Well, it's been over a week. How is everyone feeling after the season finale of One Chicago? Here's my recap and thoughts. Let's go!
Chicago Med "... Don't You Cry"
The season-ending episode, "Don't You Cry," was a fantastic hour of television that beautifully tied together the season's storylines while setting up some incredible new conflicts.
A Season of Stories Concludes
The billionaire faced a difficult choice, believing it was the best way to protect his daughter, even if it meant pushing away the child who desperately needed a lung transplant. But after Maggie bonds with the billionaire's child, she gently reminds her that compassion is the better path. The billionaire listens and decides to reach out to save the other child.
Meanwhile, Ripley treats a car crash victim who turns out to be Dr. Charles' daughter, Anna. With everything seeming okay, Dr. Charles digs deeper and learns from his other daughter, Robin, that Anna was trying to kill herself. When he tries to talk to her, Anna says she doesn't want to speak with him, but with her dad. This pushes Charles to confront his past, including his father's suicide, allowing him to better connect with his daughter.
Goodwin faces budget cuts after letting go of Dr. Hayes. The cuts put her in a difficult spot, as she has to decide who to let go, including her ex-boyfriend. She also meets with her attacker, who asks for forgiveness. After everything she has been through, Goodwin talks to Burt, the one person who seems to truly understand.
Archer assists Lenox and her brother in understanding their test results, which indicate that they are not carriers of the genetic disease that claimed their mother's life. However, later, Lenox is shown at her residence with test results revealing a positive indication for the genetic disease. This new storyline will be a dramatic development in the upcoming season.
A Series of Shocking Twists
"Don't You Cry" had some remarkable developments that finally shed light on Dr. Charles's history, explaining why he sometimes struggles to switch off being a doctor, even around his family. This aspect was the episode's highlight, especially when he opened up to Anna about his father's death and had those memorable conversations with Dr. Reese.
What an intriguing twist at the end with Lydia at Ripley's place! It felt like these two connected during the well rescue, and I always sensed they would hit it off. It might be interesting to see the development of their relationship, regardless of whether he turns out to be the father of Asher's baby.
Speaking of Asher, the mystery of who the father is could spark some fun conversations and speculation throughout the summer! Asher's sister is also too distressed to accept the news of the unexpected pregnancy, believing that Asher is trying to one-up her again. Interestingly, everyone assumes that the baby is Ripley's, but as we observe Asher approaching the door and knocking, we realize it's not Ripley's residence at all! It's Archer's! And now, the phrase "Captain Crunch" takes on a whole new meaning.
Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.
Chicago Fire "It Had to End This Way"
Where should we even start? Let's dive into the dynamic between Severide and Pascal in this thrilling season finale.
Alliances and Goodbyes
Despite the odds stacked against Pascal, Severide goes above and beyond to uncover the truth and clear him of the attempted murder charge against Franklin. He even faces tough questions from Van Mitter about his involvement in helping Pascal. After contacting Illinois State Police Captain Sydney Vonn for assistance in investigating a list of potential suspects, they hit a dead end.
However, Severide doesn't give up. He later discovers a clue suggesting that the person who placed the incriminating evidence in the car had to be a firefighter, leading him to one name... Vale! Yes, the same guy who harbored a crush on Monica.
In a heartbreaking twist, Violet sees that Carver has been distant. After talking to Ritter and Novak about it, she delivers a letter she wrote to him, leaving it on his vehicle. The two finally discuss the letter, but Carver tells her he needs a change of scenery and is moving to Denver.
After some hesitation about the chief exams this season, Herrmann finally takes the plunge. He has a chat with Grissom, and a surprising turn of events unfolds. Mouch hears the news and talks to Herrmann, confronting him about his decision to turn down the chief position, which has surprisingly led to Mouch being named the new lieutenant of the fire truck. Herrmann is now ready to take responsibility for the upcoming budget cuts.
A New Beginning
Stella has been juggling quite a bit, just like Severide, particularly when supporting Natalie. After receiving a call from her school, she meets with the principal and Natalie's sister. The situation gets intense when Natalie's sister expresses her determination to keep her sister with her instead of sending her away, which isn't what Stella hoped for. So, she kindly offers them a chance to stay with her and Kelly, wanting to be their biggest supporters.
