Fixing and Saving: Chicago Fire "The Tendency of a Drowning Victim"/"Protect a Child"

"The Tendency of a Drowning Victim"

When 51 gets called to a cave in the lake, Casey wastes no time putting his men in the freezing water to search for a dead victim. But he gets a twist that it turns into a scam of a fiance being taken out of her money so he can afford more for his model aircraft collection. The case does put Casey and Severide at odds, but not for long.

Lilly returns to 51 to ask Herrmann for help to find her a place for her new bakery. But when Herrmann tries to do what he did for Molly, it becomes a new ballgame. That doesn't mean he hasn't given up on her but instead helps invest in her business.

Brett and her birthmother bond, but trouble comes when she starts having Braxton hicks contractions. But she did ask the question about her and Casey after she had met him. As Casey awaits them at the ED desk, the doctor tells Casey about Gallo coming to visit that little girl who got burned.

Boden is on a rampage at 51, which doesn't have to do with the fire department. Donna has him on a diet and takes his anger at everyone on 51, so Kidd steps up to help with him until Ritter and Gallo devise a way to enjoy a diet.

"The Tendency of a Drowning Victim" was an excellent episode from start to finish. Casey has a perfect story in this episode with the twists and turns of the car accident. And the Casey-Severide bromance, while having some bumps, always ends with a nice ending, this time with steak with Kidd. Watching those three at the end reminded me of Casey, Severide, and Dawson seasons ago. Brett's mother is on board for the #Bresey train. And I couldn't get enough of Boden and Kidd in this episode. Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

"Protect a Child"

When 51 rescues a disabled mother and her child from a house fire, it turns into an issue with the DCFS that gets Casey all fired up. After receiving multiple complaints from the neighbor about how the mother was unfit to care for her child, the BCFS took the child away. After another rescue at a warehouse factory, Casey and Gallo talk to the caseworker about comparing that mother to a group of prominent men trying to help save their friend at the warehouse. Also, Casey tells the story about Lou, an experience that was brought to him. In the end, both the mother and child were reunited.

Herrmann believes he should have quarters like Casey, Severide, and Boden, but Boden disagrees. Herrmann takes the spot right between Casey and Severide but soon causes a small fire that has him reporting to the fire academy by Chief Walker.

After seeing young girls hanging out with bad crowds, Kidd wants to help bring young women to the world of firefighters with a Girl on Fire program. After getting positive responses, Kidd needed to find a partner to help her; Severide advised her to have Wendy help. After asking her, she's all in.
Brett's mother, Julie, makes another visit and asks Brett for help finding a place to live in Chicago. After making a call that didn't need both Foster and her, Brett meets a realtor to help find a few places. After meeting, the guy asks Brett out, but after thinking about it,t she turns the guy down. Maybe she's waiting to see where Casey will go, like when Casey was waiting to see where Brett was going. 

"Protect a Child" was such a good and heartwrenching episode. I say heart-wrenching because of the story of the mother and child splitting up by DCFS, and also, we relive a bit of history of  Casey and Dawson having Louie for a short and painful time. It stays with you for sure—I greatly loved Herrmann's story in this, as it was just downright hilarious. Also, I love Kidd stepping up to make this program work. Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

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

Personal Search: Chicago Fire/Chicago PD "Off The Grid"/"Burden of Truth"

It's another One Chicago Crossover with Fire and PD coming together to help find a missing person from an old friend. Here's a recap!

After multiple calls of students overdosing on a new drug, Roman returns to Chicago to search for her missing little sister, one of those students dealing with the nedrugug. Roman and Severide team up to search for leads. But just when they learn of the suspect, Severide checks with the Intelligence Unit, who's been doing their investigation but knows that Roman is in the city.

After 51 gets a call of a basement fire, where Roman happens to be to get information, Roman meets with Voight, Burgess, and Ruzek and teams up to search for the suspect. Roman and Burgess do some catching up while searching for his sister but locate her dead outside a shack. As Roman deals with his upset parents and plans the funeral, Burgess realizes that Roman has killed the suspect and planted false clues to Voight and the team.

