Chicago Fire Review: Two-Hundred (Season 10 Episode 5)

It’s going to take a while to get over this one. 

Firehouse 51 won’t be the same without Matt Casey, and his emotional exit is confirmed on Chicago Fire Season 10 Episode 5, “Two-Hundred.”

Jesse Spencer stated his reasons for leaving the long-running series in a press conference, and the door is open for him to return at some point. Knowing the actor had to leave the show, there’s really no better way for him to exit.

To allow his story to come full circle in this way, bringing him back to Andy Darden’s family and allowing him to be a father figure is the most satisfying ending he could probably have. It’s one that makes perfect sense for his character, and to nod back to his friend’s death in that way, which we saw on the pilot episode, is really beautiful. 

Of course, it’s unfortunate that there had been so much build-up for Casey and Brett, and just as they’ve gotten together, they’ll now be separated. They claim they’ll stay together long-distance, and hey, maybe that will work.

Either way, it is disappointing that we don’t get to see them enjoy a relationship together after what felt like the world’s longest slow-burn romance. 

It’s also too bad they don’t spend more time focusing on Casey’s departure. Yes, it’s looming over the episode and yes, we get an emotional speech from Boden and a big group hug that feels very, very real, but it’s otherwise a pretty anti-climactic send-off.

I have a hard time believing there wouldn’t be a bit more fuss over his exit, whether Casey would want it or not. 

And if you’re like me, you were probably holding on to every piece of hope you could that something would change to allow him to stay. It generally feels like a soft exit — and one that should have gotten more attention overall.

Instead, the episode tries to balance its usual amount of storylines with drama and humor, which feels too safe not only for the 200th episode milestone but ultimately takes away from what could have been a more meaningful goodbye. 

And believe me, it brings me great joy to see Trudy show up to save the day for Herrmann. That’s a great moment and a nice reason to bring her in, while also offering some easy closure for Herrmann’s storyline from when he took the heat for Brett. 

It’s also perfectly fun to see the photoshoot drama and clear jealousy that’s going on with our younger trio — but if you ask me, that all could have waited a bit. 

Even the church fire feels too rushed somehow. It’s a big blowout fire with special effects that allows Casey and Severide the chance to fight one last fire together. It’s fun to watch, but it’s over too fast considering that significance. 

I will, however, be haunted for a good long while over that cat. What a horrifying image, especially knowing how the cat ended up there to begin with. Severide will have more to do with this in future episodes, I assume. 

One thing I’m excited about is this partnership between Mouch and Brett for the paramedicine program. They have a fun montage of making calls and we can see the program really will be helpful. It’s a lively montage too, though in a way it feels like we’re watching an entirely different show during it.

Tonally, it’s different than what we’re used to with Chicago Fire. 

Alongside Casey’s departure, there is some good news. Kylie finds a way for Boden to get himself right back to Firehouse 51. Is it convoluted? Probably. It’s pretty darn convenient, anyway.

But the fact that Firehouse 51 now just so happens to be in the center of the district, it’s standard for Boden to work from there — and he moves back in just as Casey is moving out. 

It’s a bit of relief, right? At least Boden will still be there. He’s also developed a really sweet working relationship with Kylie, and I like that it’s allowing us to see a bit of a different side of Boden at times. 

I do have one question. Where the heck is Stella? The answer is Boston, I know. But it feels like a sudden — and very long trip (consider the amount of time that passes in this one episode alone).

Her absence is also deeply felt because this is such a milestone episode. I assume there are good reasons for this behind-the-scenes, but looking at the story for the story’s sake, it’s definitely odd. 

Alright, now let’s talk about the most joyful part of the episode, and the other key event that really celebrates this as the 200th episode. Joe and Chloe have their baby!

It is surprisingly uneventful, and I mean that in a good way. There are no major complications or anything of that nature.

Joe gets the call, and everyone rushes together to the hospital. I love that use the sirens to get him there as fast as possible, and even more, I love seeing everyone so invested. An entire firehouse worth of people goes with him, and they all wait there for several hours until the baby is actually born.

That found family aspect is one of my favorite things about Chicago Fire, and that makes this all quite endearing to watch.

And of course, this baby’s name is very significant. Truthfully, I’d have been disappointed if they didn’t name their son after Otis, but hearing it out loud is a really sweet moment. 

—

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

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

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

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

Chicago Fire Celebrates 200th Episode!