GayTV Recap: Chicago Fire (Episode 9x11)

This week's episode of the NBC firefighter drama Chicago Fire featured a storyline for gay fireman Darren Ritter (played by Daniel Kyri). The episode began with Ritter chatting with his firefighter mentors Herrmann (played by David Eigenberg) & McHolland (played by Christian Stolte). As they shared small talk about their personal lives, McHolland brought up Ritter's relationship with his boyfriend Eric, leading Ritter to reveal that they broke up a few months before. Herrmann was shocked, wondering why he hadn't mentioned it before. 

Ritter tried to downplay his break-up after explaining that quarantining together ended up taking its toll on his relationship with Eric, but he was enjoying the time alone. This didn't sit too well with Herrmann. The next day he joined Ritter for breakfast at the fire house, announcing that he knew a guy that he thought would be perfect for Ritter. This took Ritter by surprise. He didn't think it was a good idea, but Herrmann told him that this guy, Andy, was a member of his wife's book club.

When Herrmann asked if Ritter knew him, Ritter wondered if he thought all gay men in Chicago knew each other. Herrmann says that wasn't what he meant, but he thought they would really hit it off. Ritter showed little interest. His friend and crewmate Blake (played by Alberto Rosende) was in the nearby kitchen, listening in and wondered why Ritter wouldn't take the chance and give it a try. Ritter was silent as he took in the pressure coming from both men. 

Later, Ritter was walking in the firehouse chatting with Blake when they were interrupted by Herrmann who revealed that he set up everything so that Ritter and Andy could meet for dinner. Blake was sarcastically thrilled, as he saw Ritter's discomfort with the situation. Ritter told Herrmann that he didn't agree to any of this, and he would do coffee, but definitely not dinner. An excited Herrmann passed off Andy's number, saying he was expecting a call from Ritter. He told him that he was certain this was the beginning of something great for Ritter. Blake attempted to hype up Ritter for his blind date, but he wasn't excited.

Ritter met up with Andy (played by Tanner Munson) and the two went to a cafe, where Ritter was instantly taken aback by Andy's attitude towards the hostess when he demanded a table by the window, despite it seating four and them only being a party of two. He dismissed Ritter's remark that it's now making a party of four people wait because of the lowered capacity in the place. When Andy then ordered coffee and orange juice for both of them, Ritter was again turned off, saying he only wanted coffee. Andy assured him it was better to have both, further annoying Ritter.

As they talked more, Ritter began to realize that he did know who Andy was, and that he had dated Eric before Ritter got together with him. Andy said he barely remembered Eric. When he called him forgettable, Ritter had enough. He told Andy that Eric was an amazing guy and he would never meet another guy like him. Tired of Andy's attitude, Ritter got up and left, leaving the dismissive Andy all alone.

Back at the firehouse, Ritter crossed paths with Herrmann and McHolland, who were both curious about how things went on his coffee date with Andy. Ritter immediately told them that it was the single worst date he's ever been on in is life. Herrmann was surprised, as he talked about what a good, smart guy Andy is. Ritter also shared some of his bad traits, including his controlling narcissism. Herrmann couldn't believe it. It was then that McHolland noticed another arrival at the firehouse. He told Ritter he had a visitor. 

Ritter turned around to see his ex-boyfriend Eric (played by Curtis Edward Jackson), taking him by surprise. After processing that Eric was really there, Ritter called out to him, leaving the curious McHolland & Herrmann behind. He walked over to Eric, who revealed to him that he had spoken to Andy, which also surprised Ritter.

Ritter quickly explained to him that he had no idea who Andy was when he agreed to meet him, and it didn't go well. Eric revealed that he knew that. Andy told him what happened. Ritter said that everything Eric had told him about Andy was true. Eric said he came to see him to say thank you. Andy told him how Ritter had sang his praises and defended him. Ritter said he was welcome. 

Eric said that he also came there because he wanted to tell Ritter that he missed him. This took Ritter by surprise, as Eric stepped closer to him. He asked Eric to confirm that was true and he did. Ritter then took his own step closer to him, saying that maybe they should do something about that. This led to the two sharing smiles, as Herrmann & McHolland watched on, pleased with the outcome. 

At the end of the episode, several of the firefighters were at Herrmann's bar after going off-duty. This included Ritter & Eric who were sitting at the bar, laughing together. Ritter went to order more beers for them both, before catching himself, checking with Eric to see if he actually wanted another. Eric agreed, as Ritter put his hand on his arm. Herrmann brought over the beers, taking credit for them being there together, saying that he told Ritter that setting him up with Andy was going to lead to something good. Ritter dismissed him with a smile, as they took their drinks.