Just as everyone heads to the funeral, the Intelligence Unit and Firehouse 51, among others, are there, and as Burgess listens, she understands what he said in his eulogy to Voight. Voight tells Roman that they couldn't find the killer and will keep in contact with him for any updates, knowing what happened.

Other things: Casey helps Brett drive her to meet her birth mother but comes up empty when someone tells her that no one lived there by that name. She did and came to visit Brett at 51, apologizing and saying that she was expecting a baby. Also, Burgess wants Ruzek to let out their anger and blame her for losing their child, which he doesn't.

"Off the Grid"/"Burden of Truth" was an excellent crossover episode for Fire and PD, better than the previous one last season, which felt a bit flat. This crossover had a lot of meat to the bone, with solid character development from Roman and Burgess's strong writing in the story. Also, I couldn't get enough of Brett and Casey, but I loved it when Brett met her birthmother at Firehouse 51, which had emotions. Overall, I give these episodes 9/10.

You can catch Chicago Fire and Chicago PD on Wednesdays at 9/8c and 10/9c on NBC.

The Hunt is On: Brooklyn Nine-Nine "Manhunter"/"Captain Kim" Season Premiee

"Manhunter" 

In the season premiere of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, both Jake and Holt have a difficult time adjusting to the new ways. After being called to investigate an assassination attempt, Jake tries to hunt down the suspect but Officer Holt tries to help out more and more and ruining Jake's time to shine, even stealing a few lines from Jake too. As Jake gets Holt and his partner to look around on another street, Jake and Charles get the Weiner Squad, Scully and Hitchcock, to help locate hot dog stands, due to the suspect was selling hot dogs. When they learn that one corner street doesn't sell hot dogs they knew that's where the suspect was and Holt and his partner found that out literally.

Meanwhile, Rosa helps Amy with the issue that she might be pregnant and while trying to take a pregnancy test; Amy couldn't pee. That is until Terry, who's been a bit jumping on judgment, helps Amy after pissing her off which made her pee. But by the time she had to go they all had to go stop the suspect, which was hold both Holt and his partner up as hostage. Long story short...Amy knocks the suspect out and goes to the bathroom. Later she tells Jake about she thought she was pregnant and tells him that she's not but the idea of having a baby is a go show.

"Manhunter" was a hilarious season opener with all too many good things. From the Jake and Holt dynamic to Amy/Rosa/Terry scenes were just too funny. The Jake and Amy story plot was really good and opens a possible baby down the road, maybe next season. Vanessa Bayer's performance was amazing. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

"Captain Kim"

There's a new Captain at the 99, will the gang be accepting?


When the new captain comes to the 99, Jack and the others have differences of opinions of what kind of person they might be. Turns out that she, Captain Kim, is nice. But both Jake and Holt don't believe a thing that she says and at a dinner party tries to find dirt that she's has a connection to Madeline but turns out that she join help fill in Holt's seat till he gets back. After that, she left the 99 and Terry becomes the Sub-Captain.

"Captain Kim" was such a fun episode especially with Jake and Holt trying to figure out about Kim and Amy trying to stop them like the hall monitor. And even Charles acting up unlike himself was just hilarious as he wears Rosa's jacket. The episode was witty and fun. While it might be the greatest episode of all time, this is sure an episode that will be great rewatching. Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

You can catch Brooklyn Nine-Nine Thursdays at 8:30/7:30c on NBC.

Changes to Come: This Is Us "Strangers, Part 2" Season Finale

The season finale of This Is Us gave us a whole of to take in but some much-needed comfort as well. Here's a recap!

"Strangers, Part 2" was a jammed-packed season finale that gave us a lot of taking in but let us feeling all right when it comes to a nice ending. We meet a few new characters that'll play a huge part in the next season. We see the present family celebrating baby Jack's first birthday with the announcement of Rebecca doing the study trials. Of course, that doesn't sit well Kevin who learns that Randall talked Rebecca into doing it. It sets up this argument scene in the yard that's just heart-pounding.

