Chicago Fire Season 12 Episode 6 Review: Port in the Storm

Who knew a wedding in a fish store could be so perfect?

Chicago Fire Season 12 Episode 6, “Port in the Storm,” delivers a proper, satisfying ending for Sylvie Brett and a beautiful wedding for Brett and Casey. But of course, there’s a dramatic, life-threatening moment and more chaos in wedding planning before they can get there.

The episode kicks off with Brett being worried about the venue and nervous to tell Casey about the mistake. Poor Tony still doesn’t seem to understand why Brett’s so upset, and Violet is determined to make the fish store look beautiful for the wedding. 

At this point, we have to just suspend disbelief a bit. It doesn’t make sense that Brett wouldn’t have figured out the mixup sooner, and it doesn’t make sense that she wouldn’t have at least tried to speak with someone at the Shedd Aquarium about decorations.

But, much of the wedding planning has been this way, and what matters more for this episode is how everything comes together.

(There’s also a funny story behind the inspiration for this mix-up, which showrunner Andrea Newman details in this interview.)

Casey, obviously, could care less about the mistake, and is just happy to be back at the firehouse and to be marrying Sylvie. 

His return itself is nice, too, and gets a proper amount of attention. The connection between Casey and Brett is still palpable and their chemistry is just as good even though he’s been absent from the series for so long. 

He also spends time at the firehouse, meets its newest member, and manages a cigar chat with Severide that shows how far both of them have come. It feels like a culmination, actually, for Casey and Severide. They’re no longer the “single guys” Casey recalls them being, and they’re both older and wiser. 

Severide’s return after being absent a few episodes brings a sigh of relief as well. He messes with  Stella a little on the phone before arriving back at the firehouse, but it feels clear now that this conflict has been put to bed. It’s more clear when Severide talks with Casey about it, especially in referencing Benny.

Severide’s return also makes the call that comes next feel even more energetic. This is Brett’s last call at 51, and it includes high-stakes action that has the entire firehouse involved.

A convention center full of smoke has Squad, Engine, and Truck all working together, but the real danger is something much more unexpected.

Brett being held at gunpoint on her last day, just before her wedding, feels exactly how she should go out. And the panic over the radio when the team realizes they don’t know where she is gives a reason for Casey and Boden to head to the scene, which makes the whole thing even more exciting. 

Brett’s no damsel in distress, but there’s a nice blend here of her getting herself out of the situation on her own but also having Casey come to her rescue by full-on tackling the guy. It’s a great moment for Casey and a nice way to have his character be involved.

This call also serves as the solution for the wedding decoration problem. The convention center happens to have a Bridal Expo happening that day, which is forced to shut down because of the smoke.

Mouch and Herrmann take note of this, and wind up being the ones to see to it that Brett and Casey’s wedding has some proper decor.

The wedding itself turns out to be gorgeous. It’s a glowing setting, and we get the chance to see the entire ceremony. Boden officiating makes it extra special. His authoritative voice is cracked with emotion, and he points out just how long their journey as been.

Boden: But on behalf of 51, I’ve also got to say, that you are not the most savvy of a certain subject. Let’s be honest, everyone at 51 knew you two should have gotten married before you did.

Sylvie and Matt’s vows are also sweet and even include the reasoning behind trying to have the wedding at the aquarium. It’s a sweet capstone, and it’s made more significant by the members of the audience.

There’s thoughtful detail there that includes every child who ought to be present, from Julia and Amelia to the Darden boys. Just as they should be.

Appropriately, the reception is held at Molly’s, which is the right call all around. It’s fun to see everyone celebrate: Trudy’s having a blast, and even Severide shows off a few dance moves. 

The sendoff from that place seems right, too. Brett and Casey make their exit from Molly’s, with everyone from Firehouse 51 waving them goodbye as they ride off in a car that’s decorated, not with cans and streamers, but with caution tape.

There’s no better way they could have been sent off together. I’m getting choked up now just thinking about it.

Other thoughts:

• Violet receives an official promotion, and she’ll now be the PIC at 51! This is a satisfying progression for character, although the Paramedic Chief is unnecessarily hard on her. This woman is a villain in the worst way — almost to an unbelievable degree.
• Also regarding Violet, the effects of her trauma surface when she realizes Brett is in danger, and that detail makes for really good storytelling. Carver, however, isn’t letting her turn him down based on that trauma so easily. The romance brewing between them is getting even more fun to watch.
• Casey has, perhaps, left an important impression on Mouch. He notes that Mouch seems sharper than ever, and points out that it’s not too late for him to “retire with some brass on his collar.” Wouldn’t that be great to see?!

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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