Chicago Fire Review: A Couple Hundred Degrees (Season 9 Episode 11)

Seeing Kelly Severide teaching a group of new recruits is the Chicago Fire content I didn’t know I needed.

On Chicago Fire Season 9 Episode 11, “A Couple Hundred Degrees,” Severide is training a young group of recruits, and one of them simply doesn’t have what it takes.

He can see early on that Mercer doesn’t have the right instincts to be a good firefighter, but before he can let him go, he’s introduced to the guy’s father — an important person in the CFD and friend to Chief Boden.

That puts Kelly in a heck of an uncomfortable position, and it makes for a really interesting story for his character. For one thing, it showcases how his character has grown over the years. That’s not just about his life experience and leadership skills, but I think it’s about Stella too.

It’s certainly more fun to watch him in this kind of position as opposed to once again going out on his own to investigate fires and whatever else when he isn’t on duty. (That’s left to Brett and Violet, at least for this episode.)

Unfortunately, Severide goes against his instincts to give Mercer one more chance. And the poor kid nearly kills his fellow recruits over a mistake that’s apparently difficult to make. Obviously, after that incident, he has to let Mercer go. 

The way Severide looks at Mercer’s dad when he tears into the firehouse to yell at him is classic. The way he handles the fallout is even better. As much as I appreciate Boden wanting to go bat for Severide without any hesitation — protecting his team the way he always does — it’s more satisfying to see Severide handle it himself.

And boy does he. Even in the course of just one episode, Severide experiences a certain level of growth here. For a show now in its ninth season, that’s an even bigger deal.

Meanwhile, yes, someone has to be investigating some problem or other, or it wouldn’t be Chicago Fire. The deli owner and the whole poisoning storyline is entertaining enough, and it gives Violet a way to show further how well she fits into the team. It also allows for an appearance from Chicago P.D.’s Adam Ruzek, which I’m not mad at.

When Violet isn’t busy helping figure out why the deli owner fell in the first place, though, she’s tormenting Gallo over bread. In the process, she’s making me care a little less about their dynamic. 

Brett, on the other hand, is worrying over Casey — finally. Thanks to a chat with Will Halstead (hey, Will!) she learns the extent of what’s been going on with him and his headaches.

Their friendship is recovering in a really positive way, and she’s the one who convinces him he does need to go see a doctor. His fear, he admits, is partially about losing his career. It’s notable that she’s the one he opens up to about this as well.

It’s also notable that she makes a commitment to go with him. Nevermind her trip with Grainger. Well, that wasn’t bound to last anyway.

The most endearing part of this episode, however, involves Ritter. I’m delighted to see Ritter in a storyline that allows me a chance to invest in his character a bit further. Herrmann and Mouch learn that Ritter and Eric broke up a few months prior, and that makes Herrmann want to set him up.

It’s sweet and well-intentioned, though only mildly problematic. Still, Ritter is up for it. 

Honestly, I’ve never disliked a character so quickly as I have with the guy Ritter goes for coffee with. It’s all very cringeworthy to watch.

But the great thing is that it brings him back to Eric and allows them a chance to work on getting back together. Granted, it seems to happen all too easily and quickly, but it’s still a great moment and nice arc for Ritter.

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Chicago Fire airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC.

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