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"
Following the events of the last episode, the billionaire might not be the most popular figure. He made a tough choice, believing it was the best way to protect his daughter, even if it involved pushing away the kid who desperately needed a lung transplant. With Maggie bonding with the billionaire's child, she gently reminds her dad that the most compassionate path is to reach out and help save the other child, which he did.
Meanwhile, Ripley takes on a car crash victim who happens to be Anna, Dr. Charles' daughter. With everything seeming okay, Dr. Charles tries to figure out what had happened. Given the way he tries to figure it out, he learns from Robin that Anna was trying to kill herself. Trying to talk to her, Anna tells him that she doesn't want to speak with Dr. Charles but with her dad, which gets Charles to better understand and speak to Dr. Reese about it. After coming to what he thought was separating his professional job and personal life, he confronts Anna about his past and the events of his father's suicide.
Goodwin faces budget cuts after letting go of Dr. Hayes, but who will get cut? Of course, should it be her boyfriend, or should we call him her ex-boyfriend? Not to mention, Goodwin meets with her attacker, who asks her for her forgiveness and that she's come to Jesus, but Goodwin doesn't buy it. After what she's gone through, she talks about it to the one person who seems to understand and whom she loves: Burt.
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 depicted at her residence with test results revealing a positive indication for the genetic disease. We can anticipate developments in the upcoming season.
Asher informs her sister of the unexpected pregnancy; however, she is too distressed to accept the news, believing that Asher is attempting to surpass her again. Interestingly, everyone assumes that it is Ripley's child. Still, as we observe her approaching the door and knocking, we realize that what we believed to be Ripley's residence is actually not, as he opens the door to reveal Lyida, the mother he assisted in rescuing along with her daughter from the underground well. Asher coincidentally arrives at Archer's door and requests to speak with him. In this context, it is worth noting that Captain Crunch now carries a significantly different meaning.
"Don't You Cry" was a fantastic season-ending episode that beautifully tied together the season's storylines, including Lenox's family journey and the revelation of her genetic disease. It's exciting to think about how this will evolve in the new season, which I can't wait to see! Plus, some remarkable developments finally shed light on Dr. Charles's history, explaining why he sometimes struggles to switch off being Dr. Charles, 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 Reese.
What an intriguing twist at the end with Lydia at Ripley's place! It feels like these two connect during the rescue, and I always sensed they would hit it off, even if it isn't in the best way. It might be interesting to dive into the development of their relationship, regardless of whether he turns out to be Asher's baby daddy (the showrunner still hasn't confirmed if the baby belongs to Archer). The mystery of who the daddy of Asher's baby is could spark some fun conversations and speculation throughout the summer!
Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.
Chicago Fire "It Had to End This Way"
Where should we start? Let's dive into the dynamic between Severide and Pascal. Despite the odds stacked against Pascal, Severide goes above and beyond to uncover the truth and clear Pascal 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 didn't give up. He later discovered 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.
Violet sees that Carver has been distant, and after talking to Ritter and Novak about it, she delivers the letter she wrote to him, leaving it on his vehicle. Later, the two finally talk about the letter, but he tells her that he needs a new change of scenery and is moving to Denver (NBC/Peacock Denver Fire, please!!! I'm still waiting for Portland Fire for us Brettsey fans).
Herrmann, after some hesitation about the chief exams this season, finally takes the plunge. It's only after the exam that he has a chat with Grissom—though we can't see him since he's wrapped up over in D.C. (that's a fun NCIS joke!). Anyway, Mouch hears the news and goes to talk 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 ready to take responsibility for the upcoming budget cuts. So, what do you think? Will Pascal stick around?
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 hopes 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! Baby Severide is on the way, arriving in 2025-2026!
"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 seem a bit troubling from his perspective, especially after hearing the buzz about budget cuts. Is it surprising? Yes, just a little! But he's approaching it with his heart in the right place, understanding that neither he nor anyone else can challenge the reality of potential cuts from the fire department. Let's see Herrmann being pushed out next season, and just see him at Molly's.
The Voliet-Carver relationship felt like fate the moment word got out that Carver would be leaving the show after the season due to budget cuts. It warms my heart to see them finally express their true feelings for one another, but it's also a bit sad and emotional to watch them drift apart. It's reminiscent of Brett and Casey—when they finally start their relationship, suddenly Casey leaves for Portland...it 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, like Vonn and Vale, 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 while her older sister lived her life. However, the ending took everyone by surprise when Stella revealed to Kelly that she's pregnant! How exciting is that?
Overall, I give this episode a 9.5/10.
Chicago P.D. "Vows"
After Chief Reid disbands the intelligence unit, Voight, who observes the office being packed up (including Al's belongings), 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, the situation takes an unexpected turn when there's an attempt on his life, but fortunately, he manages to escape unscathed. Voight quickly rushes to the scene to ensure that all bullets and any evidence are cleaned up. It's almost like we're seeing the Voight from his earlier days, and it 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 (if you can say that), and in a poignant moment before Reid's passing, he claims that Voight is worse than he is. After Otero's son gives the detectives information about Reid and brings in Reid's associate (the one who gave Otero up to Reid), information as well, which leads both of them to make a deal and be released.
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. But as an excited Ruzek, along with his father, and Atwater by his side, the beautiful Burgess walks down the aisle and gives their "I Do", even though we didn't hear them talk. Instead, listen to Voight and Chapman talk about what he had done and how she knows he is capable of more, for which Voight tells her he doesn't get more.
"Vows" was wonderfully crafted for fans who adore the intensity and excitement of Chicago P.D., featuring a riveting Voight-Reid story arc that has been building up to this moment. 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 on P.D., 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. It seemed once again that a real resolution to the Reid situation might not come until Ortero's son steps in to confront Reid, which, upon rewatching, entirely clicks into place and adds so much depth!
It's a bit disappointing for Chapman, who's really hoping for Voight to follow the rules, but she just can't manage it. Voight is almost back to her old self, especially since Al's photo and award were tucked away in the box during clean-up. I wonder if we'll see Chapman return next season! I'm looking forward to seeing these two relationships developed further!
Regarding the #BurzekWedding, it is what it is. Am I disappointed with how everything unfolded? It would have been wonderful to hear their vows and learn about when they fell in love, or something along those lines. Also, wouldn't it have been 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 season in the fall? 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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