For over a decade, Chicago Fire has been a masterclass in emotional storytelling. The series thrives on the camaraderie of Firehouse 51, the high-stakes drama of life-saving rescues, and the deeply personal lives of its characters. But while the show is constantly moving forward, introducing new faces and new conflicts, there’s a growing sentiment among the most dedicated fans that two of the most devastating character tragedies have been left largely unaddressed, lingering like ghosts in the firehouse hallways. These are not simple departures or brief moments of sadness; they are fundamental, life-altering events that have been mysteriously glossed over in recent seasons. As the show heads into its fourteenth season, the time has come to finally confront the long-term, devastating emotional fallout from the mysterious absence of Matthew Casey (Jesse Spencer) and the enduring grief over the death of Otis (Yuriy Sardarov).
The show has a history of honoring its past, from the permanent memorial to Otis outside the firehouse to the quiet moments of reflection. But these two particular tragedies, one of a dear friend who left for a new life and the other of a brother who was lost in the line of duty, have been handled with a frustrating lack of emotional depth in the years that have followed. A show as emotionally resonant as Chicago Fire deserves to fully explore the long-term impact of these seismic events, and Season 14 provides the perfect opportunity to do so.
Tragedy #1: The Unspoken Goodbye of Matthew Casey
For ten seasons, Matthew Casey was the unwavering moral compass and leader of Firehouse 51. His friendship with Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) was the beating heart of the show’s early years, a brotherly bond forged in the heat of battle and the pain of loss. When he left for Oregon to care for Andy Darden’s sons, his departure was emotional but open-ended. Fans were assured that he would return. And while he has, his visits have felt fleeting and, for many, deeply unsatisfying. He appeared for Severide’s wedding and then again for his own wedding to Sylvie Brett (Kara Killmer), but the show has failed to address the mysterious, devastating emotional void that his absence has created.
How does a man like Severide, who relied on Casey as his rock, navigate a world without his best friend? How does Herrmann (David Eigenberg), who considered Casey a son, deal with the fact that he’s rarely around? The show has moved on too easily, too quickly, without ever having the deep, heartfelt conversations that would feel authentic to these characters. The fact that the team seems to just accept his distance without ever discussing the profound sadness of his absence is a glaring narrative flaw. The characters of Firehouse 51 are a family, and families don’t just move on from a missing member. They talk about them. They remember them. They feel the loss.
Season 14 is the perfect opportunity to correct this. With the firehouse in a period of transition, a quiet conversation between Severide and Herrmann, perhaps over a beer at Molly’s, could finally address the elephant in the room. A moment of true vulnerability where they admit how much they miss Casey, and how much his absence still hurts, would add a powerful layer of emotional resonance. It would not be dwelling on the past; it would be honoring a bond that was, for a decade, the foundation of the series.
Tragedy #2: The Lingering Ghost of Otis
The death of Brian “Otis” Zvonecek was arguably the most impactful and devastating moment in the show’s history. The Season 8 premiere, “Sacred Ground,” was a masterclass in grief, with every character reeling from the sudden, tragic loss. His last words to Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso) in Russian—”Brother, I will be with you, always”—were a gut-punch that left the entire fandom in tears. But in the years since, the show has, for the most part, moved on. The beautiful memorial statue outside the firehouse is a touching tribute, but it is not enough. The internal emotional journey of the characters, especially Cruz, has been largely ignored.
Cruz was not just Otis’s colleague; he was his best friend and roommate. He was the one who was with him in his final moments. The show’s failure to address the long-term impact of this trauma on Cruz is one of its most baffling narrative decisions. The audience knows Cruz named his son “Otis” in a beautiful nod to his friend, but we’ve rarely seen him truly open up about the grief he carries. The show has focused on his family life and his personal struggles, but it has mysteriously skipped over the most profound source of his emotional pain.
Season 14 needs to revisit this. A catalyst—perhaps the anniversary of Otis’s death, or a particularly difficult call that reminds Cruz of that fateful day—could be used to finally have him talk about it. It’s a chance for a new character to ask a question that the audience has been asking for years: “How do you do it? How do you live with that memory?” It’s a chance for Cruz to finally share his pain with his colleagues, to show that even after years, the grief remains. This would not be a step backward for the show; it would be a step toward a more honest and authentic portrayal of what it means to be a first responder. It would honor the memory of a beloved character by showing that his life, and his death, had a lasting and profound impact.
Why Season 14 is the Perfect Catalyst
The new season of Chicago Fire is a period of significant change and transition. New faces are arriving, and old ones are moving on. This is the perfect time for the show to look back and honor its past. Addressing these two devastating character tragedies would not be an act of dwelling; it would be a testament to the show’s commitment to its legacy. It would add a layer of emotional depth that has been lacking in recent seasons, and it would remind the audience that the bonds of Firehouse 51 are not just forged in fire, but in the memories of those who are gone. The show has a chance to prove that a great series doesn’t just move on from its most painful moments; it carries them with it, as a source of both strength and inspiration.
