Chicago Fire Review: The Tendency of a Drowning Victim (Season 8 Episode 16)

Emotions are high at Firehouse 51 on Chicago Fire Season 8 Episode 16, “The Tendency of a Drowning Victim” as team members find themselves caught between Boden and his diet. Eat a snickers bar — or a meatball sub, Boden. You’re not you when you’re hungry.

While the overarching story of the mysterious car accident drives this entire episode, it is the comedic moments brought on by hangry Boden and Kidd — as she joins him in solidarity — that make this one of the lighter episodes this season.

That lightness is needed with all the Brian memories cropping up with the return of Lily. It’s still a fresh wound and seeing her come back to the firehouse and engage with everyone just pours salt on it.

Though it is nice to hear that she comes to Herrmann for advice because Brian would always talk about him with such high regard. It’s a level of trust and respect that Herrmann doesn’t get enough of.

It’s a good dynamic to see Herrmann pull Lily into his world of being a business owner as he would a daughter. The kicker though is when we think this dynamic is shelved because Herrmann can’t give her a loan and she tells him that all she really needs is his advice and support.

It’s the exact thing Herrmann really needs to hear right now. I suspect he’s been hurting about Brian way more than he ever lets on and Lily is giving him the opportunity to use that hurt and replace it with goodwill. 

I really want to see their relationship continue to evolve as Lily continues to search for the perfect space for her bakery. It’s these budding relationships that really make this show that much more special. 

However, one relationship that is still a bit iffy is that between Brett and her birth mom, Julie. When Chicago Fire first brings up the topic of Brett’s birth mom wanting to get in contact with her it set off a few alarm bells.

Even now, when it seems the woman is nothing but genuine and nice I am hesitant to trust it. To be honest, hangry Kidd says it best when she points out just how weird it is that Brett turned so quickly to Team Birth Mom. 

Brett is a very trusting individual, which oftentimes makes her a fascinating character to root for. However, this time around it’s a bit concerning especially now that Julie announced she is moving to Chicago.

Woah, hold up. This woman needs to pump the brakes because this relationship is one speed — breakneck fast. 

Maybe, I am just a skeptic but, there is just something that doesn’t sit right with me about this whole situation.

First, her husband slams the door in Brett’s face and denies that Julie even exists in his world. Then, Julie shows up and starts off with her whole I just want to know you shpiel before revealing she is pregnant. 

And now she’s moving even closer to Brett?  

If anything is coming out of this situation it is that Casey and Brett seem to be getting ever closer. It’s a bond that needs to continue to cultivate because it is the best thing for these characters. 

Casey has a way of really putting Brett in check when she lets her unfailing optimism get the better of her. And vice versa Brett helps Casey to be more confident about his role as Captain. 

That give and take between them really helps when Casey and Severide get into it at the car accident call and Casey has to assert his authority over Severide. Casey and Severide always have a hard time whenever the power balance between them has to be followed, but this time Brett is able to come in and remind Casey that it’s his job to make those decisions — which helps.

While none of us like to see Casey and Severide at odds with each other it’s a necessary evil every once in a while to keep them on their toes. These two respect each other very much and sometimes a good healthy disagreement is needed to keep them from losing their focus and edge.

Ultimately, this episode really brings it home that 51 is a family and that we always look out for our own. Nothing says that more strongly than Boden cheating on the diet and then inviting Kidd to join him or Ritter and Gallo teaming up to find a happy medium between all the dietary needs. 

Or even with a simple steak dinner between friends after a really long and tiring work week.

Chicago Fire has had some stellar episodes this season, but this one falls more into the comfortable category. It warms our soul and uses the story to subtly remind us that even though we lose members of the family they are never far from our hearts. 

Stray Thoughts:

• Moral of the story: Don’t trust online dating without first doing your homework.
• Standout moment: Casey giving Gallo reassurance that his care and consideration for the little girl burn victim is more than okay, it’s the right thing to do.

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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