Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season 12 Finale of ‘Chicago Fire’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
If there is one particular question we ask often now in the modern world, it would have to be… what defines a hero? Because in 2024, that definition is quite murky. After all, we thought it meant joining a noble cause or a noble profession, but corruption and scandals have removed that definition. We also thought that following a great dream makes someone a hero, but that too… has gone the wayside. Since ego and a thirst for money has made that pursuit seem less appealing and heroic. Which has left us desperate to understand what defines that all-important word, and so we can find new heroes in a world without them, and well, perhaps we’ve simply been too ambitious when it comes to what we believe defines a hero and that the definition is simpler than we give it credit. A truth evidenced by the season twelve finale of Chicago Fire. For ‘Never Say Goodbye’ truly explored what it is that defines a hero, and how we can find them in these trying times and it accomplished such amazing feats… by way of two major calls for the good people of Firehouse 51. One of which, saw the team nearly lose a life because of timing and conditions over neglect. While the other was an emergency fire call that saw two of its own, lose themselves in the moment and almost cause incredible trouble for the firehouse in the process. Since Carver, who was home at last, and Damon… lost their cool and outright took part in assault. Thankfully, they avoided charges for their actions… but oddly… their taking part in such an act, did help in defining what it means to be a hero in this life, and well… part of it involves being brave and facing our past. Since their actions were related to old traumas and wounds. Because too often, people let their past define them, and form them. When in fact, we can be our own person and forge our own path without fear of the past hanging over us if we so choose. And if we were to face it and find strength from what once was… we could be more, be stronger and that was a lesson that Damon took to heart. Since he dropped quite the bombshell on Kelly, one family related, because he wanted to be more than just a punk kid that flamed out in the firehouse. He did want to be a hero, he did want to be seen a beacon, and it takes real bravery and guts to face the past, and sadly… not all can answer that call right away. As evidenced by how things went with Carver. Since he didn’t take that path, and ended battling himself and others for it, offering up perhaps that cautionary tale of who we become when we don’t. But this was a fascinating vignette to explore the nature and definition of heroism, since it spoke to a very intimate angle in accomplishing that. But truly, the centerpiece of the night regarding this exploration came via the return of Deputy Chief Wallace Boden. Who was on that first call and was the man who watched the injury take place. One that was also a product of sacrifice and well, that offered incredible inspiration for Boden. Because he had never really seen someone put so much on the line for their people, for their safety and well… the CFD was facing some real fear over forthcoming change with the Deputy Commissioner spot opening up, and that prompted Boden… to throw his hat into the ring. Because he knew full well, that without someone just and good stepping in, the majesty of this place would fade, and chaos would reign, but he also understood this would come at a great sacrifice. Because his team would suffer greatly and be without good guidance or leadership at a time when they needed it as well, since they too were healing, and Carver’s journey spoke to that ache. However, sacrifice is a big part of heroism, and the bigger picture was the key here and well… Boden did land that job and change awaits the firehouse in season thirteen of the show. Mainly because this was more than a plot twist, this was Eamonn Walker’s farewell from the show as a series regular, and his presence and gravitas will indeed be missed, but not forgotten. But from a lesson standpoint, his character’s journey truly spoke to the fact… that we must think less about how a job, or a standing defines a hero and look at people’s actions. Because that will tell you, who is willing to protect others, who is willing to go the extra mile, and are in the right mental space… to be a hero. To inspire us and lead us and guide us because we look for that so often in life, and that made, for one supremely unique finale. One that was quite wax philosophical in nature and beautiful as well, and perhaps tasked us… to be the hero in our own world, and well, now that we’ve reached the end of this fascinating tale… all we can do now is wait patiently for the new season and all the unique explorations about life it will send our way. Until next year. Watch ‘Chicago Fire’
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