‘Chicago Fire’ season 3, episode 18 review: Herrmann’s heartache

Tonight, “Chicago Fire” hardly gave us an uplifting episode of television. Instead, you probably were depressed after watching it. Herrmann did so much to try to save a child, even if his own father was not exactly too interested in doing so. You wanted to see this child make it through, and for Herrmann himself to even make it through this okay. That didn’t happen.

This episode may be some of the best work David Eigenberg has ever done. We always enjoyed him on this show, and our appreciation for him as an actor dates back to Steve on “Sex and the City.” So much of those memories of him are as the warmer, optimistic guy, and often the source of comic relief. Herrmann is sometimes that here, as well, given what we had with Molly’s especially at times in the fall. Today was anything but cheery for him. At one point, his rage over this child turned to violence, and his fellow men had to cover for him rather than expose his true actions. Maybe everyone really knew what he was up to, and they did not want to admit it.

If there was any somewhat-positive takeaway from this episode, it was rather simple: Take advantage of the time that you have. Don’t waste moments. If you are able to do this, then you have a very good chance at finding more happiness in life. Everyone from Severide to Boden embraced this in a variety of different ways, which was certainly worthwhile to behold.

Elsewhere in the episode, Brett is now a single woman, though you most likely saw that coming. This story was somewhat necessary to get her on a new path, even though it paled in comparison to the emotional meat elsewhere. Grade: B+.

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