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

"I Was Here"

In one of the hardest 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 was in need of help. After letting it go, it turns out that the young woman was in need of help and was part of a human sex trafficking ring. 

As Burgess takes a lead on this case, the circumstances don't go well for her. As Burgess found where the woman was located and being by herself; she went in to save her. After taking 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 had lost the baby.

"I Was Here" was literally one of the most powerful episodes of the season. This episode had thrills but near the end when Burgess goes in without back 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 the 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 to 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; not only useful 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 and one that has a good character development for Vanessa Rojas. The character uses her past experience to help the witness to find the murderer and to help him get well. And you can see from Voight's point of view that this case will be difficult for her, even at the end. Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

You can catch Chicago PD 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.

Chicago Med Hitting 100th Episode Tonight

Tonight, Chicago Med will air its milestone episode.

The hours and minutes clock down to the milestone of the 100th episode of Chicago Med. That got me thinking about how this spin-off of the Chicago series began when Chicago Fire aired the episode "I Am The Apocalypse" during its third season. Firehouse 51 was called to a chemical leak that had them taking everyone to Chicago Med until a patient blew up the emergency room because he believed he was infected with a deadly virus. Go figure, right?

After the explosion, Severide was severely injured while Will Halstead and April Sexton tried to keep order in the ER with help from Firehouse 51. Boden meets with Goodwin and Charles as they team up with Chicago PD to figure out the suspect, and after testing the infected blood with Herrmann's normal blood, it was good. At Molly's, Boden gives a lovely speech to the people who worked at Chicago Med.

Soon after Chicago Med was picked up into a series, some cast members were kept sand somewhere changed. We got the famous #Manstead and carried on to #Sexchoi and more. We've gotten heart-pounding moments, heartbreaking moments, and laughs as well. We've gotten amazing episodes from the past 100 episodes, like W, ill going against a cancer patient's wishes to die, and Natalie battling her decision-making after losing her memory. Evan Ethan is fighting hard to keep a patient alive to say goodbye to his wife and more.

Tonight's the 100th episode, and while the landscape of television has changed just a bit, the meaning of 100 episodes used to be syndication for that series; nowadays, shows like Chicago PD get syndication deals before its 100th episode while Chicago Fire doesn't have any. Shows today might have two to four seasons and either be canceled or end on their terms. Some last more than a decade or two and still have more stories to tell. We should take the time to appreciate the moment that a series, whether yours, pa patches a milestone.

I re-watched the backdoor pilot of Chicago Med that I just talked about earlier, and it still holds up. And with season one, episode one still holds up as it reminds me of an updated version of ER. When Chicago Med premiered, the dramatic drama was a risk because since ER and House ended their run, the only thing was Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice, which was too soapy for my taste. The Night Shift brought the medicine and character-driven drama back on television.

Chicago Med's episode tonight should be one not to miss. I'm ready for tonight and more to come. To the cast and crew of Chicago Med, here's to 100 episodes and 100 more and beyond! Cheers!

You can catch Chicago Med tonight at 8/7c on NBC.

Family is Family: Chicago Med "Who Should Be The Judge"

As two doctors are kidnapped. There's good news for Maggie; while a family reunion isn't what it seems. Here's a recap!

As Crockett and Natalie walk to Med, they get pulled into an unexpected emergency that ended up being a kidnapping to help a prisoner get to his dying son. But will one make it out alive? Of course when Crockett saves the guy from killing himself.

Meanwhile, Will visits Hannah at rehab and seeing that she's not taking anything to ease her way out of the addiction. After treating one of Dr. Charles' patients, Will tries to sneak something to help her but she refuses and kicks him out.

April and Ethan are part of a family reunion miracle as a daughter is reunited with her biological birth mother who's in need of an organ donation. But something doesn't seem right and it turns out that they aren't really biological related and it turns out that the daughter's friend used her job at the Foster Care Service to located. Even though both of them knew, they don't care and become a real blended family.

