There are only a few hours remaining until the highly anticipated season premiere of Chicago Fire. It would be beneficial to take a moment to reflect on and revisit some of the exhilarating moments from seasons 10 to 12.
I genuinely appreciate your patience while I’ve been caught up with work since my last recap of the One Chicago franchise. The fantastic news is that the new season is just hours away! I can’t wait to jump into a recap and review that will bring back some wonderful memories from high school, especially those delightful "article summary days." Let’s get started!
Season 10: A Milestone of Emotion, Growth, and Heart
Chicago Fire's tenth season picks up dramatically, right where season nine left off, with Squad 3 trapped on a sinking boat during a high-stakes lake rescue. The premiere wastes no time plunging viewers back into the chaos, and thankfully, all squad members survive the blast. Cruz's momentary unconsciousness adds emotional weight, especially as he awakens just in time to grasp the full impact of what they've endured. It's an intense opening that sets the tone for a season of transition, milestones, and emotional payoff.
One of the central threads this season is the evolving relationship between Brett and Casey. After seasons of build-up, the Bresttsey romance finally becomes a reality, only to face a new challenge when Casey moves to Oregon to care for Ben and Griffin Darden. Their long-distance relationship adds tension and emotional complexity to Brett's journey, mainly as she works tirelessly to launch her paramedicine program. Her feelings of being left behind are palpable, and Kara Kilmer portrays Brett's quiet strength with nuance.
With Casey gone, Firehouse 51 welcomes Jason Pelham as a new lieutenant. Though his arrival sparks some early friction, especially with Gallo, it becomes clear why Boden handpicked him. Pelham adds a steady, mature presence to the team, and by season's end, his potential for leadership beyond 51 becomes a compelling subplot.
Season 10 doesn't hold back on landmark moments. After years of build-up, Stella and Severide finally say "I Do" in a stunning riverboat ceremony that brings the team and Casey back together in celebration. Their chemistry continues to be a cornerstone of the show, and their surprise honeymoon interruption adds a cliffhanger that hints at future conflict.
Cruz's storyline takes a warm, paternal turn as he grows closer to Javi, a young boy who ultimately becomes a part of his and Chloe's family. It's a lovely evolution for Cruz. Meanwhile, Gallo, Ritter, and Violet provide comedic relief and heartfelt camaraderie as they explore a new business venture together. Violet's romance with Chief Hawkins adds new layers to her character. Still, it hits a conflict with the arrival of Emma, a driven paramedic who's eager to carve out her own place at 51, potentially at Violet's expense.
Perhaps the most bittersweet moment of the season is Casey's emotional farewell in the 200th episode. His departure pays tribute to the character's legacy while also planting hope for a future return. His absence is deeply felt, but the team's strength and resilience shine through, making Season 10 feel like both a culmination and a fresh beginning.
Season 10 truly brings all the excitement that Chicago Fire fans adore: heartfelt moments, thrilling rescues, and evolving character relationships. With touching goodbyes, long-awaited celebrations, and fresh starts, it beautifully balances action with emotion. It pays tribute to its rich history while paving the way for an exhilarating future. This season stands out as one of the series' most rewarding chapters yet. Overall, I happily rate it 9/10!
Season 11: A Heartfelt Season of Change, Loss, and New Beginnings
Season 11 of Chicago Fire picks up where the previous season left off—Severide and Stella's honeymoon is interrupted by a mobster tied to a drug-related arson case. This threat pushes Severide deeper into a dangerous investigation, eventually leading him to Alabama to participate in an advanced arson training program. But what was supposed to be a temporary assignment grows into a more prolonged absence, straining his marriage and testing Stella's resilience.
In Chicago, Brett faces a turning point in her long-distance relationship with Casey. Realizing the growing emotional gap, she ends things over the phone, a difficult but necessary decision. Not long after, Brett begins dating Dylan, a minor league hockey player. Amid these personal changes, she fights to protect her community paramedicine program from being cut. One of the season's most touching arcs unfolds when Brett steps in to help a pregnant teenager unprepared for motherhood. With support from the 51 family and Casey himself, she ultimately fosters the newborn, setting the stage for a new chapter in her life. And just when things couldn't get more emotional, the season finale ends wth Csey returning to propose to Brett, asking her to marry him in a moment of wholeheartedness and history.
