Chicago Fire recap: 5 top moments from Episode 16

Firehouse 51 struggles to deal with one of their own in the hospital, as a new member steps in his place on Chicago Fire Season 6, Episode 16.

After last week’s shocking two-hour movie event, Chicago Fire Season 6, Episode 16 picked up with Otis in the hospital. As Dr. Choi took time to figure out why he couldn’t feel his legs, there were fears of the worst. It possibly didn’t help that the new member, Cordova (Damon Dayoub), didn’t make it easy for everyone to like him.

Meanwhile, Severide and Stella continued their relationship in secret, although someone in the firehouse very quickly figured out the truth. Here’s a look at the five top moments from the episode, some happy, some sad, and some hilarious.

1. The home-cooked meal

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One of the callouts was to a food business, where a man had his hand caught in one of the machines. After Casey and Herrmann figured out a way to get him out and Dawson and Brett got him to the hospital, the wife and daughter decided to repay the favor by cooking for the firehouse.

It should have been awesome, right? Who wouldn’t want two chefs cooking for you? Well, it instantly turns out that the meal is horrendous. Of course, nobody has the heart to tell either of the women the truth. Cruz is given the task, since one of them flirts a lot with him, but even he chickens out.

In the end, they overhear Boden telling Cordova that he’s not allowed in the kitchen again because the food is so bad. They won’t be back again!

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2. Herrmann’s reactions about Otis and to Cordova

Herrmann has always been the worrying kind. While he tries to talk the good fight, he ends up being terrified when one of his friends his down. That’s what happens with Otis in the hospital. It’s so bad that Otis finds any reason not to go to the hospital to see his business partner and friend.

However, it’s clear that Herrmann is protective and caring. As Cordova continues to be a threat (he’s a jerk throughout the episode), Herrmann punches Cordova. While he’s cooling off, Lily turns up in tears. She doesn’t know how to handle Otis, especially as he doesn’t seem to want her around. Herrmann is the perfect person to explain the way Otis is likely feeling.

Both end up helping each other, and it’s fitting that at the end of the episode they’re both there for Otis.

3. Otis’ full diagnosis

We weren’t sure which way Chicago Fire was going to take Otis’ storyline. Was this a case of starting the end for Otis?

It doesn’t look like that will be totally the case. Otis’ paralysis is from pressure on his spine from a hematoma linked to his platelet issue. The hematoma was drained and Otis got his feeling back. However, Chicago Fire did the thing I’d been complaining about them not doing for a while: they’ve made it difficult for him moving forward.

This is going to be interesting to see this storyline play out. Otis struggled mentally, as he struggled to accept that he couldn’t just move straight back into work. There’s the fear that he’ll lose his position at Firehouse 51 and that his career could be over. Quite honestly, his fears are understandable and I hope they explore this further.

4. Boden spending time with his family

We haven’t seen enough of Boden with his family lately. This episode rectified that. When Chief Grissom turned back up at the firehouse, he made it clear that it was due to his upcoming retirement. He’s looking for someone to replace him. That could go to Boden.

For once, the writers are looking at taking Boden out of Firehouse 51 but in a good way. A promotion is perfectly normal and, really, it’s about time one of them took the offer of the promotion up! Most people would when it came to a job, after all. On the other hand, Boden’s reasoning not to take the promotion is sound; he wants the action and wouldn’t get that with a promotion.

Boden does talk it over with his family, and even if he doesn’t take it, this is what I liked seeing. Donna clearly wants him to take the promotion if it’s offered because it’s safer, but this isn’t something she’s just going to push him into. But it looks like he’s considering the possibility, as he watches for Casey to take his place.

5. Severide taking Stella’s advice

Stellaride is officially a thing, but both seem to want to make it casual. Well, that’s what Stella is claiming and she wants to keep their relationship a secret from the firehouse. It doesn’t take long for Gabi to figure out the big secret. She has always had the intuition like a bat’s hearing.

And while the sneaking around is funny, there’s something more important coming from this relationship: respect.

When Severide runs into Grissom, who is angry about Severide blowing off dinner (we know why he did it, but still, blowing off dinner wasn’t good), Stella makes a few suggestions to get back into Grissom’s good books. Severide goes through with those suggestions, saving a guy from a near-collapsing scaffold in the process. And bless the fact that Severide is shocked Stella didn’t think he’d take her advice.

Next: Chicago Fire needs to give Connie the best send-off ever

While it’s sad to see Otis out and I’m not sure what to make of Cordova, this episode has certainly picked up the pace for Chicago Fire Season 6. I’m glad to see the two-hour movie event wasn’t a fluke.

What did you think of the episode? What were your favorite moments? Share them in the comments below.

Chicago Fire Season 6 continues Thursdays at 10/9c on NBC.