Fire Country returns with “Keep Your Cool,” an episode that, much like a county fair itself, offers a mix of predictable comforts and the occasional unexpected thrill. While the episode delivers on character-driven drama, particularly with Vince and Jake, some plot points feel a bit like reheated carnival food.
Vince’s (Billy Burke) paternal baggage takes center stage during a routine (for this show, anyway) apartment fire. While the flames and heroics provide the requisite action, it’s Vince’s interaction with a grieving tenant that resonates. He projects his unresolved issues with his late father onto the distraught man, revealing a vulnerability that cracks his typically stoic facade. Is Vince finally confronting the weight of legacy, or will he continue to let his past dictate his present?
Sharon’s (Diane Farr) potential kidney rejection returns to haunt her, and us. While the health scare adds emotional stakes, it also feels a tad too familiar. Haven’t we been down this road before? Let’s hope the writers have something more original planned than a simple rehash of past anxieties. The concern for Sharon’s well-being is legitimate, but the repetitive nature of the storyline risks undermining its impact.
The consistently compelling dynamic between Bode (Max Thieriot) and Jake (Jordan Calloway) continues to smolder. As Bode advances in his training, Jake’s distrust intensifies, fueled by past betrayals and a simmering sense of inadequacy. Their scenes crackle with a tension that goes beyond professional rivalry, hinting at a deeper, more personal conflict. Will their animosity ever truly extinguish, or are they destined to remain locked in this perpetual cycle of resentment?
Then there’s the reigniting of the Bode and Gabriela (Stephanie Arcila) romance. While their chemistry is undeniable, Gabriela’s sudden return to Bode feels a little abrupt. Is this genuine affection, a convenient rebound, or perhaps a strategic move to distract herself from her complicated feelings for Manny (Kevin Alejandro)? Speaking of Manny, his strained relationship with Gabriela continues to limp along, feeling more like a plot device than an organic conflict.
Elsewhere, Eve (Jules Latimer) navigates – no, scratch that, deals with – her own family issues while supporting the inmates at Three Rock. It’s a worthwhile subplot, albeit one that feels somewhat disconnected from the main narrative. The obligatory mention of Sharon’s sister, Mickey Fox, serves as a blatant plug for the upcoming Sheriff Country spinoff.
The preview for next week’s episode teases the arrival of Jared Padalecki as a SoCal surfer firefighter. Intriguing, if a bit random. One wonders how this sun-kissed smokejumper will impact the already fraught dynamic between Bode and Jake.
Overall, “A Fair to Remember” offers a satisfying, if not groundbreaking, hour of television.
Fire Country Season 3 Episode 4, “A Fair to Remember,” airs Friday, November 8, 2024, at 9 p.m. ET on CBS.
