The first season of Chicago Fire failed to heat up NBC's less-than-stellar primetime lineup in 2013. Ratings were anemic and critical acclaim for the show was nowhere to be found. But it still managed to get itself picked up for a second season. Personally, I find the action sequences to be really well done and all the soapy-drama that surrounds the characters is irresistibly good. Yet, I can see why critics are ho-hum about Chicago Fire. It doesn't really offer anything original in terms of plot and character development.

As the name not-so-subtly suggests Chicago Fire follows a group of firefighters and paramedics operating out of the Windy City. Specifically, the show focuses on the men and women of Firehouse 51. The show follows a tried and true formula similar to the Law & Order franchise. The firefighters and paramedics put their lives on the line to save others each and every episode. Unsurprisingly, Dick Wolf produces both of these shows.

Chicago Fire portrays the CFD in both a negative and positive light. The fictionalized version of the CFD is beset by infighting bureaucrats, massive drug and alcohol use among its employees, and constant coverups. The first half of Season 2's plot centers squarely on the CFD's budget crisis. As a result, multiple firehouses are being considered for closure by the steely, pragmatic Gail McLeod (Michelle Forbes.) All of the members of 51, lead by boy next door firefighter Matthew Casey (Jesse Spencer), come together and vow to fight for their lives. They are super determined to keep their house open.

Since the Winter Olympic Games are currently airing on NBC Chicago Fire has been on a hiatus. If you absolutely cannot wait for new episodes though you're in luck. On Tuesday, NBC released four webisodes following paramedic Gabriela Dawson's (Monica Raymund) journey to become a full-fledged firefighter.

Chicago Fire returns Tuesday, February 25 on NBC.

Feel free to watch the Season 2 promo of Chicago Fire below:

Are you enjoying the second season of "Chicago Fire" or have you moved on to other TV programs. Let me know in the comments section below.