Fire Country Season 4 Episode 5 Review: Happy First Day, Manny

Manny must navigate through Sharon’s mixed feelings about his new status on Fire Country Season 4 Episode 5, “Happy First Day, Manny.”

Despite her initial encouragement, Sharon obviously hasn’t thought through the process of someone familiar taking over Vince’s spot. Not only are the small beginning changes made by Manny ridiculed, but she also actively challenges his position in the line of duty.

Meanwhile, through consistent research and her adamance, Eve has found a way to make Three Rock a reality again!

The New Face of Leadership

As I said in my review for Fire Country Season 4 Episode 4, “Like a Wounded Wildebeest,” Manny is the prime choice to lead Station 42. He is respectable, knowledgeable, seasoned with the firehouse, and has always been a natural-born leader.

With an abrupt change in leadership, though, another form of reality hits Sharon: Vince isn’t returning. With Richards as the fill-in battalion chief, it felt almost easier for her to deal with the transfer of power because he didn’t work alongside Vince.

What seems to be the thorn in her side is the number of years Vince and Manny worked together. Unlike Richards, Manny is aware of the station’s typical traditions, making the changes feel almost disrespectful, even if they are minute and not malicious.

Thankfully, Manny has never been afraid to embrace conflict or change.

He knows that Sharon overtalking him and taking charge of the theater fire response by default isn’t meant to be a slight. While it may look like that on the outside, he knows it’s grief taking another shot at her.

Persisting through the constant barriers of his first mission as battalion chief, Manny proves he is a natural in the role. Rather than causing hostility and going against Sharon in front of everyone, he finds a subtle way to make sure he’s still in charge of the call.

The Burden of Secrecy

“Happy First Day, Manny” not only perfectly executes a small Leone family reunion with a guest appearance by Sheriff Country‘s Wes Fox, but it also navigates a clear path to reconciliation for Sharon and Bode.

Withholding the presence of an arsonist in Edgewater would have catastrophic consequences if Bode found out through a third party.

Simultaneously, if Sharon were to find out about her mother’s weird blackmail against Vince from anyone besides Bode, it would pose an extra factor of awkwardness. She doesn’t need to know how many people are aware of the letters’ existence, but it’s vital she knows about her mother’s actions.

I love it anytime Fire Country can find a way to further expand upon the familial aspects of the series. Sharon’s mother might be coming to stir up a whirlwind of drama, but delving into her family’s background only elevates the series.

The most vital interactions in the episode are arguably those between Sharon and Bode. Their relationship has been strained, and it’s about time the two finally got together to heal as a family.

Plus, Bode is in a fragile state, and taking on the news of someone essentially murdering Vince himself would likely be the breaking point for him.

One Step Closer to Three Rock’s Return

Three Rock is such a valuable, indispensable aspect of Fire Country. It’s smart to have Eve working towards its restoration early on because it’s going to be a long road.

However, with Eve’s adamance to bring it back to life and get her men back on their path of recovery, it’ll hopefully come sooner rather than later. I love the idea of its return, but bigger and better than ever.

Drive-in movie theaters are a staple in smaller towns and bring immense joy. So, it’s not fun that Edgewater’s has been completely ruined, but it serves as a catalyst for the defining step in Three Rock’s expansion.

If Three Rock can sustain its own food supply with the chickens, not only does it provide free food for the inmates, but it also generates additional income, helping fund expenses.

Let’s be honest, there’s never enough Jules Latimer on our screen. I hope, sometime in the next few episodes, we get one solely focused on Eve and her progress towards bringing Three Rock back to life.

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Fire Country is providing a solid outing leading up to their holiday break, which is sure to leave fans on the edge of their seats with an insane cliffhanger.

Stray Thoughts:

• Bode and Jake making up is much needed! They may fight, bicker, and go through spurts of ignoring one another, but that’s what brothers do. The two of them living together again is sure to provide some genuine fun, but also chaos.
• With Sharon in the know, I need her and Bode to both check the PO box Vince left behind.

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What did you think of this episode of Fire Country? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to leave your own rating!

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Fire Country airs Fridays at 9/8c on CBS.

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