Chicago Fire Review: Mayday (Season 10 Episode 1)

The members of Firehouse 51 put their lives on the line on a regular basis, and by now we’re used to the big cliffhangers Chicago Fire is known for. And even if they don’t end in a casualty, the effects are always still felt.

On Chicago Fire Season 10 Episode 1, “Mayday,” we pick up where with left off at the end of Season 9, with Squad 3 trapped under water while on a rescue mission. It’s a close call, but as is more often the case than not, everyone makes it out okay. Basically.

That’s in large part to the way this team is able to work together and take care of each other — not to mention their skills and quick thinking. 

It’s Joe Cruz who has the closest call, but Severide’s courage paired with Casey being there in time to administer CPR means he makes it out alive. Thank goodness. Can Cruz please catch a break now?

What works well about this is that it winds up affecting the rest of the episode, from everyone’s reactions — some quite silly — to Cruz returning to work, to the fact that he and Chloe’s baby shower now needs to be rescheduled.

Add to that, there’s clearly some trauma Cruz is facing, though those moments are fairly subtle. They also offer more bonding between Cruz and Severide, which I really enjoy.

Obviously, the boat rescue can’t be the only suspenseful moment of the season premiere. There’s also a major building fire that results in firefighters falling through a roof, and again, impeccable teamwork for a save.

Casey swinging from one side of the roof to the other with the boy, to be perfectly caught by Mouch is one the kind of moment really makes Chicago Fire stand out. We love to watch these characters in their roles as brave heroes.

However, what’s really at the heart of this episode is impending change when it comes to Chief Boden. 

Boden learns on this episode that he has gotten the position of Deputy District Chief, which is amazing news, all except for the fact that it means he’ll have to leave Firehouse 51.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t picture Firehouse 51 without him. It’s realistic change and it makes sense for his character, but it’s tough to accept. Stella feels the same way.

Somehow her reaction feels a little over the top, though. It’s understandable the news would be bittersweet for everyone at the firehouse, but her reaction is almost unsettling. She explains why by the end of the episode, but even the explanation doesn’t totally ring true.

Meanwhile, there’s a cute thing happening with Brett and Casey, where they aren’t quite ready to tell everyone they’re together now. Of course, just about everyone in their Firehouse family knew they were in love with each other before they did, so they secret isn’t really a secret at all. 

It brings nice levity to the episode, and it’s a good payoff for fans who have been waiting for Casey and Brett to make things official. 

Something else that brings levity to the episode is seeing Gallo, Ritter, and Violet working together to brainstorm a side gig. Mostly, this is cute and fun, though it does feel like we’re repeating old habits. Their sudden need for a side gig — any side gig — also feels like it comes out nowhere.

Other thoughts:

• Casey and Brett aren’t the only couple with romantic moments on this episode. Stella and Severide remind us about their passion for each other just as much. And let’s not forget there’s now a wedding on the horizon.
• I love the way everyone comes together to make sure Cruz and Chloe get a special baby shower. 
• Brett proves once again how talented she is as a paramedic. I’m looking forward to seeing her ideas about the influx of non-emergency calls.

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

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

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