Chicago Fire season 7 episode 21 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

In this episode, Kelly Severide grapples with not visiting Firehouse 51 regularly. He suspects an arsonist, inactive for 15 years, is behind recent fires. The team deals with personal and professional dynamics, including emotional and romantic challenges. Severide, focused on the arson case, faces skepticism from superiors due to his father's history with a similar case. The episode reveals the mental toll of firefighting through a retiring firefighter's story. Severide identifies Carol Spears, previously a victim, as the arsonist driven by chaos. The team confronts mental health issues, showcasing their solidarity.

Full Episode S07E21 Recap

### Scene: Firehouse Discussions and Suspicions - Kelly Severide hasn't been checking on the folks at Firehouse 51 lately. - Severide and other firefighters discuss a potential arsonist who's been inactive for 15 years. - The suspect was involved in several fires, killing and injuring people, with a specific modus operandi. ### Scene: Firehouse Banter and Emergency Call - The team humorously discusses past competitions and relationships. - An emergency call disrupts their banter, leading to a scene involving a fireworks accident and a search for missing fingers. ### Scene: Investigating the Arsonist - Severide connects the salon fire to an old case his father, Benny, was obsessed with. - He suspects the same arsonist has returned, noting the identical methods used in the fires. ### Scene: Firehouse Dynamics and Personal Tensions - The team deals with everyday firehouse life, including personal tensions and romantic implications. - Severide faces friction with his superiors over his involvement in the arson investigation. ### Scene: Deep Dive into the Arson Case - Severide insists on his theory about the arsonist, despite skepticism from others. - He identifies similarities in the arson cases and clashes with his superiors over the direction of the investigation. ### Scene: Party for Retiring Firefighter and Emotional Realizations - The team prepares for a party for a retiring firefighter, revealing emotional and personal struggles. - A disturbing story from a past incident highlights the mental toll of their profession. ### Scene: Arson Investigation Intensifies - Severide pursues the arson investigation, interviewing a woman who previously encountered the arsonist. - He connects the dots, realizing the arsonist's identity and motives. ### Scene: Dramatic Church Rescue and Arsonist Revelation - The team responds to a church fire, where they discover and neutralize an incendiary device. - Severide realizes that Carol Spears, a victim from a previous fire, is the actual arsonist driven by chaos. ### Scene: Conclusion and Emotional Support - The team addresses emotional and mental health issues among their ranks, showing support for each other. - The episode concludes with the revelation of the arsonist's identity, setting up for further action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why hasn't Kelly Severide been checking on Firehouse 51?

He's been distracted and not visiting the firehouse much lately.

What is the history of the arsonist suspected in the salon fire?

The arsonist was responsible for several fires between 2002 and 2004, causing deaths and injuries, and was inactive for 15 years.

How does Severide connect the salon fire to the old arson cases?

He notices identical methods used in the fires, such as the timing device and disabling electric meters.

What personal tensions are present in the firehouse?

There are romantic implications and personal tensions among the team members.

How does Severide's investigation into the arson case create friction?

His superiors are skeptical of his theory and concerned about his personal involvement due to his father's history with the case.

What emotional struggles are highlighted at the retiring firefighter's party?

The party reveals the mental toll of their profession, including past traumatic incidents.

Who does Severide suspect to be the arsonist behind the recent fires?

He suspects Carol Spears, a woman previously thought to be a victim of the arsonist.

What motivates Carol Spears, the arsonist?

She is driven by chaos and has become unstable after her marriage collapsed.

How does the firehouse team address mental health issues among their ranks?

They show support for each other and set up a trauma retreat for first responders.

Chicago Fire season 7 episode 21

The White Whale