Meanwhile, a grown-up baby Jack and his wife meet their baby girl along with a family member that we learn to be his baby sister. In the pre

And as Kevin deals with Randall, he gets news that is unexpected. Madison is pregnant with his child and it's twins; a boy and a girl. While Uncle Nicky texts Kevin of his one-year celebration, we see Cassidy making a visit. As we get to the future of what looks to be the series finale, we see Kevin and Randall reunite in a forgiven way and Uncle Nicky with a ring on his finger.

This was an overwhelming season finale with moments of happiness and heavy emotions. While everyone had so many good moments, Sterling K. Brown and Justin Hartley were amazingly awesome in this episode. That yard scene was my favorite of this episode and come to found out that it only took one take to film that. Holy crap!

Now let me get this thought out of the way, we know that Madison is pregnant and it's a bit miracle for her; but what are the chances that she doesn't make it to the series finale and we see Kevin married to someone else like Cassidey or Sophie? Also since we haven't seen Kate in the future, where is she? She couldn't be that late to get thee as Kevin was the last one to get there, right?

Some many questions going into next season and the final season. This is going to be fun thinking about how next season will play out.

Overall, I give this episode a 9.5/10.

What did you think of the season four finale? Leave your comment below and tell us your thoughts.

You can catch This Is Us available on the NBC app, NBC.com, and new season this fall (if we get a fall premiere).

Personal Struggle: Chicago PD "I Was Here"/"Center Mass"

"I Was Here"

In one of the most brutal episodes to watch, it was this season's best episode.

As Burgess takes light duty as a 911 dispatch operator, she gets a call from a young woman who requires help. After letting it go, it turns out that the young woman needed help and was part of a human sex trafficking ring. 

As Burgess takes the lead on this case, the circumstances don't go well for her. When Burgess found the woman's location and was by herself, she went in to save her. After making some horrible beatings, the injured Burgess kills the suspect and saves the young woman. But as Ruzek gets Burgess to the hospital later that night, she learns that she has lost the baby.

"I Was Here" was one of the season's most divisive episodes. It had thrills, but near the end, when Burgess goes in without backing up to help, the victim was on the edge of your seat with your stomach turning in every way possible. Marina Squerciati gives one hell of a performance. Overall, I give this episode a 9/10.

"Center Mass" 

Sometimes, things don't always go their way.

When a former caseworker from Rojas's past asks for a favor to find a homeless man, it leads her and the Intelligence to investigate the homeless man's murder. But as the investigation moves forward, the team learns that they're pursuing a cop killer who had killed the homeless man for his identity.

But when Rojas finds a witness, it is not only helpful but hard to handle due to being a paranoid schizophrenic. It doesn't end well with both the suspect and the witness.

"Center Mass" was a good episode with character development for Vanessa Rojas. The character uses her experience to help the witness find the murderer and help him get well. You can see from Voight's point of view that this case will be complex for her, even in the end. Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

You can catch Chicago PD on Wednesdays at 10/9c on NBC.

Differences of Opinions: Chicago PD "43rd and Normal"/"The Devil You Know"

"43rd and Normal"

When the Intelligence Unite investigates a series of robbery and vandalism, Burgess and Ruzek's relationship and partnership are put to the test.

Ruzek and Burgess's relationship and partnership is put to the test during an investigation of vandalism that has Ruzk watching out for Burgess. But Burgess doesn't want his help. As the investigation goes, it turns out to be a son of a former cop that Voight, Ruzek, and Upton stops before he could kill himself.

Meanwhile, Ruzek apologizes to Burgress, who gets an awakening gift from Platt and tells Voight about the pregnancy. Ruzek tries to propose to Burgress that she ended up with "no" and tells him that she's been down that road and doesn't want to be married because of a child. The two have found common ground.  And it looks like Atwater and his brother are on good terms.

"43rd and Normal" was a very good episode, mainly for Burgress and Ruzek's story that really carried with strong moments. While Ruzek tries to be there for Burgress whether it's trying to protect her during a standoff with the suspect and the other propose to her. I do think that Burgress has learned to accept what's going on and after the last couple of days in this episode it ended her up telling Voight and accepting Ruzek's help to be there. The writing was so good and the performances as well. Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

"The Devil You Know"

When the Intelligence unit tries to make a drug bust, a twist turns into that the seller happens to be working with the CPD. Here's a recap!

