TV REVIEW: Chicago Fire’s Season 3 Premiere or ‘Five Reasons Shay Did Not Have to Die’

Chicago Fire rolled into season three promising much. Showrunners vowed that “someone would die,” that we would get answers, that they would use a “technique” they had not used before. They delivered on all counts in a season opener that left not a dry eye in the firehouse or my house.

We see immediately that our beloved Leslie Shay is dead. Dawson and Severide try to revive her, but that huge pool of blood forming by her head shows she’s gone. Kelly’s saying, “No, no,” and we get our first flashback of the night… Shay’s first day at 51. Her initial meeting with Dawson and Kelly is Shay perfect. He’s being all macho sitting at squad’s table saying he needs a new roommate. She needs one too! Yay, we get to see the Shayveride birth scene. Kelly looks more than eager until Shay says, “Put it back in your pants lieutenant, you’re not my type.”

A bunch of other “stuff” happens in “Always,” a rivalry with Truck 66 and asshole leader Welch develops, Dawson is guilt-ridden about her friend’s death, a new Shay look-alike paramedic joins the crew, Plouch happens, and Severide is MIA. All of this “stuff” is hard to watch, especially the giggly scenes of Mouch and Platt. Too soon.

Casey ends up finding a grief-stricken Kelly who’s holed up in a cabin, sexy sad in his sleeveless tee, chopping wood. Matt shows Severide a Boden book of all their saves and it does the trick.

Before Kelly returns, we see another flashback of the Shayveride friendship developing, a bittersweet one where they record their vows of friendship and roommate law. The episode ends with Kelly returning to their apartment and watching that recording. “We promise to never get in each other’s business. We promise to be there for each other always. Always.” So heartbreaking, taking us back to the only thing we take away from the season premiere. Shay’s dead.

But why Shay? My supposition is that it didn’t have to be Shay. Here are my top five reasons why Shay did not have to die.

Pictured: (l-r) Taylor Kinney as Kelly Severide, Lauren German as Leslie Shay — (Photo by: Elizabeth Morris/NBC)

5. The Odds Were Forever in her Favor

With Boden, Cruz, Otis, Mouch, Hermann, Severide and Casey filling 51 with testosterone boy problems, you’d think the two lone gals would be safe. We’re not even mentioning the space- filling recurring hose draggers Capp, Tony, and Newguy. What are the chances that one of the only two female leads would die? We thought the odds were in her favor, the probability of it being her so remote until her name was drawn and she didn’t make it out of that building. Damn you, statistics.

4. Her Storyline Did not Have a Fork in It

Shay’s story was not done. It had just begun. They re-introduced she-devil, pantsless Devon back into the mix last season, and the dramatic possibilities were overflowing. Our favorite unlucky in love lesbian needed a good romance. Season two was lacking in storyline depth for many of our favorites; truthfully, several of the actors haven’t had a good arc since their last TV show. Shay’s only high/lowlight was the big Darryl debacle and that was it. Season three could’ve shown Shay in a big girl relationship, those eyes, that heart sucked in for some serious lady love is sadly something we will never get to see.

3. Lauren German Is an Acting Beast

All of the actors on Chicago Fire are superb with not a weak link in the bunch. But Lauren German has that something extra you can’t put your finger on, but you see it every time she’s in a scene with anyone. The expressive eyes, the delivery of a line … some actors turn their screen time into showstoppers. The viewer perks up a little waiting to see what magic is going to occur. Lauren German, you have that sparkle, and the lights at 51 are sure to dim with your absence.

2. You Represent, Girl!

Leslie Shay was such a realistic, fleshed out character who just happened to be gay that she quickly became the poster lesbian for the LGBT community. Unlike other shows (I’m talkin’ to you Grey’s) who like their lesbians a little on the bisexual side, Chicago Fire let her be 100% lesbian (as Severide likes to say). The show didn’t go the predictable route of having her hook up with hottie roommate, instead, letting her be grossed out with the prospect of sex with ladykiller bestie, Kelly. She showed everyone that lesbians are people too! Her character was beautiful, funny, flawed, and sensitive… she just happened to be gay. And isn’t that the best way to represent any group?

1. Shayveride Forever

The unexpected lezmance between the playboy and the lesbian was sweet, authentic and genuinely the best couple Chicago Fire has thrown together. The way these two flawed characters loved each other left no doubt that they’d be there for each other – always. Shay has to help Severide navigate through a sea of beauties, so he has a shot at a happily ever after. And Kelly’s got to keep Shay’s head out of the clouds by grounding her to reality, at least a little. Their chemistry was undeniable, their banter so funny, those looks conveying so much … Shayveride, we wish you were forever.

So, where does Chicago Fire go from here? One thing is certain. They’re taking a trip to Sadville where all, especially Severide and Dawson, are sure to feel the effects of a Shayless 51. Will the loss of such an amazing character lead to a loss in viewership or will the ChiFi faithful hang around for the depressing ride of dealing with death that’s sure to come? Sound off below and let us know what you think of Shay’s death.

Chicago Fire airs Tuesdays on NBC at 10 pm.