The Truth Hurts: Fire Country Just Proved Gabriela and Bode Should Stay Apart!

The latest episode of Fire Country, “The Leone Way,” emerges as a watershed moment in Season 3. The episode provided an incredible break from the romantic melodrama that was plaguing the rest of the series for most of its run. Not to mention, the main characters appeared to act with genuine self-awareness that speaks to their overall emotional growth. “The Leone Way” symbolically represents Fire Country’s quality when the series focuses on other things besides soap opera-style romances, and it also shows that Gabriela Perez (Stephanie Arcila) and Bode Leone (Max Thieriot) work better when they are apart. Fire Country once again reveals its hand as to why Gabriela and Bode are not meant to be.

‘The Leone Way’ Proves ‘Fire Country’ Can Create Compelling Situations Without Emphasizing Romantic Melodrama

After the midseason finale, we showcased how Fire Country was spreading itself thin with its numerous subplots. The show’s tendency to focus on romantic melodrama and romantic pairings was hurting the series, which works better when it focuses on the firefighting, action-adventure, and search and rescue aspects. “The Leone Way” demonstrates that the show can create compelling situations with its characters without a heavy emphasis on the romantic melodrama recently plaguing the series, specifically with the overwrought drama surrounding Bode and Gabriela’s relationship.

Most of the episode features a Leone family reunion, with guest appearances by Jeff Fahey as Bode’s grandfather, Walter Leone, and the welcome return of Michael Trucco as Luke Leone, who makes his first appearance since the Season 3 premiere. The Leones decide to take a nostalgic fishing trip together in the hopes of uplifting Walter, despite Sharon Leone (Diane Farr) fearing that Walter could be suffering from a neurological disorder. Jake Crawford (Jordan Calloway) also joins the group, and the episode deals with his guilt over his recent tryst with Gabriela. It’s great to see an episode featuring all the Leones together. The episode exceptionally depicts multiple characters acting with a surprisingly greater level of emotional maturity and character growth than in the past.

By the end of the episode, Jake finally confesses to Bode about what happened with Gabriela, seeking to take quick ownership of the mistake rather than let it fester. Bode takes the news surprisingly well, understanding how the shoe was previously on the other foot with Gabriela when she was dating Jake at the start of the series. Additionally, Bode and Gabriela were not even together or in a genuine relationship when she slept with Jake. Bode’s understanding and forgiveness of his chosen brother, Jake, showcases Bode’s amazing character growth since the series began. Bode recognizes the guilt and shame Jake feels over the act and does not allow a petty grudge to derail their bond.

Gabriela Begins Her Climb Out of Rock Bottom

The secondary plot of “The Leone Way” primarily focuses on Gabriela and Audrey James (Leven Rambin) as they and Sharon deal with a baby who was safely surrendered to Battalion 1501. Gabriela has been spiraling out of control since her breakup with Diego Moreno (Rafael de la Fuente) earlier in the season. After forgiving her father, Manny Perez (Kevin Alejandro), and admitting her emotional turmoil in the previous episode, “Coming in Hot,” a huge weight has been lifted from Gabriela’s shoulders. She stands ready to make amends and move on from her past mistakes, hoping to return to her work. This episode signifies a positive change of pace for Gabriela as a character. Now that Gabriela has experienced the feeling of hitting rock bottom, she appears more focused than ever on rebuilding herself, and she is not fixated on Bode. Case in point, the writers do a skillful job highlighting Gabriela’s new relationship with Audrey.

Gabriela and Audrey Are Forging a Strong Relationship

“The Leone Way” also features a fascinating exploration of the relationship between Gabriela and Audrey James, as they help watch over the infant child, Calvin, after he is safely turned over to their firehouse. The subject hits close to home for Audrey, who was previously abandoned by her mother in her youth. Previously, Fire Country did not spend much time developing Audrey and Gabriela’s relationship. This episode demonstrates that Gabriela and Audrey can work together without any drama or tension over Bode. It’s remarkably refreshing to see the two characters develop their relationship and share dialogue that has nothing to do with Bode. Earlier in the season, Gabriela appeared somewhat bothered by Bode’s growing closeness with Audrey, but no jealousy between the two occurs throughout the episode. Developing Audrey and Gabriela’s relationship at work without focusing on their dating status makes them more well-rounded characters.

Bode and Gabriela Were a Volatile Pairing

In Season 3, Episode 3, “Welcome to the Cult,” Gabriela expressed her fears about a relationship with Bode, noting how their relationship was “playing with fire,” adding, “We need to stop before we burn our lives down.” Ultimately, Gabriela was right. Their attraction was volatile, and they were willing to risk breaking too many protocols and rules for the sake of the relationship. Bode and Gabriela were drawn together through chaotic, adrenaline-fueled situations. Not to mention, their romantic attraction continued while Gabriela was engaged to marry another man. These characteristics do not provide a good foundation for a healthy romantic relationship.

Ultimately, Gabriela and Bode are probably not in the best places in their lives to engage in long-term relationships. Gabriela is focusing on serving her suspension and getting back to work, while Bode forges his path as a cadet in Battalion 1501. “The Leone Way” depicts both characters exhibiting positive growth from their past experiences, and it looks like they are finally learning from them. While Bode has not officially started dating Audrey in the series, their chemistry and relationship prove much stronger than what Bode had with Gabriela. Hopefully, the series finally pulls the trigger on a potential Bode and Audrey romance before the end of the season.