As a drug bust was about to happen, Upton sees that the person that was exchanging happens to be a cop. Investigating closely, they soon learn that two more are apart of the drug business after planting evidence of drugs from the evidence room that would prove their guilt of selling it.

But who knew that the buyer that was buying happens to be Darris Walker and Voight gets him to help put them away in exchange for his freedom from the CPD. After the deal went totally wrong, both cops dead, Darris walks away free but Upton turns him into other gangs and gets the punishment of being a rat.

"The Devil You Know" was a very good episode and a very good Upton story. Upton gets the revenge for her CI that she's been wanting since he was made by Darris. Tracy Spiridakos gave a good performance. Michael Beach gives one final good performance as well. Overall, I give this episode an 8/10.

You can catch Chicago PD Wednesdays at 10/9c on NBC.

Top 10 #OneChicago Crossover Episodes

The Chicago series has been around for eight years. While we've had three out of the four still on the air and being part of the Law & Order universe, maybe this would be an excellent way to make of the best to Chicago Crossover episodes that include SVU.

Let me make my list of what I consider to be the best crossover episodes. There will not be any mention of the backdoor pilots; it was a one-episode event and not two series or more. So, let's begin.

10. Chicago Fire-Chicago PD "A Dark Day"/"8:30 PM" 

This crossover started it all with a two-night event. When Chicago Med gets bombed during a fundraiser, Dawson is caught under rubble while Casey and the Firehouse 51 try to rescue her and others.  Boden and Mills stop a second bomb from going off. Voight and the team come in and learn the stakes that this is an act of revenge against Chicago's finest. And Burgress's niece's life hangs in the balance.

That was such a colossally e vent seeing the promo and preparing for it. I still get chills from seeing Voight going after the suspense, yelling o, ut "I want him alive," and start shooting at him. This episode made me cry more; I want a Chicago Med series with Dylan Baker as a badass doctor saving Burgess' niece.

9. Chicago Fie-Law & Order: SVU-Chicago PD "Nobody Touches Anything"/"Chicago Crossover"/"They'll Have to Go Through Me"

When Severide and Firehouse 51 rescue the owner of a house, they find a suspicious box that leads to Voight teaming up with SVU. They take down a child pornography ring that reunites Erin with her brother.
The first three shows added another depth into a crossover with a powerful story and fantastic performances from Sophia Bush. Bush and Mariska Hsharingscenes felt like the passing of the baton to the next strong actress in the crime drama.

8. Chicago PD-Chicago Fire "Profiles"/"Hiding Not Seeking"

Why not celebrate the 100th episode of Chicago PD with a crossover event with Chicago Fire? Why go on a local television program? An Aomb goes off in the middle of the interview. Voight and the team investigate to learn that the suspect is seeking revenge on the media for what they had done to him. Voight gets 51 to help prevent the suspect from harming others.

It's a close second in the Fire-PD crossover event episodes that I enjoyed with the ripped-from-the-headlines type of story. It is a real on-the-edge-of-your-seat story with fantastic moments, including Jay Halstead driving a motorcycle like a badass superhero.

7. Chicago Fire-Chicago Med-Chicago PD: "The Beating Heart"/"Malignant"/"Now I'm God"
It's the first three-show, two-night crossover event that started at the end of the season four fall finale of Chicago Fire when Herrmann gets stabbed. While Herrmann's life is in balance, 51 gets called to the house fire of a cancer patient, but the doctors at Chicago Med learn that not only that patient. But a multiple like her was diagnosed with cancer but never had it.  Voight and the team investigate but understand that the suspect doctor was the one who took care of Voight's late wife.

While this was the first crossover with all three shows, it was a powerful story all the way through. While each show had its moments, Chicago PD saved the best for last when we learned that the doctor who treated all these patients who didn't have cancer cared for Voight's wife. Jason Beghe gives a stunning performance.

