Chicago Fire season 11 ends with Matt Casey’s proposal to Sylvie Brett, and her answer will have big ramifications for the show’s future.
How Matt Casey’s proposal to Sylvie Brett pans out has big ramifications for Chicago Fire’s future. One Chicago’s inaugural show ended with a jampacked year-capper that is full of plot twists and turns. Amid a busy send-off, however, arguably the biggest takeaway from the outing is Casey’s surprise marriage proposal to Sylvie — something that he has been apparently tinkering about for a while. Chicago Fire season 11 leaves the plot line hanging, with NBC and Wolf Entertainment waiting for season 12 to reveal if she agrees.
Jesse Spencer left Chicago Fire in the middle of season 10. He chose to exit the One Chicago franchise after being a regular cast member for around a decade to spend more time with his family. Narratively, Casey moved to Portland, Oregon to take care of his late friends’ kids, which forced him and Sylvie to do a long-distance set-up. Unfortunately, despite being still in love with each other, the physical preparation proved to be far too difficult, resulting in Sylvie breaking things off with him. It’s clear, however, that they are still in love with each other.
Casey’s Proposal Can Set Up The Future Of Chicago Fire
It wasn’t that long since Casey last visited Firehouse 51 for work. After recruiting Stella Kidd to the Department of Homeland Security task force against a possible domestic terrorist attack. While his trips to Chicago have been mostly for work, Casey is still able to have brief conversations with Brett. In the Chicago Fire season 11 finale, “Red Waterfall,” however, he finally makes a move to rekindle their romance after finding out that the man she is seeing bailed out on her. Instead of simply getting back together, however, Casey proves that he is serious about Sylvie by expressing his intent to marry her.
Casey and Brett’s romance may seem isolated from everything else that is happening in Chicago Fire. For context, the season 11 finale also sees Mouch getting shot in the line of duty and Kidd actively tackling her marital issues with Kelly Severide, who has been out of town for months now. However, Casey and Brett’s relationship could actually define the future of the show. If Sylvie turns down his proposal, then the chances of seeing Casey back in Chicago again would be very slim. More than that, it will also likely hinder the chances of him coming back full-time to Firehouse 51 — something that he wants to do.
On the other hand, if Brett says yes to the proposal, then it could be a set-up for Casey’s actual Chicago return. While it may not be immediate, at least it lays down the foundation for his comeback. This is especially pivotal considering Taylor Kinney’s uncertain future with Chicago Fire as Severide. Otherwise, it could be an indication that Sylvie is leaving Chicago to move in with him to Portland.
What Could Be Brett’s Answer To Casey’s Proposal In Chicago Fire Season 12
Since the Chicago Fire season 11 finale left the scene unresolved, fans have to wait for Brett’s answer until season 12 premieres. While One Chicago is expected to return during the 2023 fall TV season, the ongoing Writers Guild Strike could hinder its comeback, which means that viewers will have to wait longer for the cliffhanger to be addressed. That being said, there are some clues that may suggest what her answer will be.
Considering Sylvie’s situation in Chicago Fire season 11, she may not be in the best position to say “yes” to Casey at this point. Adopting a baby and moving immediately after doesn’t seem like a great idea. Even if she agrees to Casey’s romantic proposal, the pair’s future remains uncertain. Going back to their long-distance set-up until one of them can move essentially invalidates Sylvie’s decision to end their relationship.
Can Casey Actually Return To Chicago Fire Full Time?
During his earnest conversation with Chief Boden, Casey previously revealed that he wants to come back to the Windy City. Whether this actually pans out at this point is uncertain, but the fact that he gives a one-year timeframe to act on this plan makes it more plausible, especially if Sylvie says yes to his proposal. Narratively, there is nothing stopping Casey’s return to the Windy City. Boden has made it clear that Firehouse 51 will always welcome him back.
The problem lies in the behind-the-scenes situation of Spencer. Despite willingly returning for guest appearances in Chicago Fire after he exited the show, the actor has yet to make any comment indicating that he wants to reclaim his old spot as a One Chicago regular. If he decides to return to the franchise as a full-time actor, however, it’s safe to say that NBC and Wolf Entertainment will be more than happy to re-incorporate him into their storytelling.
