Fire Country Season 4 Episode 17 Review: Sometimes the Chaos Wins

A familiar face makes a return on Fire Country Season 4 Episode 17, “Sometimes the Chaos Wins.”

After nearly an entire season since his departure, Cole makes an appearance at Three Rock in an effort to help Eve out. Not only does it help those in the program get a better look at life outside of juvie, but it also underscores how hard it can be for convicts to turn their lives around after being locked up.

Meanwhile, Roberta continues her trip through town, hoping to ruffle as many feathers as she can until Manny finally agrees to sit and chat with her.

“Sometimes the Chaos Wins” is an exceptional outing, honing in on the importance of family, camaraderie, and doing everything in your power to help a loved one.

Long Time No See

Tye White’s appearance in this outing is quite the surprise, but a noteworthy moment nonetheless.

It’s safe to say that having someone to use as an example of how life can be after lockup is more important than ever this season. With Three Rock being composed of teenagers this time around, it’s that guidance that will be a deal-breaker for many as they work to turn their lives around.

Cole is a prime example of how hard it is to get back on your feet. He did all that he was supposed to while at Three Rock, and despite his life-saving efforts while at the camp, he still hasn’t found a solid job.

It almost begs the question: what is the point of offering a rehabilitation course if it doesn’t have any real-world value for employers?

As much as it bothers me to see the two engage in less-than-friendly back-and-forths, Cole speaks facts when he says that Bode had more of an advantage than anyone else getting out of the program. His frustrations with the situation are completely valid, but he takes them out on the wrong person.

Bode might be on the receiving end of benefits thanks to the Leone name, but he has always worked to use it to his advantage to help others, including Cole.

By recording his video testament to the good that comes from the Three Rock program and calling on fire chiefs across the state to hire despite a record, Bode is potentially helping save the lives of thousands.

Eve: Y’all, have y’all seen some of these comments? “My body’s on fire, come help me put it out.” My favorite: “Do those guns come with a license? ‘Cause your arms are hurting me, daddy.” These women need Jesus!

My only issue with Cole’s return is that it’s happening so late in the season. It would have been nice to see him re-enter the dynamic mid-way, and have a character arc in the back half of the season.

With that said, though, I hope his character storyline in this outing means we haven’t seen the last of him. I’d love to see Cole looped back into the mix and taking on a more leadership role at Three Rock.

An Unexpected Surprise

Roberta’s return to Fire Country is one of those scenarios that I wholeheartedly hope comes and goes quickly. Manny has dealt with a lot this season, having to work on being alone with Gabriela’s departure, and he’s finally on his feet.

Manny and Camille’s relationship might be fairly new, but it’s a much healthier alternative to him being flung back into the arms of his ex. The two of them share many hobbies and ideologies and have seemingly found peace in one another’s presence.

Despite their reunification stemming from Roberta’s brain aneurysm diagnosis and checking things off her bucket list, the two should not explore the idea of getting back together. The two didn’t work out for a reason, and a health diagnosis isn’t going to change chemistry.

Family Matters Most

As Malcolm works towards his rehabilitation goals and getting back to fighting fires, Jake is, naturally, his biggest supporter. We see that on full display as he pushes Malcolm to complete his certification test.

Unfortunately, he fails the test by 17 seconds, leaving him to find other work, as he cannot retake it for 6 months. Personally, I love this scenario because it presents the perfect opportunity for Jake to go toe-to-toe with higher-ups and secure a spot at Station 42.

While his approach to Sharon is a bit aggressive, Jake isn’t wrong when he says that families look out for one another, especially within Cal Fire. As much good as Bode has done since leaving Three Rock, he wouldn’t be in the position he is without the help of Vince and Sharon.

Malcolm joining Station 42 would be the perfect setup to put Jake’s family in the forefront and unpack more of their history.

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

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