Fire Country season 3 already toyed with Bode’s relapse. The firefighting drama’s season 3 saw Bode finally get into Station 42’s training program and eventually become a Cal Fire firefighter, letting him have his share of close calls in action. However, what should have been the easiest task, tagging trees with Jake, turned into a tragedy that led Bode to lose his first patient, Rafael. Bode unexpectedly receiving pain meds from his former coach put him in a situation where he could have relapsed, but he didn’t. The looming Leone tragedy in Fire Country season 4 could nonetheless change that.

Manny Can Help Bode Deal With Vince’s Likely Death In Fire Country Season 4

Fire Country Season 1 Established Manny As Bode’s Closest Mentor

With the stress Bode was subjected to in Fire Country season 3 already making a relapse possible and having to face his loved ones’ injuries or deaths in season 4, Bode will need all the help he can get to continue being sober while also dealing with these hardships. The best character to help him through such a terrible time in Fire Country season 4 would be Manny, especially considering the type of bond they had in Fire Country season 1. Having a similar history and sharing a past could make Manny’s support keep Bode on the straight and narrow.

Manny already helped Bode get to the life he now has in Fire Country season 1. Indeed, Bode didn’t want anything to do with Edgewater, despite wanting to be in a fire camp at the firefighting drama’s beginning. Manny helped Bode through his problems with the Leones, standing by him even as Vince and Sharon fought over Bode’s return, with the former wanting Bode as far away as possible while Sharon wanted him close. Bode’s success was cause for pride for Manny, and his perceived failure, when Bode’s drug test returned positive due to Sleeper’s interference, was cause for disappointment.

Gabriela’s Fire Country Season 4 Exit Makes Bode & Manny’s Bond Stronger

Gabriela’s Departure Means Manny Will Have More Time To Spend On Bode

Bode and Manny rekindling the bond like it was in season 1 would also work perfectly, given how Fire Country season 3’s ending set up Gabriela and Vince’s exits. Manny couldn’t be part of Bode’s second stint at Three Rock as he had been removed as captain, making his support for Bode more occasional. Coupled with how worried Manny was for Gabriela in Fire Country season 3, along with his return to Three Rock as an inmate, Bode and Manny could be there for each other, but not with the same consistency as in Fire Country season 1.

Gabriela’s departure and Vince’s likely death make Bode and Manny’s increased presence in each other’s lives likelier. With their past showing how close of a relationship they had, Bode and Manny would have sound reasons to rely on one another. After all, without Gabriela around, Manny wouldn’t have someone to fuss over. Similarly, Bode would be going through a great loss without a father figure, which could make his need for Manny in his life greater. Considering how Bode and Manny were in each other’s corners in season 3, they could support one another more in Fire Country season 4.

Manny & Bode’s History Can Generate The Most Interesting Fire Country Season 4 Story

Manny & Bode’s Bond Mirroring One Between Parent & Son Could Create Problems In Season 4

While Manny’s support would probably fend off Bode’s potential downfall, at least based on Fire Country season 1 and how, no matter what happened, Bode never relapsed nor was close to doing so, it could also introduce a thorny subject. Relying on Manny could help Bode with his grief, but Bode could also feel guilty if he thought doing so would be like trying to replace Vince. This would add even more depth to the motions Bode would go through in Fire Country season 4, forcing him to come to terms with the bonds with both characters.

If Fire Country season 3’s ending cliffhanger results in Vince dying and Bode having to grapple with the guilt of letting Vince enter Buena Vista without him, or feeling like relying on Manny means supplanting Vince, the story would be extremely compelling to watch. It could undoubtedly be painful for Bode, but it could also mean that Bode would come out of it not only with a stronger bond with Manny but also with a better understanding of his bond with Vince, effectively letting Bode be more in touch with his feelings in Fire Country season 4.