Chicago Fire Review: Counting Your Breaths (Season 10 Episode 3)
It’s hard to believe Season 10 has only just started, because so much has already happened. Luckily, Chicago Fire Season 10 Episode 3, “Counting Your Breaths,” takes things from a slower approach and really focuses on what makes Firehouse 51 the family we all know and love.
We get to see so much more from Severide and Cruz’s bond as well as Sylvie’s fiery passion. Most importantly, we get to see a familiar face we haven’t seen in almost a decade, Griffin Darden.
Captain Casey’s New Mission
I have always loved seeing Matt Casey take on a passion project each season. It’s honestly what we’ve come to expect from him.
Casey has a big heart that only sometimes gets in the way of being one of the best Fire Captains in Chicago. Something that has come up from time to time over the years is that fateful day when Casey’s best friend Darden died in the line of duty.
Seeing Griffin briefly at the end of Chicago Fire Season 10 Episode 2, “Head Count” was a major blast from the past we weren’t expecting. Getting to see that moment develop into a cry for help from the teen is the emotional whiplash we didn’t need — but will still accept.
Some of the best moments in the life of Matt Casey have been when he has gotten to extend his parental instincts and help a child. None more so than when he housed the Darden boys back in Season 2.
There is no doubt that Matt Casey is going to swoop in and make sure those boys feel solid ground beneath their feet for the first time in years. It’s what being a part of a firehouse family is all about — what Casey is all about.
It’s high time Casey get a chance to be that dad he’s always wanted to be. It’s been years and we are still aching to see him in that role again.
Hey, Cruz? You ok?
Since the start of the season, I have been extremely worried about Cruz’s mental health. He isn’t a warm and fuzzy kind of guy so he’s not going to easily open up to others about his struggles.
These last couple of episodes, Otis’ absence in Cruz’s life has been more and more apparent. Thankfully, Cruz can’t hide from everyone and his team will always have his back.
Severide is a fantastic leader and Captain at 51, but sometimes he also doesn’t know how to handle touchy, feely, emotional moments. This is when the connectiveness of the firehouse really comes into play.
Casey knows what is going on and he advises Severide on how he can best handle it. There is no shaming, no finger pointing, just solid friendship and concern.
If anyone is going to help Cruz over this hump it’s Severide, because he knows what it’s like to survive traumatic situations. He also knows how to speak to Cruz in a way that Cruz will be comfortable with.
Severide shows Cruz that he doesn’t have anything to worry about, his Rescue Squad will always be there to help him move forward in healthy ways.
Brett’s Fiery Cause
Sylvie Brett has always been Firehouse 51’s biggest cheerleader. She is there to support any and all causes her fellow family members bring up.
So, it’s nice to see Chicago Fire explore her passions a bit more for a change. This idea she has comes from her heart, but also gives voice to an issue that all the paramedics of Chicago are facing.
When things don’t go as planned, Sylvie isn’t ready to throw the towel in, but she is definitely discouraged. Mouch stepping up and going to bat for her is something I didn’t expect, but love just the same.
Situations like this are usually within Herrmann’s purview, not Mouch’s. Which means because we aren’t expecting it the moment gets to stand out like a beacon of hope.
People tend to forget that Mouch has a greater influence than he lets on about. Mostly, because it’s not really in his nature to remind people. But, Mouch will always stand up for the little guy if he sees they are struggling — and Brett is definitely struggling right now.
Stray Thoughts:
- I like the IPA/Microbrewery idea because it really unites the “young” blood in ways that the old hats already are.
- The “awww” moment of the episode goes to Gallo with his assertion that he still has so much to learn from Casey.
- Firehouse 51 already seems a bit empty without Boden there all the time.
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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Mads Misasi
Mads is a part-time entertainment journalist and full-time marketing content creator. They love any and all TV Dramas with a few sitcoms mixed in. Join in the fun talking about TV by following them on Twitter: @dorothynyc89.