Chicago Fire | Season 1 | Episode 12 "Under The Knife " recap

Chicago Fire | Season 1 | Episode 12 “Under The Knife” dives into intense personal and professional challenges faced by the firefighters and paramedics of Firehouse 51. Gaby Dawson (Monica Raymund) wakes up to the surprising realization that she spent the night with Peter Mills (Charlie Barnett), leaving her uncertain about their future. Shay (Lauren German) returns to work, grappling with her recent hardships, while Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) vows to finally confront Chief Boden (Eamonn Walker) about his drug addiction, a step he’s avoided for far too long.

The team is dispatched to a harrowing scene where a shipping container is found filled with people who appear to have been trapped for an extended period. Later, Severide makes good on his promise and informs Boden about his condition, leading to his removal from active duty pending the results of his medical exam. On another call, tragedy strikes when a small plane crashes into traffic, highlighting the unpredictable dangers they face daily.

Severide’s personal battle intensifies when his doctor delivers devastating news—his injury will keep him out of service for at least a year. In a deeply emotional subplot, Matthew Casey (Jesse Spencer) visits his mother in prison to discuss her upcoming hearing. The visit forces him to relive the traumatic memory of his father’s death at her hands. Tensions escalate when Casey clashes with his mother’s friend over their legal strategy.

Chief Boden warns Mills to keep his personal life separate from the job, a reminder that Gaby and Mills’ budding relationship could bring complications. Meanwhile, Severide makes a life-changing announcement to Casey—he plans to move to Madrid with Renée (Sarah Shahi), leaving his future with Firehouse 51 in question.

In the final moments of “Under The Knife”, Gaby finds a creative solution to help a refugee facing deportation, enlisting Casey’s help. However, her assumptions about his lingering feelings for an ex prove to be wrong, leaving her feeling foolish but reflective. The episode masterfully intertwines moments of raw emotion and intense action, showcasing the resilience and humanity of the Firehouse 51 crew.