Chicago Fire Review: Double Red: Season 9 Episode 9
Goodbye, Gianna Mackey. We barely even knew you.
The biggest surprise of Chicago Fire Season 9 Episode 9, “Double Red,” is that Mackey, played by Adriyan Rae, decides to take an opportunity to transfer to a new firehouse. It’s one she’s offered because of her already great reputation. And it’s a sweet way to write her character out if that’s what had to happen. (It is, apparently.)
The turnover for Ambulance 61 has been something, that’s for sure. It’s a little unnerving as a viewer, though as Kara Killmer said in an interview, it’s actually much more realistic.
Still, it’s a bummer to see Mackey leave so soon. Her character brought a great energy to the group, and there was clearly a lot of potential there considering her history with Cruz.
To have her written out this way is a good way to do it, though. It speaks to her strengths, and it does make sense that she should be working in a different firehouse than Joe. It allows her to leave on a positive note.
I mean, thank goodness she isn’t killed off or something like that. This feels about as natural as it gets.
Mackey is offered that opportunity to transfer on the same day that Mouch gets a bit of an unfortunate reality check.
He’s sent to a training with some of the younger, newer firefighters because it’s one he somehow missed along the way. It’s very obviously a training this seasoned professional doesn’t need, and he knows it.
So, Mouch takes the opportunity to show off, and good for him. He deserves it. But it also means he doesn’t pass his training.
He explains later to Boden why he chose to ignore the drills and show off his fancy skills instead. The good news is, Boden gets it. More importantly, he reminds Mouch how much of a hero he actually is.
It’s the most endearing part of the episode, and a really nice character exploration for Mouch.
Meanwhile, the biggest issue with “Double Red” is the story with Matt Casey’s head injury.
I have a hard time buying the fact that anyone would let him wander around the job with that head wound after that dramatic spill. Granted, some of that is because of how he insists he’s just fine. But is there not some protocol in place that requires he at least get checked out a little?
The injury bothers him throughout the episode, but not enough to keep him from doing his job or handling family matters. It’s been a while since we’ve seen his sister or been reminded much at all about his family, so it’s a welcome piece of the story.
After it’s all said and done, he’s left with his uncle’s watch, one that reminded him of the love of his life. The symbolism there is obvious — Matt still has work to do when it comes to his feelings for Gabby Dawson, whose presence has been felt in a big way lately.
We’re also reminded of an older injury Matt suffered. He pulls out scans and paperwork from his desk as his current injury bothers him more and more.
As frustrating as I find it that he was allowed to walk around with that injury, it’s always the mark of good storytelling when something from seasons past is able to resurface like this. I’m curious to see where it goes, and I have a feeling that somehow all of these elements will connect.
Other thoughts:
- How do we feel about Gallo’s ex coming in to replace Mackey? Because that’s the assumption, it seems.
- The way Sylvie Brett gets stuck with that mean cat after finding it in her heart to help that awful paramedic is just cruel. Though really, it’s too bad so much time is spent on that as opposed to spending more with what’s happening with Casey right now.
- Stella’s surprise delivery for the apartment is sweet. And I love that Matt continues to stay there with them. It’s a fun dynamic.
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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Ashley Bissette Sumerel
Ashley Bissette Sumerel is a television and film critic living in Wilmington, North Carolina. She is editor-in-chief of Tell-Tale TV as well as Eulalie Magazine. Ashley has also written for outlets such as Rolling Stone, Paste Magazine, and Insider. Ashley has been a member of the Critics Choice Association since 2017 and is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic. In addition to her work as an editor and critic, Ashley teaches Entertainment Journalism, Composition, and Literature at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
One thought on “Chicago Fire Review: Double Red: Season 9 Episode 9”
I think the watches were a reminder of Hallie, his first big love, but I guess we’ll never know for sure. I loved seeing his sister and the fact they haven’t forgotten to mention his mum and niece. I’llmiss Mackey a lot, Violet is a harder pill to swallow.
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