The Katie And Otis Moment On Chicago Fire That Was Beyond Awkward
Popular network dramas like "Chicago Fire" are best known for exactly that: drama. From the tense action sequences to the daring rescues to the interpersonal conflict between characters, this show has a solid formula that keeps fans coming back for more.
Sometimes, though, it helps to balance the over-the-top drama with something a little more relatable, such as cringe humor. And there was a moment between Katie and Otis in Season 2 which did exactly that.
Funnily enough, the title of Season 2, Episode 13, "Tonight's the Night," comes from the moment in question. There's a lot going on in this episode, which kicks off after a drunk driver causes an accident that results in a blown power transistor. The power is knocked out for several blocks — and on one of the coldest nights of the year, too.
But, in the midst of all the chaos, romantic partners Katie Nolan (Brittany Curran) and Brian "Otis" Zvonecek (Yuriy Sardarov) decide that tonight is the night to take their relationship to the next level, physically. Unfortunately, it doesn't turn out as they hoped.
After all, it's a bit difficult to find the necessary privacy for such things when all hands are on deck for an emergency in a fire station packed full of civilians.
The young lovers' attempt to consummate their relationship didn't go unnoticed
This particular mishap on "Chicago Fire" was a double whammy of embarrassment for Katie and Otis because they get caught not once, but twice.
The first time is more overt and much more awkward: Their boss, Chief Boden (Eamonn Walker), aggressively pulls back the shower curtain on them — thinking that some sort of sex work is going on — only to find out it's just his amorous employees getting frisky. Boden walks away uncomfortably but allows them to go about their business.
"Out of all the people to walk in on them, it had to have been his well-respected boss," wrote ScreeenRant. "The poor guy couldn't catch a break."
A short while later, Otis leaves and notices Shay (Lauren German) going into the showers. He attempts to distract her and lead her away so she doesn't see Katie leaving right after him — but it's no use. Shay turns at the last second, sees Katie trying to sneak away, and puts two and two together. The awkward looks they exchange express more than words.
Fans on Twitter blew up with a mix of laughter, sympathetic cringe, and shared embarrassment. One laughed, "CHIEF! Catching the kids making out in the shower. LOL. That shower has seen its fair share of action." Another Twitter user was cringing so hard that they might have accidentally hit the caps lock button when tweeting their reaction: "TOTALLY DIDN'T EXPECT THAT. BODEN. OTIS. KATIE."
Overall, the bit was well-received by viewers — and yet another example of how shows that are brave enough to recreate life's most uncomfortable moments resonate so well with fans.