The undeniable chemistry between Bode Leone and Gabriela Perez has been the burning heart of Fire Country since its pilot. However, as the show progresses into its later seasons, a growing segment of the fandom is starting to say the unthinkable: Maybe they shouldn’t get back together.
While “Bodiela” shippers remain vocal, many viewers believe that the most “romantic” thing the writers can do is keep them apart—at least for now. Here is why fans are rooting for personal growth over a romantic reunion.
1. The Toxicity of “Adrenaline Love”
Throughout Season 3, even Gabriela herself admitted that her connection with Bode often feels like an addiction rather than a healthy partnership. Fans have pointed out that their most intense moments usually happen during life-or-death crises.
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The “Fire Tornado” Effect: Viewers on Reddit and social media have labeled the pair “mutually destructive.” When they are together, they often make reckless professional decisions—like Gabriela diving into a dangerous river or Bode breaking fire camp rules—that jeopardize their careers and the safety of their team.
2. Unresolved Baggage and “The Altar Incident”
The fallout from Gabriela leaving Diego at the altar has left a sour taste in many fans’ mouths.
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A Trail of Heartbreak: Critics of the pairing argue that Gabriela needs to find stability within herself before jumping back to Bode. Having bounced from Jake to Bode to Diego and back toward Bode, fans feel her character arc is currently too “chaotic” for a stable relationship.
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Bode’s Redemption: For Bode, the journey has always been about proving he can be a good man on his own. Many feel that tying his worth to a relationship with Gabriela undermines his individual growth as a firefighter and a son.
3. The Need for Independent Evolution
With the shocking news of Stephanie Arcila (Gabriela) departing the series in Season 4 for a “national recruiting mission,” the show has a natural opportunity to let both characters breathe.
“I think it’s healthy to not rush into things… this break allows them to grow and build a different foundation.” — Stephanie Arcila on the characters’ separation.
Fans are eager to see:
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Bode focus on his legacy at Station 42 and his role in the Leone family.
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Gabriela find her identity outside of the men in her life and heal from the trauma of her father’s legal troubles and her failed wedding.
The Verdict: Friends or “Endgame”?
While the showrunners have teased that Bode and Gabriela might be “endgame,” the current consensus among fans is that “Goodbye for Now” is the best move for the story. By staying complicated and separate, both characters have the chance to become the heroes they were always meant to be—without the smoke of a messy romance blinding them.
