Chicago Fire Review: Funny What Things Remind Us (Season 9 Episode 4)

It’s a lack of communication that’s causing more than one problem Chicago Fire Season 9 Episode 4, “Funny What Things Remind Us.” 

You’d think by now that Severide would have a handle on this one, but in an effort to help his girlfriend succeed on her own, he’s just shutting her out making her wonder what’s changed in their relationship. 

It’s not the same sort of relationship drama they’ve had before — not exactly. While that makes it interesting to watch, it’s equally just frustrating. I’m not even sure I buy that Severide wouldn’t give her a little more information to inform the way he’s acting.

I believe he’d omit the fact that he knows there are people who think she’s moving up the ladder because of him, but it doesn’t quite make sense that he wouldn’t at least suggest that there are reasons she should be preparing on her own. Instead, he’s avoiding her and being just a little cold.

Especially considering how far they’ve come, it feels like too many steps backward too quickly.

What his avoidance does allow, though, is the chance to work with Boden one on one, which is a lot of fun to watch. Severide tags along with Boden when he’s tasked with checking on condemned buildings in the city, and it turns out to be an endearing bonding experience.

Right away, the task reminds Boden of Benny, and they reminisce a little. I can’t believe it’s been two years either, honestly. It’s a nice way to pay a little tribute to yet another fallen character — something this season has done well already. Those details really are the mark of good storytelling.

Boden and Severide working together also provides a mentorship opportunity. This is something else the new season has leaned on heavily so far, largely with the newer members of the firehouse being mentored by those who have been around a while.

We’ve watched the key characters transition from those who still had plenty to learn to the ones who are doing the teaching, but Boden has always been the wise voice.

In this case, it’s less about professional mentorship and more about the personal, which does send Severide in the right direction when it comes to Stella. It just might be too little too late.

It also all leads to the episode’s most interesting and endearing storyline. While checking on condemned buildings, Boden and Severide come across one with a man inside. It turns out the man has dementia and this used to be his home. He wanders off every so often, and this is where he apparently always wanders to.

The man, who we eventually learn is a former police offer named Henry, has an immediate connection with Boden. It’s that connection that leads Boden to want to figure out who the man is based on the mysterious number he keeps giving at first.

Thankfully, the hat they find later tips it all off, and with a little help from Chicago P.D.’s Trudy (hey, Trudy!) they’re able to find out who he really is.

Boden goes to the extra mile to be of help to Henry and his wife. Boden’s father was a police officer too, and maybe, just maybe, the two men had served together. Boden gets to show a vulnerable, emotional side we don’t often see thanks to that connection. 

At the beginning of this, I mentioned lack of communication as a bit of a running theme. That lack of communication isn’t just posing a problem for Stella and Kelly. It’s largely what’s keeping Brett and Casey apart.

It’s almost comical that both of them meet someone who directly expresses interest in them — and because of the same call, no less!

A longer conversation between the two of them would probably do the trick, but the talks they’ve had have been so brief that they’re just not able to get on the same page.

One thing is for certain, the slow burn this is turning out to be means if they do finally get together, it should be one heck of a payoff — and one that allowed plenty of time to honor Gabby in the process.

Other thoughts:

• The donut-related prank war is fun and weird. That kind of levity is one of the things that makes this show so special.
• No one is surprised that Mouch’s feud all started over a comfortable chair. No one.
• Gianna Mackey is a great addition to the firehouse, and I love the flirtation between her and Gallo.
• I hope we get more insight into the backstory of Gianna and Cruz’s relationship soon.

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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