Maggie waits on the news of her test. After a hell of a day, she gets the good news that she deserves, cancer is gone and in return, Ben is there to help get her to celebrate. But just what celebration she wants the one with wedding bells with Ben at her side.

"Who Should Be the Judge" was a very good episode. While Natalie and Crockett's storyline was a good thrill; even adding Jay was good too. I worry that this could start up something between the characters that I really don't think should go be. The family reunion that really wasn't was a very good story and a nice twist at the end that really was heartwarming. The episode had good writing and good character development. Overall, I give this episode an 8.5/10.

You can catch the 100th episode of Chicago Med tonight at 8/7c on NBC.

What If...This Is Us "After The Fire"

After a powerful episode last week, This Is Us hits us with another powerful episode that could be it's the best episode this season. Here's a recap!

After a few weeks after the events of last week's episode, Randall goes back to see the therapist about his idea of what if he could have saved Jack from death what would that be. With two different stories, one being too perfect with both Jack and William still alive; as for the other being totally different but all have something in common; he hasn't forgiven his mother about William.

After a long therapy session, Randall talks to Beth and tells her what he acknowledges the problem. He later calls Rebecca and tells gives her an emotional speech about starting the trial. After that, she agrees to do it for him.

"After the Fire" was such an emotional episode with a strong performance from Sterling K. Brown and Pamela Adlon. I not only believe that they will get Emmy nominations for this episode but also win as well. The episode gives such a strong character development for Randall with his "What If" scenarios about saving his family. And that moment he calls Rebecca had me in tears from then on out. Next week's the season finale and from the promo, get ready for some heavy emotional stuff. Overall, I give this episode a 9.5/10.

You can catch the season finale of This Is Us Tuesday at 9/8c on NBC.

Reflection of Life and Art: This Is Us ""New York, New York, New York"

After a week off, This Is Us returns with another powerful and moving episode.

"New York, New York, New York," tells of a such a moving story of Rebecca as we see three different stories past and present. We see Rebecca Jack and the big three going to New York City for the day, but after a few delays, everyone got to see what they wanted except for Rebecca, who missed out visiting a museum.

Another would be when Rebecca, Randall, and Beth visit Kevin and Sophie in New York City to see Kevin's show. Kevin takes everyone for pizza and tries to introduce his teacher to Rebecca, trying to maybe set them up. Even Rebecca does go out with that guy, she didn't get to see the museum that she tried to go see when she remembers a moment when she, Jack and the family rode in a horse carriage.

The present: Randall has found a place where Rebecca can go for her condition and gets Kevin and Kate's approval to back him up. But when Kevin takes Rebecca to the red carpet of his premiere, Kevin wants to hold back but Randall tells her anyway and upsets her.

As Rebecca walks off, Kevin and Randall find her at the museum where she has always wanted to go since she was a child to look at a painting that she describes. She tells them that she doesn't want to go for that trial and wants to live out her life to the fullest with her family. But they leave, Kevin tells Randall that she wants what she wants but Randall thinks that she's doing this because she's scared and tells Kevin that he's been living a "what if" in his head every day since that fire. Next week's episode will be a "what if" Jack lived after that fire.

This was an amazing episode from start to finish, probably one of the best episodes of the season that gave us a lot to take in. As a caretaker for a relative for 10 years, this episode hits a bit close to home just a little. I can see that if Kevin could just use the right words towards Randall that they could be on board with each other. Both have different opinions towards this situation and while I think Randall's belief is correct; I lean towards Kevin's belief as he respects his mother's decision.

Mandy Moore gives her best performance in this episode. But it was that moment when Kevin and Randall found Rebecca at the museum and she describes the meaning of the painting. When the camera is at Rebecca's face as she describes the meaning of the painting, it not only gave goosebumps and a tearful moment, but from that point understand that her decision to not take the drug trial was a meaningful one and it's a decision that she finally makes. If Mandy Moore doesn't get an Emmy nomination or a win for that matter something is deadly wrong.

Overall, I give this episode a 9.5/10.

You can catch This Is Us Tuesdays at 9/8c on NBC.