LA Fire & Rescue Season 1 Episode 8 Review: Passing the Torch

This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.

In what is probably the sweetest way this season could come to a close, LA Fire & Rescue Season 1 Episode 8, “Passing the Torch,” gives viewers an inside look into how these guys handle the balance of family and work.

We have been shown how much Captain Dan Olivas loves his children and his firehouse family all season long. On multiple occasions, Olivas even states that once he works alongside his son, that’ll be the time he needs to retire.

Going into this final episode, viewers are curious if this was to be the moment Captain Olivas announces his retirement. It would be the perfect opportunity, but instead, the show goes with a different ending.

The Family Olivas — Firefighter Legacy

Throughout the docuseries, a strong emphasis is put on the bonds of family between the firefighters. That comes through even more strongly as Jeff Olivas graduates from the academy and becomes a boot at another firehouse — there are rules against him stationing at 16 because of his dad.

These guys will always have each other’s back, especially when lives are on the line. The finale dives into that on a deeper level when Jeff starts a week-long shift at Station 16 to fill in for a guy on vacation. 

Suddenly, the atmosphere at this firehouse changes — in ways that none of the guys could’ve predicted. Captain Olivas ensures that a professional relationship remains between him and his son while on the job, but that doesn’t mean they can break down their bond.

No matter how hard anyone tries, they can never really ignore how intimately you know someone outside of work. This shows up occasionally during the episode when Dan cracks a joke or some of the guys razz Jeff a little too hard for a simple mistake.

It’s never a negative thing. No matter how they treat Jeff, there is always an overwhelming sense of love in the undercurrent. Jeff grew up with these guys, so they will always see him as some kid who’s finally growing up.

There is a pride that Jeff holds for the job he has been given. He not only talks about the legacy he wants to uphold from his dad, but it’s also present in his voice when he recounts the things he’s been learning with Station 16.

Erin Scouler Learns Something New

Having gone on this journey with Erin throughout LA Fire & Rescue Season 1, it’s fun to see her still learning during the finale. Not only does she have to have patience and share the spotlight when she isn’t put on the tip for the first time.

She also has to learn how to handle domestic violence calls — especially considering how frequently they happen in South LA. It’s not something viewers would automatically think about regarding firefighters because it typically sounds like something the police would handle.

Firefighters will typically be called out to DV if the police find the home has a locked door and needs forcible entry. Scouler makes the mistake of not quite standing in the correct place to keep herself safe, and so afterward, Captain Woods makes sure to tell her.

It’s humbling to see a captain who is still attentive and cares so much about his guys, even after decades on the job. The bond viewers came to love during Scouler’s boot phase is still there, which is great to see.

It adds love and affection to the emergencies being depicted onscreen. Their bond reinforces what the series has been saying all along; some relationships are forged in fire that can’t be broken no matter what.

The End Lacks Real Closure

If I hadn’t gone into this episode knowing it is the last one of the season, the final moments wouldn’t have clued me in. There is an openness to the ending of the episode that is fine but doesn’t work entirely well as a finale.

Considering these moments were filmed quite some time ago, the finale could’ve taken the time to give us updates on any of the human interest stories it presented along the way.

Viewers would’ve loved an update on Paco’s situation and whether or not Olivas is working toward retirement yet. What about those stations we barely saw throughout the series? 

Revisiting them in the final minutes could’ve been an excellent way to tie things up. Instead, we are left feeling like we will turn on our TVs next week, and another episode will be waiting.

 

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

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LA Fire & Rescue airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on NBC.

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