If you’re producer Dick Wolf and you’ve already conquered the world of police and law in New York City with the “Law & Order” franchise, what do you do next? Head to the Windy City, and bring to life a series set in another civil service, of course.
Launching in 2012, Wolf served as executive producer for “Chicago Fire,” kicking off his second sprawling television franchise, which would later become known as “One Chicago.” Created by the writing team of Derek Haas and Michael Brandt, the scribes behind James Mangold’s “3:10 To Yuma,” the series would quickly spawn multiple spin-offs, including “Chicago P.D.,” “Chicago Med,” and “Chicago Justice.”
Heavy on heart, high on drama, and filled with explosive action, “Chicago Fire” has been thrilling viewers for a decade and doesn’t seem to be slowing down. With over 200 episodes and counting, it’s hard to find the best, but we’ve done our homework and ranked its top 30.
30. A Real Wake Up Call
“A Real Wake Up Call” begins with Grant and Stella getting into an argument that escalates to a violent confrontation behind Molly’s Bar. Thankfully, Stella’s ex-boyfriend, Severide, comes to her rescue and subdues him, cutting his throat and sending him to the hospital. Instead of backing the attempted murder charge, Stella has her ex-boyfriend held for psychiatric evaluation instead, which doesn’t sit well with some.
Meanwhile, Casey and Gabby struggle to find a babysitter, and the company isn’t happy that Jimmy is back on the truck, as some still can’t get over what happened with Boden in “Where the Collapse Started.” However, the episode would be best remembered for its last call, as a recurring character says goodbye when one firehouse member defies his commander’s orders in an attempt to save the life of a wounded truck driver.
29. That Day
“That Day” is a crossover episode, guest-starring characters from both “Chicago P.D.” and “Chicago Med.” First, Sylvia and Detective Antonio Dawson finally take their relationship past the flirtation stage, as she surprises the officer with an overture at his doorstep. As Boden tries to show his stepson James the ropes around the firehouse to convince him to join the company, a call to a scene leads to a difficult situation when Gabby hits a pedestrian, who quickly lawyers up and sues the department.
Gabby, meanwhile, is in hot water over the crash and is heavily scrutinized by the department superiors. While the supervisors put her under a microscope, her fellow officers stick by her side. To round out the episode, there’s also a more light-hearted subplot that sees Hermann trying to prove himself when he’s up for a big promotion.
28. One Hundred
“One Hundred” is the show’s centennial episode, and it is an appropriately big one. Firehouse 51’s favorite bar, Molly’s, is in danger, and Hermann and Otis may just have a plan to save it. Since Molly’s too is celebrating its 100th anniversary, the company hopes to get some press by throwing a big bash to mark the occasion. In a surprise turn, it’s discovered that none other than Al Capone once frequented the bar. Will this association hurt their chances to get the attention needed to bring Molly’s back to life?
Before we can get an answer, the bigger story unfolds, with Casey and Gabby finally tying the knot, with the entire company by their side. At the same time, it seems Severide may be having a crisis of character, and fans hoped this might spark a renewed a moment of enlightenment for him.
27. Law of the Jungle
“Law of the Jungle” closed out the first half of the sixth season with one of the most exciting episodes to date. Juggling a number of stories, the episode starts with a traffic accident involving a sheriff’s van, and the inmate in the back isn’t making it any easier on their attempt to save the wounded driver. When Severide takes off to chase the escaping con down, it leads to another round of questions, this time from Chief Grissom, about how the company does its job. However, further trouble arises when the driver dies from his injuries.
Of course, there’s personal drama here too, with Brett stuck with Mouch at a spa, while Stella won’t shut up about Severide while on her date with recurring guest star Zach. Just when you thought they couldn’t pack any more drama into the episode, a gas leak leads to a fiery finale.
26. All the Proof
In the seventh season episode “All the Proof,” Boden is surprised when Gorsch takes over his position as head of Firehouse 51 against his vociferous objections. Things go wrong for Gorsch right away when a call sends the company to a hotel where a dramatic suicide attempt gone wrong has filled the building with deadly gas, threatening all the guests. Gorsch is in over his head, and it shows.
