'Chicago Fire' Season 8: Fans welcome Alberto Rosende as new firefighter Blake Gallo and love his Otis tribute
We are introduced to a new firefighter, candidate Blake Gallo, played by Alberto Rosende who is best known for playing the vampire Simon on Freeform's 'Shadowhunters'. This comes in the wake of Otis's death in the line of duty in the first episode of Chicago Fire's eighth season. While the members of Firehouse 51 are still grieving over his death, Casey is tasked with finding a firefighter to join the firehouse.
When Truck 81 is called to an emergency with a man hanging by a rope from a building they see Gallo (candidate from Truck 90) scale the building to hold the man while Casey and Severide get to him. Casey and Severide and immediately impressed with the man and speak with him when they consider him to join 51. But Boden is not easily convinced and it takes Severide telling him that Boden could teach this firefighter a lot, for him to finally agree. When Gallo joins he lets them know that this opportunity came because of a high cost the firehouse went through and says, "I intend to honor Otis’s memory in everything I do here" -- which, let's be honest, is the best way for the young firefighter to come on board.
And the fans agree. Many are happy with Alberto Rosende's portrayal so far and the addition of Gallo to the team, with one saying, "Only a few minutes on screen and Gallo is already my new favorite firefighter" and another fan agreeing, saying, "I'm here for Blake Gallo!" One viewer wrote about Boden's initial refusal to allow Gallo to join his firehouse, "Boden's reluctance to take Gallo is understandable, but his refusal is also a refusal to accept that their job means that they're going to lose friends in the pursuit of saving others. Blake's convo with Casey and Severide clearly shows he understands risks."
Viewers especially love that the firefighter acknowledged Otis and spoke so respectfully about him. One fan wrote, "I'm so excited, and I keep saying this, but I really do love Gallo already! I know some people are upset about Gallo taking Otis's place, but that last scene was great, and showed just how respectful Gallo is and will be, of stepping into 51 in the wake of their loss." Another viewer said, "Gallo is going to make a great addition to 51. Classy man and understanding that he needs to honor Otis. "
Along with Ritter, Gallo will be the younger ones of the team, almost a different generation -- which is much-needed if the show plans on going on for many years. We had Jimmy Borelli (Steven R. McQueen) who left the firehouse with severe burns. So let's hope that Rosende is promoted to series regular before too long and that Gallo sticks around. And as another wrote, "Gallo is the millennial that CFD needs".
'Chicago Fire' airs on Wednesday nights on NBC.