As a fan of the show, I was really shocked when they decided to kill off the character of Otis. It was a bold move, but after reading the interview with showrunner Derek Haas, I can understand why they made that decision.
According to Haas, it was his idea to kill off Otis in such a shocking fashion. He wanted to break away from the pattern of close calls and near-death experiences that many characters on the show had gone through. By killing off Otis, Haas wanted to remind viewers that being a firefighter is an incredibly dangerous job.
I think this decision was a way for the show to keep things fresh and unpredictable. It’s easy for a long-running series to fall into a formula and become predictable, so taking risks like this can help to keep the audience engaged and on their toes.
Additionally, killing off a beloved character like Otis creates a sense of loss and grief among the other characters on the show. It allows for emotional storylines and character development as they deal with the aftermath of his death. This adds depth and complexity to the overall narrative of the show.
From a storytelling perspective, the death of Otis also opens up new opportunities for other characters to step up and fill the void. It creates new dynamics and challenges within the firehouse, forcing the remaining characters to adapt and grow.
While it may be sad to see a fan-favorite character go, I think it’s important to remember that television shows often need to make bold choices in order to keep things interesting. And in the case of Chicago Fire, killing off Otis served as a powerful reminder of the risks and sacrifices that real-life firefighters face every day.
I applaud the decision to get rid of Otis in such a shocking manner. It was a brave move that added depth and realism to the show, and I’m excited to see how the remaining characters will navigate this new chapter in their lives.