Chicago Fire Review: Move a Wall (Season 7 Episode 17)

Casey’s still dealing with the effects of having a gun pulled on him on Chicago Fire Season 7 Episode 17, “Move a Wall,” but at first glance, it just seems like he’s being terrible.

For the record, I like seeing Casey have some anger. Think about what he’s been through recently and what he’s lost. We still haven’t fully seen the effects to the degree we probably should have, but maybe this near-death experience is bringing all of that up.

If that’s the case, for Casey to not be himself makes sense, but it does still feel a bit forced when he lashes out at Herrmann.

It’s later in the episode that it all comes together in a way that works nicely. Boden serves as a mediator and gets both men to realize they should have reacted differently.

There’s more going on there with power dynamics, too. Casey’s still fairly new in his role as captain, and now Herrmann is new as a lieutenant. Those adjustments have to take some time.

They both apologize to one another and Herrmann praises Casey for his leadership. It’s the kind of thing that makes this feel-good television.

Herrmann’s relationship with Casey isn’t the only one that’s having difficulty on this episode. He wants to be a supportive husband, and I love that he sets it up for Cindy to redesign the common room in the firehouse.

It’s almost not surprising that her choices are pretty outlandish — I mean, the room certainly does make a statement! But what is surprising is Herrmann’s insult. It makes me uncomfortable all over again just thinking about it.

The best part of this episode is centered on Stella. It’s standard practice for our firefighters to go above and beyond on their jobs, sometimes to a fault.

We’re used to seeing them investigate things on their own time and sometimes go a bit overboard. But this… this hits an emotional note that feels unique.

While dealing with a fire in an apartment building, Stella notes a strange little space that looks suspicious — with partially eaten food and an abandoned doll. It doesn’t sit right with her. I don’t think it would sit right with anyone.

She talks to Boden and then calls the police department, giving us a visit from Haley Upton from Chicago P.D. But when they head back to the building, the space is gone and there’s no evidence. It would have been easy for Stella to let it go, but she doesn’t. 

And let’s note that she’s not doing all of this alone. Kelly steps up *immediately* to support her, to assure Upton of her instincts, and help her investigate further. The result is that they find two kids who’ve been mistreated by a scumbag who’s been scamming the foster care system.

It brings on so many tearful moments, from finding the kids and Stella comforting them, to drawings Hailey delivers to her later. It’s powerful stuff and it’s an important story to tell.

Nevermind the fact that it’s not exactly a smart move for Stella and Severide to bust into that guy’s house, nearly getting Severide stabbed only moments before Hailey shows up. I can’t be the only one who wants to scream at the television in moments like that.

But it all works out, and while the focus is on finding out what’s happening and eventually rescuing these children, this also feels like Severide’s way back to Stella. 

They put everything aside and work well as a team, for starters. Add to that his support of her and then the way he looks at her as she marvels at the artwork the children did for her.

He’s marveling at her. There may just be some hope for these two after all.

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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