring level of teamwork and of women supporting one other as well.

Overall, it’s a perfectly okay episode all things considered. It’s not mind-blowing, but the focus on character development makes up for it — especially seeing Herrmann doing so well as a leader already.

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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