Secrets in the Smoke

Episode 20 of Chicago Fire Season 12, titled “Backdraft”, brings long-simmering tensions to a boil as the crew at Firehouse 51 faces both a volatile emergency and equally combustible personal revelations.

The action kicks off with an explosive warehouse fire that seems routine at first — until a second explosion sends Kelly Severide and Blake Gallo scrambling for cover. When the smoke clears, evidence points to arson. But the question of who and why quickly pulls Severide back into dangerous territory, both physically and emotionally.

Severide’s Past Comes Calling

Severide’s fire investigation instincts reignite when he discovers a familiar accelerant pattern linked to a cold case he worked years ago. This revelation sends him spiraling into sleepless nights and private stakeouts. Stella tries to support him, but it’s clear their communication is fraying under the pressure. Taylor Kinney plays Severide with a quiet intensity that shows the emotional weight he carries — and how isolating that burden can become.

Meanwhile, tension brews between Gallo and Violet after Gallo makes a reckless decision during the warehouse fire that nearly costs him his life. Violet calls him out in front of Boden, leading to disciplinary action and a rift in their friendship.

Boden and Ritter Clash Over Protocol

Chief Boden finds himself unexpectedly at odds with Darren Ritter, who questions the chain of command after being shut out of a decision regarding firehouse deployment rotations. Their confrontation is brief but impactful, showing the generational divide between old-school leadership and the younger, more collaborative mindset. Boden’s eventual apology hints at evolving dynamics inside Firehouse 51.

On a lighter note, Mouch and Cruz attempt to film a recruitment PSA for the CFD — but their old-school approach ends up being hilariously outdated. The subplot offers much-needed comic relief, especially when their “heroic montage” is accidentally uploaded to TikTok by Cruz’s son, leading to viral fame.

The Final Blow

The episode’s final minutes deliver a major twist. After chasing leads through old case files, Severide corners a suspect — a former firefighter turned vigilante who believes he’s targeting corrupt businesses. Their face-off in a smoke-filled alley ends with the suspect in custody, but not before he taunts Severide about the cost of ignoring the past.

Back at the firehouse, Stella and Severide share a quiet moment — but it’s clear the embers of distrust still smolder. Gallo, on the other hand, is benched for the next shift, forced to reckon with his choices alone.

Final Thoughts

“Backdraft” feels like a slow burn that erupts into a firestorm by the final act. It combines Chicago Fire’s trademark action with meaningful character development and timely subplots. With just a few episodes left in the season, this chapter sets up personal and professional challenges that could alter Firehouse 51 permanently.