Chicago Fire Review: Badlands (Season 8 Episode 3)
Even now, on Chicago Fire Season 8 Episode 3, “Badlands,” we are still feeling the sting of the loss of Otis. Just a simple reminder from Cruz that Otis’ memory lives on — through his old locker.
It’s a small, seemingly insignificant moment that really sets the tone for just who this new recruit Gallo is going to be at Firehouse 51. Many times shows write off a character whether through leaving of their own accord or dying and then bring in their replacement no questions asked.
For Gallo, that transition starts off really bumpy and not altogether welcome. He immediately moves his things into Otis’ old locker which can easily be misperceived as him taking Otis’ spot and making the man disappear into the night as if he never existed.
However, when Cruz lets him know that he can’t use that locker, Gallo gives it up no problem. He actually seems to be taking it to heart as a sure sign he’s a screw-up.
This is Stella’s moment to shine as a leader at 51 when she steps in and reassures Gallo that he shouldn’t take it personally. It is actually really great to see Stella step out of the shadows of her fellow men and show them all she means business — in the kindest way possible.
Chicago Fire shows us two very important things about Gallo on “Badlands.” For one, it highlights just how green and inexperienced he is. And two, they throw us into the fire — literally — with regards to his history.
Gallo is definitely a strong alternative to fill the spot left open by Otis, even if he is young and new. As Severide is quick to point out — they were all young and new once.
His ability to think quickly on his feet will do well as a part of the Firehouse 51 family and his calm nature will serve him well during emergencies when he has to reassure victims.
It will be interesting to see whether or not his naivete about the true nature of the job will persist or if Boden and Casey will be able to really shape and mold him into one of the best firefighters in all of Chicago. Based on Boden’s facial expression as he took in the story of Gallo’s past, it’s safe to say the chief is changing his tune a bit about the young man.
Now that we know just how much Gallo has lost to the cruel nature of their job, his reactions about Otis make that much more sense. His staunch assertion that he would always honor the man who came before him, takes on new meaning.
We can’t talk about the new face in the firehouse without being thankful for the return of an old friend. Now that Sylvie is back where she belongs, her absence is made more profound.
It’s hard to imagine the firehouse without our little spitfire EMT and I, for one, am glad that nothing could keep her away. What’s even more refreshing is seeing her waste no time in diving right back into the thick of it all.
Would a call about a youth getting into a fight at his juvenile detention center really be Chicago Fire worthy if Sylvie wasn’t laying her heart out to bare for the kid? One of the greatest things about Sylvie is her instinctual caring nature. It really helps her when she’s out on the job.
Sylvie always manages to see things that many people miss or are slow to pick up on which is the most redeeming quality about her in a slew of many fantastic traits. It truly is nice to see her and Foster work together to take down the man, quite literally.
At the end of the day, one of the most refreshing things about Chicago Fire is its attention and respect to the females on the job. This show could easily become a huge sausage fest of nothing but testosterone-driven men, instead, they have a healthy mix of everything.
Speaking of celebrating the women, hats off to Boden for nominating Stella for the honor of representing the district at the leadership convention. Not only is it well deserved, but it is showing us that the women are on equal footing as the men on this show.
Even though Stella doesn’t believe in her ability to be representative of the CFD at a leadership conference, Severide never once gives up his faith in her.
These two are really coming together as a cohesive unit this season — as they should be. It is nice to see this more open and vulnerable side of Severide and see it used to help bolster Stella’s own self-worth. Now that is love.
I am here for all the mushy Stellaride feels Chicago Fire wants to throw at us.
Additional Thoughts
- Casey trying to jump back into the dating pool only to crash and burn really lays the groundwork for a potential connection with Sylvie
- The whole computerized system can just go out the window — literally — though it does make for some fun little moments with Herrmann and Boden.
- I love this episode’s small little nod to some true heroes in our world: the social workers.
What did you think of this episode of Chicago Fire? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Critic Rating:
User Rating:
Chicago Fire airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC.
Follow us on Twitter and on 
Instagram!
Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!
Mads Misasi
Mads is a part-time entertainment journalist and full-time marketing content creator. They love any and all TV Dramas with a few sitcoms mixed in. Join in the fun talking about TV by following them on Twitter: @dorothynyc89.