The Chicago franchise, also known as the One Chicago Series, has continued to run with shows like Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, and Chicago Med.
Chicago Fire set the bar with tales of firefighters putting it all on the line for the tough streets of Chicago. Each week, viewers are given a chance to fall deeper into the lives of members of House 51. By doing so, fans are also taken on a wild ride through each heartbreaking, joyous, or confusing storyline.
Severide and Grissom
Grissom had a plan to take Kelly Severide under his wing but Severide wanted to make his own way. Grissom, not one to take rejection, then decided to take things a bit personally by attacking Kelly and House 51 any chance he could. In his mind, he was doing what he thought was best for a friend, when in reality, all he was doing was putting further distance between the two.
With Benny gone, Grissom tried to fill a void that Kelly wanted no part of. He did seek out the help of Grissom which gave Grissom the ammunition he needed to make his move. Now, their relationship is still a bit rocky, but they do have a better understanding of one another.
Hermann and His Family
A large portion of the Chicago Fire cast does not have the luxury of family. Mouch is married to Trudy and Wallace is married, too, but viewers never really get to experience that family dynamic with them. For Christopher Herrmann, family is everything. He and his wife Cindy have five children which the writers never go too long without mentioning.
From hockey games to driving, Herrmann is hands-on. He’s the one the guys go to when they need some advice and Cindy is the one the ladies run to when they need some advice. Their dynamic is priceless and Chicago Fire would not work without their story.
Molly’s
The Molly’s storyline is one that often goes unnoticed. It’s the place where House 51 gets to unwind. During a hectic day of either saving lives or having theirs put in danger, Molly’s is the safe haven for House 51. Owned by members of House 51, it’s like an extension to the firehouse. With the onus of family on Chicago Fire, there needs to be a place where reconciliation is held.
Molly’s is just not home to House 51, it’s the same place where on any given night people can spot the cast of Chicago PD and Chicago Med. It’s safe to say that Molly’s is the hangout spot for the entire One Chicago Series.
House 51 and Sexual Orientation
Most shows have not shied away from such sensitive topics as sexuality, especially in primetime TV. What has set Chicago Fire apart from the others has been its ability to hit the topic while not taking away from the main focus of the plot. From the beginning, Chicago Fire was ahead of the curve with Shay. She never wanted to be just one of the guys but the writers gave her an arc that allowed Shay to be herself.
Even with the newer cast members such as Darren Ritter and Emily Foster, when they came out, there were no side looks of disgust, just acceptance.
Wallace Boden
Much like Otis, Chief Boden has not had it easy. Fans of Chicago Fire understand the chain of command and that Boden is the boss. However, outside of House 51, no one else seems to care. He has taken heat from just about every angle possible and still has risen above the ashes.
As the prominent African-American figure on the show, Boden is used to the heavy criticism. He has his demons and has done a great job dealing with them over the years. His storyline is not as popular at Casey’s or Severide’s but the journey of Wallace Boden has been great to watch.
The Build-Up Between Casey and Brett
Matt has dealt with serious heartbreak when it comes to relationships. He lost Hallie to a fire, then Gabby walked out on him. As for Brett, she hasn’t fared any better in the love department either. During Season 6, viewers could feel the writers bringing them together slowly.
For most, it’s a perfect match. Matt is caring while Brett is everything that Gabby was not. They’ve faced their roadblocks in their union but the chemistry is real. Will fans finally get to see them as a couple anytime soon?
Baby Louie
The Baby Louie storyline was one that touched fans of Chicago Fire deeply. Matt and Gabby were dealing with issues regarding having a child and found themselves with a possibility of adoption. Louie’s presence lit up the screen and soon enough he became a mainstay in Gabby and Matt’s life.
However, there were complications. The Adoptive Agency had to reach out to Louie’s biological father who did not know he even had a child. In the end, Matt and Gabby Dawson were forced to give up Louie.
Otis
Chicago Fire is a character-driven show but even the best ones of that nature always have that diamond in the rough. For Fire, it was Otis. His death in Season 7 was a huge blow but as fans have come to remember his growth from the beginning it takes away some of the pain. Otis wasn’t given the proper respect that the other firefighters did early on.
His journey may have bee the toughest but Otis persevered through the tough times. He managed two bars, won his seat as the driver for House 51, was shot, beat the odds, and found love. His death still stings for many viewers.
Casey and Gabby
Matthew Casey began his time on Chicago Fire in an on/off-again relationship with Hallie. But waiting for her turn at love was Gabby. The chemistry between the two was explosive and soon, that was the relationship viewers begged for and one that the writers of Chicago Fire based their show on. But could it last?
It was a whirlwind romance and while viewers could see the writing on the wall, Matt and Gabby still tried to beat the odds. From miscarriages to lost adoptions to separations, it was just too much to overcome. But yet, they were easily the best romantic storyline on Chicago Fire
Matt Casey vs Hank Voight
Just imagine if the writers never made this into a storyline. Would there even be a Chicago PD? The Hank Voight and Matt Casey relationship set the tone for both shows. Voight’s son found himself in hot water and Matt being the goodhearted citizen he is, demanded that Justin take responsibility for his actions. Voight caught wind and tried to reason with Matt.
From there, everything went left followed by bribes and then threats. Their showdown was exceptional as it put what many thought to be good vs bad.
