Chicago Fire Review: That Kind of Heat (Season 9 Episode 2)

The moment many fans have been waiting a long time for finally happens on Chicago Fire Season 9 Episode 2, “That Kind of Heat,” but then it all comes crashing down within seconds. 

I’m talking, of course, about Brett and Casey. The groundwork for a romantic relationship between these two characters has been in place for a long time now, making it the slowest of slow burns but in the best possible way. And this had to be a slow burn, because if it weren’t, it would be problematic because of Casey’s history with Gabby Dawson. 

Enough time has passed now, though, where it feels right — even long overdue — for Brett and Casey to finally admit how they feel and go for it. 

Casey can’t help but reveal his feelings, albeit accidentally when he sees Brett’s life in danger. The cliffhanger from the Chicago Fire Season 9 premiere had both Brett and Mackey’s lives in danger after being run off the road.

Rather than waiting for Stella to turn the firetruck around to get to Brett, he leaps from the moving vehicle and appears at her side in no time — and he does so without missing a beat. 

Brett picks up on it. She recalls seeing him first, and only him. He won’t admit it, but what Brett says when they’re talking about it later is loaded with subtext.

Brett: It’s always been you.

It’s fun to see everyone else at the firehouse pick up their feelings too. Stella knows first hand, and Severide catches a look from Casey that’s particularly telling. At this point, I don’t think there’s anyone who doesn’t want to see Brett and Casey get together already.

At the end of the episode, Casey shows up at Brett’s door, wondering why she’d been standoffish. To explain, she takes a risk and kisses him. It’s a completely satisfying moment.

They both almost seem relieved to be kissing, yet surprised and thrilled all at once. It’s quite a payoff for the viewer — until it isn’t.

Look, good for Brett for asking the question that she asks. She should have that question about Gabby. What’s frustrating is that Matt doesn’t give a good answer. 

The thing is, he had the choice to be with Gabby. He chose not to go with her and to stay in Chicago. So to falter after all of this build-up with Brett — and the feelings are clearly strong — is frustrating.

Realistic? Yeah, probably. But it’s going to make this particular hiatus (the next episode won’t air until January) especially brutal. And if it isn’t resolved quickly, that’s going to feel really problematic.

Meanwhile, Kidd is getting her Girls on Fire program back up and running, and she remains worried about her original recruit. It turns out, the reason Kylie stopped coming was because she had to have a viable job, and that took up any time she’d been spending in the program. 

Kidd solves that problem with a quickness when she realizes the trouble Ritter and Gallo are having helping Boden with paperwork on top of everything else. So she convinces Boden he needs some part-time help.

Kylie’s reaction when Kidd offers her that job is priceless, and aside from the endearing scene, it’s more proof of Stella Kidd’s leadership skills. 

This episode also reveals a little more about Gianna Mackey. She has a hesitation now about working at such a busy firehouse (who wouldn’t after all of that?!) but Cruz gives her the pep talk she needs.

I enjoy seeing more of their history and hope that continues. This is a new role for Cruz to get to play. He gets to act as a mentor, which feels right for him at this point.

The dynamic of the firehouse has evolved in this way, where the characters we knew early on are all now leading a new charge. They’re all mentors to younger folks, who as Mouch points out, can teach them a little something too. 

That makes it all the more special that we get this little tribute to Leslie Shay.

Because while everything else has been going on, Severide’s been on his own mission — to get the door from the ambulance before the ambulance goes to the crusher. That door has Shay’s name on it, and it’s a brilliant detail that it’s remembered and that he’d go after it. It is really, really lovely.

He enlists a little help to have the door put on the new ambulance, and it’s Mackey who notices the name and simply says it’s nice. If you look at the team at Firehouse 51 now, it’s pretty remarkable to realize how few of them even met Leslie Shay.

Severide remarks on the new blood coming in and how her legacy should remain intact. It’s a sweet, emotional moment that makes this episode extra special. 

What did you think of this episode of Chicago Fire? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

Chicago Fire returns in January to NBC.

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

Adriyan Rae on ‘Chicago Fire’ and What’s Ahead for Gianna Mackey [Video]