The season also explores deep-rooted grief and redemption through Gallo, who reconnects with his aunt. Her struggle with alcohol is revealed to be tied to the family tragedy that claimed Gallo's family in a house fire. Their reconnection offers pain and healing, expanding Gallo's backstory with quiet emotional depth.
Meanwhile, Stella's leadership is tested as she brings on new firefighter Sam Carver. Though initially met with skepticism, Carver eventually proves himself, reminding viewers of a young Casey or Severide, sharp, intense, and full of potential, albeit with a fiery temper.
One of the season's most powerful storylines belongs to Cindy and Herrmann. When Cindy is diagnosed with lung cancer, Herrmann is forced to juggle his roles as both husband and firefighter. His struggle is raw and deeply human, and seeing the team rally around him, especially Ritter, adds an even more emotional element. When the news finally comes that Cindy is in remission, it's one of the season's most cathartic moments.
And then there's Violet, whose relationship with Hawkins ends in tragedy when he dies in a devastating accident. Violet's grief lingers across the season, offering one of the most emotionally grounded performances of the year. It's a powerful reminder of how Chicago Fire never shies away from showing both bravery and the heartbreak of life at Firehouse 51.
Chicago Fire really shows off why it's one of the standout entries in NBC's One Chicago universe, and Season 11 is absolutely no exception! Even without one of its main stars, the series flourishes, leaning into its incredible ensemble cast, heartfelt storytelling, and that perfect mix of action and emotion we love. From Brett's touching journey to Cindy's brave fight against cancer and Severide's uncertain path, this season offers a beautiful, engaging experience that balances tragedy with a sense of hope that fans will cherish. All in all, I’m excited to give this season a fantastic 9/10!
Season 12: A Season of Change, Goodbyes, and New Beginnings
Season 12 of Chicago Fire opens with the answer to the biggest question left hanging from last season: Did Brett say yes to Casey's proposal? The answer: a heartfelt yes! The following emotional journey leads to one of the show's most poignant sendoffs, as Brett leaves Firehouse 51 and the city of Chicago to begin a new chapter with Casey in Oregon. Their beautifully intimate and loving wedding was a standout moment that capped off years of build-up between the two.
Meanwhile, Severide returns after Stella drives down to bring him home from arson training. No sooner is he back than he's swept up in a flurry of suspicious fire investigations, ranging from a destroyed recording studio to multiple explosive incidents. These cases force 51 to collaborate with another firehouse, reigniting Severide's passion for the work and solidifying his team position.
In the wake of Brett's departure, Violet is left trying to adjust to a series of temporary paramedics, none of whom quite fit the bill. That is, until she meets Novak, played by the energetic and charming Joceylyn Hudon. Novak brings fresh energy to 51 and quickly helps Violet appreciate her team's uniqueness. Violet's emotional journey also takes a romantic turn, as she finally acknowledges her chemistry with Carver in a sweet, slow-burn development fans have hoped for.
Elsewhere, Firehouse 51 says goodbye to Gallo in another emotional farewell, and welcomes newcomer, Jake Gibson. Although Gibson initially seems promising, he is mysterious, and his troubled past surfaces quickly. Carver attempts to help him, but ultimately, Gibson realizes he isn't ready to stay and chooses to leave, an honest and respectful decision. These character transitions give the season a feeling of change and growth, reminding viewers of the personal changes first responders carry with them.
Finally, longtime leader Wallace Boden steps into his dream role as a Deputy Commissary. His departure from 51 is bittersweet; he's always been the heart and backbone of the house, but his promotion feels well-earned after years of leadership, sacrifice, and fierce loyalty. His farewell speech was one of the season's most moving moments and a perfect tribute to the character's legacy.
Season 12 may have been shorter than usual, but it was definitely packed with emotion, character growth, and exciting new energy! With some big cast changes, unexpected story arcs, and the stunning Brettsey wedding, this season felt like both a beautiful conclusion and an exciting beginning. It seamlessly passed the torch while paving the way for new dynamics and storylines to blossom.
A big shoutout to Joceyln Hudon's Novak, who quickly became a beloved addition to the cast. Her charm and fresh perspective really brought a delightful spark to the paramedic team. If Season 13 brings us more of Novak (and more Violet-Carver) fans, they’re in for a real treat that promises a bright future for Firehouse 51. All in all, I’d give this season a fantastic 9.5/10!
Are you ready for Season 13? What did you think of the past few seasons of Chicago Fire? Leave a comment!
The season premiere of One Chicago airs Wednesday, September 25th at 8/7c on NBC.
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