Chicago Fire season 8 midseason report: Sylvie Brett

What it means

This season’s focus on Sylvie Brett’s personal life has been somewhat predictable, as in past seasons, her relationships have been main plot points. Remember her debut as a runaway bride? And of course, who could forget her on-again, off-again relationship with Chicago PD’s Antonio Dawson (Jon Seda)?

While letting us in on her romantic entanglements is a fine way to build up her character, who she may be dating isn’t all there is to Sylvie Brett. She’s bubbly, warm, and fiercely protective of the people she cares about. That’s what Chicago Fire should focus on more as the season progresses. Perhaps the writers can give her more storylines that push her limits as Paramedic in Charge? We’ve seen brief glimpses into the underlying toughness that Brett has within her, but we don’t see it often enough.

However, the show will have to mix in some personal stuff as well, since it’s left so much of Brett’s personal life open-ended. A way to connect her personal life to her job is by focusing on her work relationships. There was a missed opportunity to have Sylvie interact with Dawson in the midseason finale, but there still is a possibility to continue to build up the friendship between Foster and Brett.

What about having some more scenes between Brett, Foster, and Kidd? Audiences saw the trio interact in “What Went Wrong” when they started up a short-lived women’s lounge in 51, as well as in “Seeing is Believing” when Brett and Foster made sure Kidd got some rest after a long day.

There’s also some room for serious conversations like Brett had with Casey last season. The two leaned on each other a lot after Dawson’s initial departure, and with her return in “Best Friend Magic,” those advice-laden talks could be very useful. There’s a lot that’s been left unsaid with Brett, and this would be the time to get it all out.