Everything takes a wonderful turn when Severide comes home and sees the two sisters sharing happy moments; that's when Stella reveals an exciting surprise... she's pregnant! A baby Severide is on the way!
"It Had to End This Way" wrapped up with an exciting season finale, intertwining both the conclusion of existing storylines and the introduction of new ones. It's interesting to note the Herrmann storyline, where he's been grappling with his thoughts on whether or not he wants to take on the role of chief. After episode 20, things seemed troubling from his perspective, especially after hearing the buzz about budget cuts. It's surprising, but he's approaching it with the right intentions.
The Violet and Carver relationship felt like fate the moment word got out that Carver would be leaving the show due to budget cuts. It warms my heart to see them finally express their true feelings, but it's also sad to watch them drift apart. It's reminiscent of Brett and Casey—when they finally start their relationship, Casey suddenly leaves for Portland...it just sucks!
The highlight of the episode and a significant part of the ongoing story arc features Stella and Kelly as they support Pascal and Natalie. The story surrounding Pascal was really engaging, tying back to characters from earlier in the season, and it feels like his journey reaches a turning point thanks to Severide. Meanwhile, Stella, who has been connecting with Natalie, finds herself at a crossroads with her sister but cleverly manages to support both of them. I initially thought Stella would become Natalie's guardian, but the ending took everyone by surprise when she revealed to Kelly that she's pregnant! How exciting is that?
Overall, I give this episode a 9.5/10.
Chicago P.D. "Vows"
"Vows" was wonderfully crafted for fans who adore the intensity and excitement of Chicago P.D. It featured a riveting Voight-Reid story arc that had been building to this explosive moment.
The Return of Old-School Voight
After Chief Reid disbands the Intelligence Unit, Voight, who observes the office being packed up, gathers everyone (even Torres, who had been in jail) at a secret location to strategize how to stop Reid.
Just as Burgess and Ruzek meet with Otero's son, an unexpected attempt is made on the son's life, but he fortunately escapes unscathed. Voight quickly rushes to the scene to clean up all the evidence, a classic move that hearkens back to his earlier days. This doesn't end there.
When Voight and the team finally track down one of Reid's associates, they organize a meeting and give him a choice: either turn Reid in or face jail time. He chooses to turn himself in but unexpectedly collides with both Voight and Ruzek, leading to his demise. Voight once again tidies up the mess and returns the team to their safe location. There, he patiently waits for Reid, and the two engage in a conversation about Reid's surrender, during which Reid warns Voight to back off or his team could lose everything. But will that deter Voight? Absolutely not.
As the tension escalates, Voight is called in for questioning by the higher-ups. At that moment, Reid arrives, only to be shot by Otero's son before being subdued. Voight finds himself reluctantly trying to keep Reid alive, and in a poignant moment before Reid's passing, he claims that Voight is worse than he is. After Otero's son provides the detectives with information about Reid, he and Reid's associate make a deal and are subsequently released.
#BurzekWedding
Besides Reid dying, there was a wedding! Burgess and Ruzek's wedding went as scheduled, not being pushed back as Burgess had thought earlier in the episode. As an excited Ruzek waits with his father and Atwater by his side, the beautiful Burgess walks down the aisle.
While we don't hear their vows, we listen to a revealing conversation between Voight and Chapman. She talks about what he had done and how she knows he is capable of more, for which Voight tells her he doesn't get more. It's a bit disappointing for Chapman, who's really hoping that Voight will follow the rules, but she just can't manage it. Voight is almost back to his old self, especially since Al's photo and award were tucked away in the box during the clean-up.
I found myself on the edge of my seat, curious about who Voight was collaborating with in this case. It was a series of moments that beautifully echoed Voight's earlier days, where he often cleaned up before the cops arrived. Watching Reid face peril right in front of him felt like a classic reminder of those times.
Regarding the #BurzekWedding, it is what it is. I would have loved to hear their vows and learn about when they fell in love. Also, would it be great to have just a couple more minutes of this beautiful wedding and even get a taste of the party?
Overall, I give this episode a 9.5/10.
What did you think of the season finale of One Chicago? What were your favorite or least favorite moments? Are you looking forward to the new fall season? Leave a comment.
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You can catch #OneChicago, available now on Peacock, with a new season in the fall.
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