Chicago Fire debuted in 2012 and has remained one of the best action procedural series on television. The series serves as the original

series for Dick Wolf’s One Chicago franchise that later spawned off to include television series such as Chicago Med and Chicago PD. The franchise and its contained series have gone on to become network staples on NBC.

 

 

Chicago Fire was recently renewed for its 13th season. With such a storied history on television, there are several episodes noted for their top-notch quality. These 10 episodes show the true nuance of this series and prove why it is so successful as it enters its 13th season in the coming months.

 

 

“Telling Her Goodbye” puts the members of Firehouse 51 in unfamiliar territory. The threats they are trained to face are environmental, not human. Having the firefighters in unfamiliar territory makes them rely on instinct instead of their trained skills, which makes for engrossing television.

 

 

Practically every character in “The Last One For Mom” is dealing with a tense situation that is testing their emotional fortitude. Severide is looking after the son of a murdered detective he was assisting, which puts the firefighter in somewhat unfamiliar territory. Meanwhile, Casey is accused of taking a bribe in the political position he holds.

 

 

“I am the Apocalypse” is the first glimpse into the Chicago franchise that fans know and love today. The episode features characters from Chicago PD and also serves as the backdoor pilot for Chicago Med. The firefighters and police of Chicago respond to a suspected biological attack at Chicago Med that results in trapped firefighters, doctors, and victims who must keep themselves alive and uncover what pathogen the attacker released. The episode is rife with action and shocking peril that reminds viewers that even their heroes can become the ones who need saving.

“I am the Apocalypse” brings the best action of Chicago Fire and the best mystery elements of Chicago PD together to set the stage for Chicago Med. Displaying the best elements of itself in a new environment proves the series can take on new forms and still be the same great series fans know and love. The emotional tension, paired with the harrowing situation, makes for a raw episode that is unforgettable not only in this series but also in this franchise.

“I’m Not Leaving You” centers around several personal changes the primary characters are going through. The series does an excellent job of keeping the personal lives of the firefighters and paramedics as fast-paced as the rescue themselves. Even if the stakes may not be as high, the pacing of the episode does not suffer as a result of the more personal focus.

“I’m Not Leaving You” includes a storyline that follows Stella Kidd and Kelly Severide investigating one of his late father’s unsolved arson cases. This private investigation is more than just a whodunnit; it is an emotional odyssey for Severide as he wrestles with the death of his father and their complex relationship. Closure has to wait, as the episode ends with a devastating cliffhanger that leaves the lives of Firehouse 51 hanging in the balance.

5. “Deathtrap” Cuts Deep For t