'Chicago Fire' matches last week

"Chicago Fire" matches last week's ratings of 1.9 with 6.5 million viewers in one of the season's most compelling episodes to date.

Last week's "Chicago Fire" closed several storylines starting with Shay, the paramedic, who gets stuck by a needle from a homeless man. She spends most of the episode waiting for the call to find out if she's contracted anything from Hepatitus to the HIV Virus. Finally, she gets the call that gives her a clean bill of health only to find out that Claire has caved and will be leaving with her baby to New York.

Another chapter that was closed came from Kelly Severide, who had been tracking down his old flame, Renee. We learned that Renee, the ex fiance, was admitted to some kind of hospital after an attempted overdose of pills. Severide goes to pick her up in an attempt to clear her mind and make her realize that she needs to reconnect with her brother. Severide gets to play hero as the two reunite with open arms as Severide speeds away.

The most compelling part of the episode came with the character Cruz. Cruz, who had left a man in a burning building to die, had been battling with this demon leading him to act rashly while on the job. Endangering the lives of his fellow firefighters. Cruz endangers the life of Mouch who demands that Cruz be fired. Cruz starts questioning if he's cut out to be a firefighter. Cruz visits a church looking for guidance when a kid says "look it's a firefighter." Cruz leaves the church and leaves his jacket. Finally, Cruz is seen breaking down to Mouch who tells him the phrase he desperately needs to hear. That he forgives him, Mouch then saves Cruz's job and Casey gives Cruz his badge back.

This was one of the best episodes to date and I encourage you to watch the show every Wednesday on NBC.

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