One Chicago Center
Fansided

Chicago Fire season 7 midseason report: Mouch

By Brittany Frederick

CHICAGO FIRE -- "All the Proof" Episode 706 -- Pictured: (l-r) Christian Stolte as Randy ?Mouch? McHolland, Joe Minoso as Joe Cruz -- (Photo by: Elizabeth Morris/NBC)
CHICAGO FIRE -- "All the Proof" Episode 706 -- Pictured: (l-r) Christian Stolte as Randy ?Mouch? McHolland, Joe Minoso as Joe Cruz -- (Photo by: Elizabeth Morris/NBC) /
facebooktwitterreddit

How has Chicago Fire season 7 gone for Mouch? Before Chicago Fire returns, we’re reviewing the season for Christian Stolte’s character.

Before Chicago Fire comes back in the new year, we’re taking a moment to pause and look at the current season for each character. What are the important events that fans need to remember?

What plot developments have been good for them, and which ones need to be improved? And of course, where could they go next when new episodes start on Jan. 9?

Click through the below slideshow as we look at Chicago Fire season 7 as it relates to Randall “Mouch” McHolland (Christian Stolte), starting with:

More from One Chicago Center

What’s happened so far

Like Otis, Mouch’s storylines have been limited in the first nine episodes of Chicago Fire season 7.

He got a great and unexpected storyline in the crossover, though, when Mouch encountered a young candidate named Ritter (recurring guest star Daniel Kyri) and helped him out of a bad spot.

Mouch wound up becoming somewhat of a mentor to Ritter, not only convincing him not to quit the fire service but also finding him a new home at Firehouse 51.

That’s been about all that’s happened for him so far this season, but it was one of the pleasant surprises in the first half.

Watch One Chicago on fuboTV: Watch over 67 live sports and entertainment channels with a 7-day FREE trial!

What it means

Mouch is so often used for comic relief, that it’s easy to forget how good a dramatic actor Christian Stolte is. The mentorship storyline, while not the most attention-grabbing plot, has been so great to watch unfold this season. It shows that mentoring side, much like Chicago Med is supposed to be a teaching hospital.

Our heroes are heroes in other ways than just stopping crises, and Mouch has exemplified that in how he’s worked with Ritter. He not only encouraged the young man but found him a fresh start, and Ritter has been a wonderful addition.

Especially since past seasons have seen Mouch wonder about retirement and his place on the team, it’s lovely to see him reinforce someone else’s self-esteem, and in so doing maybe discover some extra meaning for his career. Hopefully he’ll continue to have opportunities like that, and be used for more than just laughs.

What’s next

With Ritter now a part of the Firehouse 51 family, Chicago Fire should continue the storyline with him and Mouch, and keep that relationship going. It’s nice to see that teaching side of Mouch and who knows, it could become a really cool bromance (provided the show keeps Ritter around rather than send him the way of Jason Kannell and Scott Rice).

What’s been dearly missing, though, are scenes with Mouch and his wife. Mouch and Trudy Platt (Amy Morton) are the only crossover ship that One Chicago has been able to make work and they just haven’t been used enough. Especially since Platt isn’t getting any screen time on her own show, why not bring her over to Chicago Fire for a scene or two?

Next. Where will Chicago Fire take Foster next?. dark

For the latest Chicago Fire season 7 spoilers and news, plus more on the entire series, follow the Chicago Fire category at One Chicago Center.

Home/Mouch