Chicago Fire Review: What Will Define You (Season 7 Episode 7)
If nothing else, Chicago Fire Season 7 Episode 7, “What Will Define You,” gives Taylor Kinney a chance to show off some powerful skill as we have a chance to dig a little deeper into his character.
Severide’s relationship with his father has always been complicated, to say the least, and losing him so suddenly only shows that further. He’s heartbroken, angry, and full of guilt, especially considering their last conversation and the way Benny came through for his son anyway.
In a way that seems very fitting with his character, Severide is laser-focused on getting the details handled and moving on. One detail that’s important is his father’s medal, which Benny wanted to be buried with. But, Benny was Benny, and there’s no telling which one of his exes might have it.
It’s sweet how much Stella puts into finding that medal and how much the others are willing to help with that mission. I’m also really appreciating the positivity in Stella and Kelly’s relationship. This is a difficult time for Kelly, and Stella is showing exactly the patience and compassion he needs.
In return, Kelly shows his appreciation for her — it’s a heck of an emotional episode, but when she hands him that medal after he was certain it wouldn’t be found (it turns out his sister had it all along), it’s as though she fixed everything in his world.
Equally touching is the way Boden is able to advocate for Severide and for the funeral he believes his father deserves. Watching the firetrucks pull up as they walk out with the casket — it’s enough to give anyone goosebumps.
We talk a lot about how Firehouse 51 is a family, but what this shows is that the firefighter community is a family, and it’s pretty remarkable how they can come through for one another.
Meanwhile, Brett is continuing a pattern of getting involved in her patient’s lives. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it feels a little… contrived. This was a characteristic we became used to from Gabby, and honestly, it’s one we’ve gotten used to from the other characters as well.
Everyone is willing to go above and beyond, but there’s something that feels a little off in Brett’s involvement with the texting teenager. Her compassion is nice, though, and she addresses her conflicting feelings by visiting the new chaplain — which seems to bring on some different kinds of feelings.
I wish we could see Brett and Antonio get back together, but if that’s not possible, I’m on board with someone new for Brett, and the new chaplain definitely seems like he’s going to have a presence.
The texting teenager does get quite the lesson, and it makes for a useful storyline. We’re used to seeing stories of drunk drivers causing accidents on television, but this is a problem that, at least from what I’ve seen, isn’t addressed quite as often.
Other thoughts:
- Otis and Katie’s time together on this episode is sweet. It’s so friendly and mature, and it’s nice to see that resolution there also.
- Is it me, or do most of the women in Chicago now sense that Matt Casey is a single man?
- I’m incredibly relieved that Gorsch is out of the picture at this point.
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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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.