6. Chicago Fire-Chicago Med-Chicago PD: "Going to War"/"When to Let Go"/"Endings" 
The crossover we had hoped for since we learned that all three shows would air on the same night for the season. When Firehouse 51 gets called an apartment fire in the city while trying to save the residents, things hit the chin when Jay is looking for his dad; Otis sees a mother and baby die, and Kidd sacrifices her life to save Severide, who sends her to Med. While at Med, Will and Jay lose their father. Dr. Charles tries to help Otis with his PTSD. Chicago PD takes over to find the suspect that started the fire; while Halie and Voight think that Jay isn't stable enough to help, he goes on his own and stops and kills the suspect.

It's coming close to being like a movie event. For the first episode of the crossover, in the beginning, it felt like a salute to the city of Chicago. This whole event thought it belonged to Jesse Lee Soffer, who gave a stunning performance. That scene of Otis seeing that mother and baby died in the elevator from the fire was so powerful. Heck, that scene of 51 trying to save Kidd on-site was powerful, too. While this crossover ranked at number six, wait till you see the top five.

5. Chicago Fire-Chicago PD: "Three Bells"/"A Little Devil Complex"

After Firehouse 51 lost a well-beloved member at the beginning of the third season. After a string of fires, Dawson and Severide team up to investigate these fires, which turned out to be arson, and there was a connection to Shay's death. While they couldn't prove it, Dawson brings in the big guns of Antiono and Intelligence. The suspect gets under Voight and the team's skin after blowing up Burgess and Roman's squad car. After learning who this guy is, Dawson becomes the new target.

While this was a two-night crossover event, it should have been a one-night event. It was such an emotional episode from Chicago Fie's standpoint as, in the end, they honored Shay's life in a way that still gives me chills and the waterworks going. This arsonist was terrifying. It is a strong story, well-performed by the cast. These crossover episodes took a step up from the previous crossover episodes.

4. Law & Order SVU-Chicago PD "Nationwide Manhunt"/"The Song of Gregory William Yates"
Criminal mastermind Gregory Yates escapes New York State prison and gets Voight and the team to help with SVU's search. Yates plays to Lindsay's mind and follows him back to Chicago, where they have a standoff that could end deadly.

While this was the second chapter of the creepy criminal Gregory Yates, I didn't know this would be a crossover. Once again, Sophie Bush gives a stunning performance, and the ending of this story leaves you on the edge of your seat with goosebumps.

3. Chicago Fire-Chicago PD-Law & Order SVU: "We Called Her Jellybean"/"The Number of Rats"/"Daydream Believer" 

When Firehouse 51 gets called to an apartment fire connected to a case of attempted rape and murder in Chicago. It just so happens to resemble an unsolved case in New York. It sends Voight and their team to team up with Benson and SVU, where they meet with the man that every One Chicago fan knows, Gregory Yates. Yates, the modern-day Ted Bundy, starts with his fascination with Erin Lindsay. When Lindsay got the drop on him, he took a step further by taking someone close to Erin and Intelligence.

Like #5, this crossover plays with all the emotions and thrills. And it marks the second time a supportive character gets killed on Chicago PD. That was so heartbreaking!!!

2. Chicago Fire-Chicago PD-Chicago Justice: "Deathtrap"/"Emotional Proximity"/"Fake"
A rip from the Headlines episode of a fie of a complex/warehouse building leads Firehouse 51 to a dangerous rescue while Chicago Med tries to save as many lives as possible. Voight and the team learn that the fire was arson while Al watches his daughter die after Will and Natalie try to keep her. It introduces Chicago Justice, who takes down the suspect for revenge on a girl who dumped him.

When this crossover aired, it felt like a giant event TV-movie of the week type of thing. The beginning of Chicago Fie took my breath away as they got going and headed toward the fire scene. And during PD, you knew you were hoping that Al would go full Voight on the suspect. And while Justice got a mixed reaction, I'd enjoyed the show, but they could tweak it more.

1. Chicago Fire-Chicago Med-Chicago PD: "Infection"

When a deadly bacteria has spread in Chicago, Chicago's finest tries to stop it before more people get infected. It's the Chicago movie that we've been waiting for, with the suspense, thrills, scares, and even action. Once it started, there's no point in stopping in the middle whatsoever. This crossover was the best crossover One Chicago has done since they had created. At the end of the event, a heartwarming message holds up to what's going on right now.