'Fire Country' Season 4 Introduces Sharon's Troublemaking Mother in New Images

Fire Country Season 4, Episode 5, "Happy First Day, Manny," finally cracked the mystery behind the note found inside Vince's (Billy Burke) guitar case. Sharon (

Diane Farr) revealed that the extortion note was written by her own mother, finally ending the mystery behind the R signed on the note. Sharon's reaction and her mother's note hint at a strained relationship. The duo is estranged, as this is the show's first mention of her. But who exactly is Sharon's mother? Viewers will know in Episode 7, "Best Mom in the World," when Ruby, Sharon's mother, makes an unannounced visit. The episode, written by

Jen Klein and directed by Alexis Ostrander, airs on December 5. Its logline reads:

"Sharon is blindsided by a visit from her estranged mother, Ruby (Christine Lahti), whose sudden reappearance stirs up painful family history. Meanwhile, Bode (
Max Thieriot) and Jake (Jordan Calloway) respond to a call from a troubled teen in a condemned building."

CBS released some images previewing Lahti as Ruby. The duo is seen conversing inside Smokey's, but it is unclear what they're discussing. But given that this is

Fire Country, this will not be a happy reunion. There is a reason Sharon and Ruby drifted apart, and it will be explored in the episode airing on the first Friday of December. Will this revive old wounds or be an opportunity to heal? What was Ruby blackmailing Vince for with her threat to blow up his life? How does her reappearance affect Bode, who was hellbent on solving this mystery? There is a lot to unpack with her.

Where You May Have Seen 'Fire Country' Guest Star Christine Lahti Before

Lhati is an award-winning actress with a career spanning over four decades. With an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and an Emmy, Lahti has established herself in the industry. Her first series regular role was in the medical drama

Chicago Hope, where she starred as Dr. Kathryn Austin for four seasons. Her other roles include appearances on shows like Jack & Bobby, The Blacklist, and Hawaii Five-0
. Lahti's latest series regular role was in the Robert and Michelle King CBS drama Evil, where she played Sheryl Luria. She appeared in four seasons of the show, which concluded in 2024.

Meanwhile, new episodes of Fire Country continue on Fridays on CBS. In this week's episode, Jake confronts a past loss. "Station 42 responds to a dangerous fire at a beloved local smokehouse, where Jake is forced to confront memories of his late father and the place they once shared," reads the logline for Episode 6, "Your Voice in My Head."

Caleb Williams Leads Bears into Playoff Contention, With Ben Johnson's Masterplan Shaping the Future

Caleb Williams, the Chicago Bears' rookie sensation, is proving week by week that he is more than just a future prospect. Under the guidance of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Williams is emerging as a quarterback capable of guiding the Bears into playoff contention in the 2025 season. What started as a promising rookie year has now turned into one of the most exciting storylines in the NFL, with Williams stepping up as the leader the Bears desperately needed.

“Every snap, every decision, I’m thinking about how I can make this team better. It’s not just about my growth; it’s about growing with these guys and showing them that we can compete with the best,”

Williams said, reflecting on his growth since taking the starting job. His words capture the shift in mentality that has taken place in Chicago. No longer is Williams just the talented rookie looking to prove himself; he is now the cornerstone of an offense that is beginning to look like a legitimate contender in the NFC.

The Transformation Under Ben Johnson

What has made the Bears' offensive turnaround possible has been the seamless integration of Williams into Ben Johnson’s dynamic offensive system. The offensive coordinator, known for his innovative schemes and ability to adapt, has tailored the Bears' game plan to fit Williams' strengths. From the play-action passing game to deep shots downfield, Johnson has been instrumental in making Williams comfortable in an offense that has the potential to be explosive.

Under Johnson’s system, Williams has flourished, showing not only his arm strength but also his ability to make quick decisions under pressure. Johnson’s ability to craft plays that allow Williams to showcase his strengths has given the Bears a major advantage, making their offense one of the most exciting in the league.

“I don’t just focus on making the perfect throw. I focus on reading the defense, making quick decisions, and getting the ball to the right playmakers,” Williams explained. “Coach Johnson has put us in a position where I can just play fast and trust my instincts.”

His comfort in the system has been evident in his ability to hit his targets on deep throws and keep opposing defenses off balance.

The Road to Playoffs: Rising to the Challenge

As the season progresses, the challenge for Williams and the Bears is clear: maintain this momentum and continue to prove that they can compete with the NFC’s top teams. With the Bears still in the hunt for a playoff spot, Williams' leadership on offense will be crucial to their success. This means making the necessary adjustments and performing under the bright lights in critical moments.

The Bears have a tough schedule ahead, with matchups against some of the best teams in the NFC, including the defending Super Bowl champions and division rivals. But if Williams continues to perform at this level, with Johnson’s offensive mastermind guiding him, the Bears could very well make a deep playoff run.

Williams' performance has not gone unnoticed around the league. His ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and execute big plays has earned him recognition as one of the top young quarterbacks in the NFL. His play in clutch situations has helped solidify his reputation as someone who thrives under pressure.

The Playoff Dream: Can Williams Deliver for Chicago?

As the Bears look ahead to the remainder of the season, all eyes will be on Williams to see if he can continue to lead the charge. The potential is there, and with the right coaching, the right game plan, and his unwavering commitment, Williams could become the quarterback that helps bring the Bears back into championship contention for the first time in over a decade.

But while the future is bright, Williams knows the journey is far from over. “It’s about consistency,” Williams said. “We’ve got a long way to go, but I know that if we keep improving every week, we’re going to be a tough team to beat.”

As the NFC playoff picture begins to take shape, the Bears' playoff hopes rest firmly on the shoulders of their rookie quarterback. And if his early-season performance is any indication, Chicago could be in for a thrilling postseason run.

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