Within the last few weeks we witnessed the full fury of the new interim chief Pridgen. But many things were happening with the firehouse. We begin at a clinic as Mouch learns that a security glitch resulted in the compromise of his anonymity as a past sperm donor, and since his donation resulted in conception, he may receive contact from someone claiming to be his child. Sure enough, a kid named Emmett leaves a voicemail on Mouch’s cellphone and expresses a desire to meet his biological father. Mouch, afraid, deletes the message, but Platt convinces him in private to meet Emmett. Mouch drives to the diner and spots Emmett outside. But after debating changes his mind and turns around, not telling anyone he didn’t do it.

Back at 51, Chief Pridgen confronts Casey and lets him know he’s fully aware of Casey’s relationship with his ex-wife Beth. In turn, Casey confronts Welch and demands he stay out of his business. Welch refuse and points out to Casey that he made the choice to sleep with Pridgen’s ex. But when Casey attempts to quell the tension between him and Pridgen, the interim chief makes it clear that he doesn’t want an apology. Which makes him more of a jerk than ever.

The squad responds to a structure fire and soon discovers a nearby emergency down the street. Pridgen redeploys Casey and his team to cover the rescue rather than help with the current fire, but his tactical move results in the building manager defying Pridgen’s orders as he throws himself through a window and ends up in critical condition. The firehouse finds itself under investigation for negligence, and when the investigators question Pridgen, he skillfully manages to shift blame from him to Casey. Severide overhears Pridgen and confronts Welch, who once again rejects a plea to support Casey, certain of Pridgen’s victory. Nonetheless, Severide makes an appointment with Chief Tiberg to issue his official side of the story.

Meanwhile, Brett presents Dawson with an interesting proposition which involves a double date with her, Cruz and Phil from Chicago Med. After Dawson agrees, Brett finalizes plans before informing Cruz, who stresses at the prospect of going on a double date with Casey’s former fiancée. Cruz builds up the courage and eventually asks for Casey’s permission from Casey reminds him that he’s Dawson’s lieutenant now, nothing more. Damn but a low blow on that end. That night got even more awkward when Dawson later admits that she needs a friend more than a boyfriend. Brett agrees to be there for her.

So the big question from this entire episode is…where was Boden during all of this? Well, he was at home caring for his son and listening in on the events unfolding at 51. When Casey goes to visit Boden vows to help him despite his furloughed status, but when Herrmann comes by to check in, Donna corners him with a surprise comment: her husband needs to return to the station. He’s driving her crazy.

When Pridgen learns about Severide’s statement, he warns him that he could prevent any kind of future promotion, especially in the event of Boden’s reassignment after his furlough. To help his cause, Pridgen pulls Welch into his office and asks him to sign a pre-prepared statement that backs his version of the events, not Severide’s. A call prevents Welch from providing his signature, and he heads out with the rest of the squad. They tend to some injuries until a drive-by shooting takes the whole squad by surprise and Casey tackles Welch to save him from a string of bullets. This moment secures Welch’s decision and he refuses to lie for Pridgen… and the irate interim chief responds by relieving Welch of his position.

However, Chief Tiberg reacts with his own move once he hears that Welch’s statement connects with Severide’s – he sends Pridgen packing from 51. This allows Boden to return, and when the announcement comes through after the shift, the entire firehouse cheers in celebration. It’s good to be back to normal. Just like that 51 goes back in business with Boden at the helm