As Boden exits to take a desk job, Chaplain Orlovsky also announces his retirement, with recurring guest star Teddy Sears stepping in as his replacement Kyle Sheffield. However, a curious greeting from Emily suggests the two may have a complicated history. Despite his own mistakes, however, it’s Gorsch who reprimands the firehouse crew, filing a round of ridiculous write-ups to divert attention away from himself.
25. Until the Weather Breaks
A silent child shows up at the firehouse in “Until the Weather Breaks.” Clearly traumatized, it becomes clear that something sinister has happened to the young boy, who refuses to say anything. It’s up to the officers at Firehouse 51 to keep him safe and find the person responsible, which proves easier said than done.
At the same time, Otis comes across a shadowy man named John, who claims to be a firefighter from Detroit with a broken-down car, although the gun he’s carrying says otherwise. His suspicious questions about the young boy they’re giving safe harbor to also suggests he may be involved in the child’s situation. The team knows something is fishy, and when Otis confronts him about his real identity, things take an unexpectedly violent turn.
24. The White Whale
Having found evidence that an arsonist who had once escaped his father may be connected to a new case, Severide continues the search for the man in Season 7’s “The White Whale.” However, Boden isn’t as convinced and orders him to let the OFI handle it. Casey must help out Brett when a call sends them to a gang of kids setting off fireworks, one of which is shot into Brett’s neck.
Severide isn’t willing to let the arsonist case go, believing the man may be a continued threat to hit another target. When he tries to get Alexa on his side, it lands him in trouble with Boden for not following his orders, and he’s put on leave. A chat with Casey makes it clear that he’s not alone.
23. Infection, Part 1
It’s the first part of a massive franchise crossover in “Infection Part 1,” a story that will pass through all three “One Chicago” series, with “Chicago Med” and “Chicago P.D.” rounding out the three-part event. A taut thriller, the story opens at a tailgate party when a fan goes down in a seizure, apparently afflicted with a flesh-eating disease. After the patient is rushed to the hospital, the crossover begins with appearances from Dr. Halstead and Dr. Manning, who are on hand to manage the patient.
While the doctors at first declare the disease is not contagious, that proves to be an incorrect diagnosis when an emergency call to an apartment complex yields multiple victims with the same affliction. What was once a single tragedy becomes a full-blown epidemic in the Windy City. When the CDC is called in, Chicago finds itself in the throes of a city-wide panic.
22. Not Like This
Several ongoing plots get wrapped up in Season 2’s “Not Like This.” With Firehouse 51 on the verge of closing, things look dire, and the staff starts receiving new assignments. However, the company isn’t happy and makes one last-ditch attempt to save the firehouse, rallying firefighters from surrounding areas to help. Political machinations are brewing, and it’s found out that the union president has been busted for embezzlement, putting all the recent closures in question.
Gabby gets word that she’s finally been accepted into the firefighter academy, but, having established herself as an EMT, she is uncertain if the move is worthwhile. Cruz, meanwhile, is upset about Zoya returning to her native Russia and his brother potentially leaving Chicago for good when he thinks he’s found a solution. However, it’s the arrival of Senator Wheeler that gets the company’s attention, as her meeting with top brass could very well decide the fate of the firehouse.
21. Just Drive the Truck
“Just Drive the Truck” is a third season installment that sees trouble in the firehouse when two trucks get into a nasty collision. It starts as an ordinary call, but another truck from rival Firehouse 105 isn’t looking to help but instead trying to steal the spotlight, turning the race to the scene into a competition. An accident at an intersection between the two engines creates a second, more immediate crisis, with the 105th’s truck sustaining the worst of it. Their firefighters are in rough shape, and an emergency rescue gets underway.
The fallout from the crash is swift, with Cruz’s actions being questioned, but it’s Mills who’s pulled off duty when it’s discovered he suffers from a form of vertigo. Over at “Chicago Med,” a firefighter from Firehouse 105 is in critical condition, and it’s found that Cruz may have run through a red light, and may face serious consequences.
