Fire Country ranks alongside Chicago Fire and Station 19 as one of the most intriguing firefighter shows, balancing intense firefighting rescues and personal character-driven stories and relationships. As Max Thieriot's Bode Donovan continues to elevate his status as a firefighter, he also has a conflicting on-and-off relationship with fellow firefighter and paramedic Gabriela Perez (Stephanie Arcila). Bode and Gabriela have always had feelings for each other, but Bode's past as a convict and Gabriela's family drama (including a recent failed marriage) have gotten in the way of them being a healthy couple.
The Fire Country season 2 finale perfectly encapsulates the uncertainty between Bode and Gabriela because, while they love each other, they are unwilling to call off Gabriela's marriage to Diego (Rafael de la Fuente). The marriage then ends in the season 3 premiere after Diego learns that Bode and Gabriela shared a kiss before the ceremony. As Bode and Gabriela continue to go back and forth together in their tumultuous relationship, they really should end or pause things so they can explore other possibilities.
Gabriela & Bode's Relationship Is Fueled By An Ideal
Bode & Gabriela Keep Coming Back Together
Both Bode and Gabriela are never happy in the present moment because they are each facing uphill battles in their respective careers. Bode is seeking redemption after a long time in prison by becoming a disciplined firefighter and continuing his training so he can join Cal Fire. Gabriela has constant problems with her family, including her father Manny (Kevin Alejandro) being arrested at the end of season 2 for assault, and strongly disapproving of Bode and Gabriela being together. Bode and Gabriela love each other and want to have a lasting relationship, but their careers always come first.
The bond between Bode and Gabriela is fueled by the idea that they are constantly looking forward to something, such as Bode being a good firefighter and staying out of trouble so he doesn't return to prison, and Gabriela figuring out her family situation. However, no matter how distant they are at certain times, Bode and Gabriela always come back together and pine for each other because they are addicted to their go-get-'em attitudes, which is the same approach they both have when handling fires.
Despite their continuous love for each other, Bode and Gabriela are at a point in season 3 where they have to settle their priorities first and then determine whether they are willing to commit to a serious relationship without hurting themselves and the people they care about. For instance, Diego is left devastated after his marriage to Gabriela ends due to her feelings for Bode. As for Bode, he is worried about fulfilling his duties as a cadet and impressing his fellow firefighters, including his new instructor Camden played by Supernatural star Jared Padalecki, who is hard on Bode to test his potential.
Fire Country Season 3, Episode 7 Shows How Great Bode Is With Audrey
Audrey Aligns Well With Bode & Their Ambitions As Firefighters
While Bode and Gabriela are the primary will-they-won't-they couple that continues to endure in this series like a melodramatic, never-ending soap opera, there is another potential relationship to look out for. Bode and Leven Rambin's Audrey have developed great chemistry ever since she first appeared in Fire Country early on in season 3. The two characters are on the same wavelength with shared history and compatibility, as they are both cadets and former convicts working hard to complete the Cal Fire program and be good firefighters.
Bode needs someone to celebrate his current status as a firefighter trainee with, and Audrey is doing just that. They work well together, especially during fire rescue simulations, by supporting and recognizing each other's skills. Audrey even questions and challenges Bode to test his abilities during training. Reminiscent of how Bode protected his friend by taking the blame for his drug use, Audrey lies for Bode so he keeps his place in the program when he's accused of cheating during a simulation to find a dummy. Bode and Audrey's support for one another is evident in their firefighting ambitions.
Fire Country Season 3 Needs A Bode & Gabriela Break
There Are More Interesting Relationships Than Bode & Gabriela
At this point in the show, spectators likely find Bode and Gabriela's relationship annoying to watch when there's plenty of uncertainty and toxicity between them. This reinforces the need for the characters to take a break so they can figure out how to prioritize their lives and discover who they truly love. As Bode and Audrey's chemistry grows stronger, Gabriela and Camden still have slight sparks after their meeting in a bar at the end of season 3, episode 6. This leaves questions about whether Bode and Gabriela's relationship is over or if they're exploring other bonds in Fire Country.
