Chicago Fire Review: Natural Born Firefighter (Season 9 Episode 12)
All aboard the Brettsey train!
Chicago Fire Season 9 Episode 12, “Natural Born Firefighter” finally gives us a resolution to Casey’s traumatic brain injury, and while Chicago Fire missed an opportunity to explore a unique storyline, it still gives us some cute moments.
But the real standout of the episode is Hermann and Stella’s pursuit for equity and the heartwarming recognition of Mouch. Both of these stories inspire and bring a smile to our faces, and that’s what makes Chicago Fire so endearing.
After a multi-episode arc that feels like it’s dragged on longer than it probably has, Casey finally has a definite medical diagnosis. In the end, all of this resulted in possibly Brett and Casey closer than before.
It’s obvious that this is a will they-won’t they, and the two are a cute one at that, but was this really the purpose of this arc?
Brett’s reservations are valid, but even though we scream “KISS!” when they embraced in the doctor’s office (whose facial expressions were to die for, by the way), there’s a whole lot of wasted potential.
Chicago Fire could tell new stories with Casey, as well as the ones it’s telling with Brett, as he deals with a new diagnosis and a possible transition to a new role in the CFD, but instead only focuses on ship potential which is pretty unstable to begin (being in the Dick Wolf-verse).
Despite this loss, it’s still nice to see Brett comes closer to admitting she’s hung up on Matt. And hopefully, Brett’s devotion to him will push Matt to really assess who he would and should choose in the make-believe scenario.
The past few episodes have put a spotlight on Mouch, focusing on a perspective less common in dramas.
It’s not uncommon for the narrative to focus on younger, fresh faces, but Chicago Fire has taken the care to shine a light on the struggles that older professionals go through. Chicago Fire also isn’t afraid to show the vulnerability that comes with this.
Ultimately, this story pulls at the heartstrings not only to see Mouch inspire the younger firefighters that look up to him but more so as they inspire him to have confidence and pride. This rings true especially since characters such as Gallo and Ritter have been integrated into the series.
Hopefully, Chicago Fire can keep telling these stories instead of using the older case as devices in the stories as others because they are just as powerful, and just as necessary.
And that shot as the fire surges after he escapes that building — beautiful.
Chicago Fire, down to its core, is a show about good-hearted people trying to help their community. It wouldn’t be true to its premise if Stella and Hermann didn’t try to help a fellow firefighter at that.
It’s hard to tackle political issues and even if the problem is too grant for Chicago Fire to completely tackle, it least acknowledges the gravity of this issue, and paints it in a way easy for a wide range of people can understand.
The prison industrial complex is one of these issues, even if Chicago Fire tries to tackle the future for prisoners more than the issues of servitude in the first place which may not be enough for some, but for others, it may begin to open eyes.
It’s good to see a man of privilege like Hermann doing everything he can to help others around him, and it only inspires excitement to see the great things ahead of Stella, a woman who ultimately puts one ex-convict in front of her aspirations in the CFD.
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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Amanda Reimer
In addition to working as a freelance writer, Amanda also works with animals and stage manages various live performances. She has an invested interest in the perspective and experience of fandoms as well as anything in the science-fiction genre. She also loves spoiling her cats, Drummer and Kiki.