TV REVIEW: We Give Chicago Fire “One More Shot”

The recent promo trailer for Chicago Fire’s “One More Shot” showcased a proposal, a Dawsey moment where Gabby says she’s leaving 51, and Linseride kissing on CPD.  That’s about what went down this episode, minus the Linseride and add some Devon.  Saddest part about tonight?  There weren’t any “saddest parts”, no real emotional feels, and it was, should I say it? Boring. Also, there was no mention of last week’s huge bombing, Shay’s injury, or the Kelly/Erin make out session.  How can each episode exist in a vacuum? Oh well, time to suck it up and crank this one out.

This week’s offering begins with Dawson (Monica Raymund) being all melodramatic about her firefighter retake coming up, telling Casey (Jesse Soencer) she’s on a makeup shift with Shay.  Makeup as in they have to “make up” a shift they missed when they went on their girls gone wild weekend.  No, they’re not having a Mary Kay slumber party.

Casey tells her to cool her jets.  He’s pretty sure she’s not curing cancer and can take off early to “kick the test’s ass.”  She reminds him she’ll have to leave 51 because, you know, he forgot … head injury. He says, “Who the hell are you?” But then remembers and talks about it being just the two of them. Anytime a character says it’s just you and me kid, I think they’re doomed. Let’s hope so. Sorry to the vocal Dawsey fanatics, but chemistry is so fickle and just can’t be faked. You know, science and all those damn equations. Casey and Dawson just don’t balance out no matter how many atoms we move around.

Pictured: (l-r) Lauren German as Leslie Shay, Yuri Sardarov as Otis, Joe Minoso as Joe Cruz, Monica Raymund as Gabriela Dawson — (Photo by: Elizabeth Morris/NBC)

Off to one of the few bright spots in the episode, Donna (guest star Melissa Ponzio) and Boden (Eamonn Walker).  Yes, she’s pregnant with his baby and, more importantly, it gives Eamonn Walker extra scenes to show us how awesome he is. He’s a powerhouse. All of his screen time a joy to watch.

First up, Boden tries for semi-proposal #1.  He says the best thing “for the baby” is if we get married. He talks documentation and most stable and tax exemptions.  So romantic. She’s not even sure if that was a proposal. He says it was.  She says no way, Jose.

Chief confides in Mills (Charlie Barnett) while they smoke a cigar out back. Apparently, Pete has added therapist to his resume (along with bomb diffuser from last episode) and advises Boden to go for it. Mills, you seriously have the biggest heart of anyone at the house. Maybe they’ll give you a storyline in season three worthy of your talents.

On to real proposal #2.  In one of the final scenes of the night, Boden shows up at Donna’s school all fancy pants in his dress blues. He says, “The truth is. I believe that when you love somebody there’s only one thing to do.”  He’s almost crying and gets on a knee. He asks her to marry him. She says yes!  We say yay!  Boden gets another shot at fatherhood and happiness.

In the second major storyline of the night, Dawson preps for her retake and everyone is behind her, including Casey. I think he forgot he was against it.  Anyway, she almost misses it when a pregnant lady decides to go into labor in her upstairs apartment. The paramedics try to inch her down the stairs, as those darn firemen are MIA.  The woman gives birth in the stairs to the cleanest newborn I’ve ever seen.

Mills sweeps in, cape and all, to sub for Gabby while Matt and crew wait in the truck. They get her to the Academy in the nick of time and whoop and holler as she begins the test.  Looks like she’s going to pass, but we’ll have to wait until next week to find out for sure.

Other events of the night include squad getting a new member to replace Clarke.  Wait, did I just say “replace” Clarke?  He’s irreplaceable, but Hermann needs someone to fill that void left in his heart, so new guy Rick Newhouse (guest star Edwin Hodge) joins Kelly’s team. He seems competent enough, fits in, and wins the icy heart of Boden’s secretary, Connie.

Devon (guest star Vedette Lim) shows up and guess what?  She found her pants!  She also “finds” Otis’ nerd helmet. Devon claims she stole all their stuff because she had to make bail for her dad.  Kelly (Taylor Kinney) is pissed and can see his best friend being taken advantage of.  He tries to talk to Shay, but she’s not listening. Devon’s like a snake worming her way back into Shay’s heart. Run, girl, run!

Pictured: (l-r) Charlie Barnett as Peter Mills, Taylor Kinney as Kelly Severide — (Photo by: Elizabeth Morris/NBC)

The two calls are anti-climactic. One is straight from the new show, old movie, Fargo. A man’s been caught in a wood chipper.   Chippy is freed by Matt and Kelly when they take the machinery apart.  The second call is a water rescue. It happens pretty quick but shows that new guy can swim.  Good to know.

The episode was a way to introduce some new plot points (Boden engaged) and build some tension in old ones (will Dawson pass?). It wasn’t memorable by any stretch and served in inching us closer to next week’s season finale. You’ve got one more shot at this, Chicago Fire.  One more shot to pull out an amazing episode in season two. There have been moments of excellence but all cloaked in a sea of mediocrity. I am still holding out hope. The promo for next week looks interesting- dead kid, Severide sad, Dawson ecstatic, and yes, Erin Lindsay making an appearance. We’ve come this far.  Let’s see this thing through. Who knows, maybe well get #SaveKelly trending and it’ll all be worth it.

Funniest scenes of the night:

Dawson trying to get into a turnout coat reminds me of a crazy person attempting a straight jacket escape. If I can j-j-just get this arm through that.  Casey breaks up the fun when he comes in to “talk.”  I’m thinking that if you can’t get in the coat, you’re not gonna be fighting any fires anytime soon.

Shay almost blows the super secret marriage proposal telling Dawson she’ll have a “new job, new hub.”  She saves it by correcting herself and says “hub bub.”

Mills walks in on Boden watching what sounds like the loudest porno ever.  Chief says it’s not what you think, but Boy Scout wants to shut the blinds. He’s got that look on his face like he just caught mom and dad in a special hug. We all know the video has to do with childbirth.

Shay’s not feeling the love from Gabby’s maybe new firehouse, telling the men, “Thanks for the warm welcome guys, but it’s time for us to start our periods.”

Casey asks Antonio if he can take Gabby’s hand in marriage.  Antonio replies, “Seriously bro. You couldn’t do this the right way and wait till my father gets back.”  Casey looks like he’s going to be sick. Then Antonio adds that he’s joking. Oh that damn cop humor. Must’ve learned it from Voight.