Bronwyn Newport Says Husband Todd Bradley ‘Likes’ This Halloween Tradition

Coincidentally, Vince’s birthday arrives, reminding Bode of what he’s missing. While most people find ways to deal with their grief, Bode chooses the less-traveled path.

He’s like one of those people who will correctly identify a problem but offer an insane solution. Say your house is rat-infested, isn’t it better to find a way to get rid of the rats instead of burning the house down? Not with Bode, no.

He takes out his grief on the people nearest to him, but for the first time, they don’t just take it. Jake pushes back, and it doesn’t go unnoticed by Chief Richards.

I have found fault with Jake on many occasions because of how he allows himself to be abused by this grown man. I get that he’s not the most confrontational person, but everyone has their limits, and I’m glad he’s reached his sooner rather than later.

He has always walked on eggshells around Bode, afraid to say or do anything that might trigger him. Unknowingly, he’s been enabling Bode while shrinking himself.

Without his favorite punching bag, Bode turns his attention to some poor guy whose greatest mistake was requiring help.

The passive aggressiveness boils over, and he goes on a rant that nearly costs him his job.

Now, I’m not the biggest Bode fan, but he does make some excellent points. Even a broken clock is right twice a day.

Anyone who has watched the news knows how easy it is to start wildfires, doing stupid stuff like fireworks in a forest during the dry season, or gender reveal parties that end up burning neighborhoods to the ground.

We often think that some things can’t happen to us until they do, and that guy never thought his fireworks could start a fire. He may never find out because, luckily for him, Bode caught it early.

Vince Will Forever Be Missed

Speaking of someone who never thought it could happen to them until it did, Sharon never thought she’d be giving away her late husband’s clothes until she did.

She never thought she’d reconnect with her late husband’s ex-girlfriend until she did.

We already knew that Renee would be showing up this episode from the Fire Country Season 4 Episode 3 Spoilers to help Sharon with this massive loss.

And from the moment she shows up, we can see Vince had a type. With that haircut and wardrobe, Renee and Sharon look like sisters more than Sharon does with Mickey.

I appreciate that Fire Country is still exploring the aftermath of Vince’s death from different angles. They might have fumbled the goodbye, but they’re slowly correcting this mistake.

Once again, Diane Farr delivers a masterful performance as Sharon navigates this stage of grief. She has been knocking these deeply emotional scenes out of the park, but I’m ready to see her smile again.

“The Ways We Start to Heal” is a roadmap for dealing with grief. It shows that we can get through anything by leaning on the people who care for us – whether it’s blood or found family; they’ll help us get through it.

When everyone gathers for a dinner and Eve covers Joy Oladokun’s Look Up, it’s such a great note to end the arc on.

Now I don’t understand what they intend to do with the note Eve finds and attributes to Renee, but that’s a story for another episode.

In contrast, we see how isolating ourselves can lead us down even darker paths. It’s not out of character for Bode to tough it out through situations alone, but this is not one of those situations.

He lost someone who means a great deal to him, and normally, he might be able to crush the feelings through lifting weights, but this is not a normal situation. He’s fighting a disease that has taken down men stronger and smarter than him: addiction.

Had Audrey not taken those pills, who knows what might have happened? I maintain that Bode has that stash of blue pills from his cousin, so he might have succumbed to the desire to use.

Speaking of Audrey, she’s a better match for him, but snooping through his things is a quick way to lose Bode’s trust.

This is a delicate situation, but she should let him figure it out on his own. If he fails, let it be a lesson. Breaking his trust is not the right approach, as it could isolate him further, given that she’s the only person he connects with without abusing.

Gut Check

This episode doesn’t blaze – it smolders. The energy is subdued, not because the show is stalling, but because grief demands quiet. Vince’s absence finally feels real, not just a plot point for conflict.

Sharon sorting out the remainders of his life, Renee walking in like a memory made flesh, and even Bode’s erratic behavior all carry the weight of someone who mattered. Fire Country lets the absence speak, and it’s clearer than any line written by the best writer.

Stray Observations

• Even without Billy Burke, Fire Country still boasts a wealth of musical talent. Sometimes I forget that many of these actors are appropriately trained in more things than acting.

• I’ve never believed Jake could make a decent Chief, but this new version of him? It’s the thing Station 142 needs.

• I just know that the white vs. blue pill sleight of hand will factor into the story later.

This was a surprising episode that I didn’t know I needed. If you’re into stories that explore grief with just as much heart, check out A Million Little Things.

Do you have thoughts on Bode, Sharon, or the note Eve found? Drop them in the comments and let’s keep this party going until next week.