Much Needed Space: Chicago Fire "Smash Therapy"

Nothing like smashing stuff to get the anger out, right? 

"Smash Therapy" was such a fantastic episode from start to finish that leads with some heartwarming moments and moments to question for the season to come. 

There should make a list of the best duo in the Chicago franchise because Herrmann and Mouch should be somewhere in the top 10, maybe top five after this episode. After having technical issues with truck 81's ladder system that almost sent Casey to near death, Mouch's performance becomes into question whether he's not fit or not. Herrmann digs for answers that give not only Mouch a satisfying answer but gets Casey to apologize to Mouch. 

Boden's new assistant, Kylie, begins her first day, and Boden tries to make things as simple for her as possible. It doesn't go well when she offers him a stand-in desk for him to use. It was such a fun storyline, but the moving moment comes when she confronts Boden about the desk and helps get rid of it. 
 

As Severide helps a fire victim retrieve his classic car that didn't get damaged in a fire. After taking the OFI case, he hears from some officers that he's pumping his girlfriend for the captain's test. He brings that into question and tries to avoid Kidd from helping her, thinking that it might be best for her to learn from someone instead of her boyfriend. I see where he's going, but...

And the elephant in the room, Brett and Casey, after that kiss, Casey talks to her that his feelings for her are real, but she can't expect it because of Gabby. So she tells him that they need some space from each other to blow over their feelings. Brett gets to take her frustration out on a drone that took a nose off from a victim and smashed it. While Brett and Casey will give other space, it will not be accessible after the scene at Molly's. 

I loved this episode so much. It had many great things from Mouch-Herrmann's story that's pretty much one of my favorite of the season so far with these two. It was almost tissue time when Herrmann gave Casey the evidence that the truck incident wasn't Mouch's fault. 

I think we're going to get some excellent Kylie and Boden story scenes this season. Maybe this is premature to think about, but this could be a new Ms. Connie and Boden relationship. 

I know Severide does what he thinks is best, but he should really rethink what he's doing.  I thought he and Kidd talked about keeping secrets from each other. I'm sure Kidd would understand what he thought was best for her to learn independently, but keeping it from her might hurt their relationship once again. 

And, of course, the Brett and Casey story, no matter what, is the season's storyline. Whether we want it to happen or not (and I really would love to have them together), I can't wait to see where this is going. While Casey is given Brett space, I think he should understand a bit more where she's coming from on Gabby. I still don't think he's getting it. 

Overall, I give this episode a 9.5/10.

What did you think of the episode? Do you agree with Severide's decision?  Do you agree that Herrmann-Mouch is one of the best duos in One Chicago? How do you see Brett and Casey going after this episode? 

You can catch Chicago Fire Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC.