Chicago Fire has entered a new era with the departure of beloved Chief Boden, played by Eamonn Walker. In his place, Firehouse 51 now operates under the leadership of Chief Dom Pascal, portrayed by newcomer Dermot Mulroney. This transition has undoubtedly shaken up the dynamics within the firehouse, as the firefighters and paramedics adjust to a new authority figure.

Unexpected Twist: Mulroney's Chief Pascal Poised to Shake Up the Status Quo

A Surprising Shift in the Succession Plan

When the news first broke that Dermot Mulroney would be joining the Chicago Fire cast as the new chief, many assumed that his tenure would be temporary, serving as a placeholder until the long-standing Herrmann could step up and claim the top spot. This assumption was fueled by the precedent set in Season 10, when Lieutenant Pelham briefly filled the role on Truck until Stella Kidd was ready to take over. However, Mulroney's recent comments have challenged this notion, suggesting that Chief Pascal is here to stay and that the writers will have to figure out how to navigate this unexpected development.

Shaking Up the Firehouse Dynamics

Mulroney's Pascal has already made his presence felt at Firehouse 51, causing what showrunner Andrea Newman described as an "earthquake" within the unit. The new chief has wasted no time in asserting his authority, giving Stella a hard time about the Truck turnover and pointing out that the Truck and Squad lieutenants being married is not exactly protocol. This has understandably rubbed some of the firefighters and paramedics the wrong way, adding an extra layer of complexity to the already complicated Stellaride storyline.

Boden's Potential Return: A Wild Card in the Mix?

As the Chicago Fire fanbase grapples with the departure of Eamonn Walker's Boden, the question remains: will the beloved former chief make a return appearance in Season 13? When Walker's exit was announced ahead of the Season 12 finale, the door was left open for him to potentially recur as his longtime character, even without signing on as a series regular. Given Boden's continued involvement with the Chicago Fire Department, his reappearance could add an intriguing wrinkle to the dynamic between Pascal and the rest of Firehouse 51.

Permanent Fixture or Temporary Placeholder?

Mulroney's comments have challenged the assumption that Chief Pascal is merely a placeholder, leading viewers to reconsider their expectations for the character's longevity. With the writer's seemingly intent on keeping Pascal in the picture, the future of Herrmann's aspirations to lead Firehouse 51 remains uncertain. As the season progresses, fans will undoubtedly be on the edge of their seats, eager to see how this new power dynamic unfolds and whether Herrmann's path to the top spot will be obstructed or accelerated.

A Captivating New Chapter for Chicago Fire

The arrival of Dermot Mulroney's Chief Pascal has undoubtedly ushered in a new era for Chicago Fire, one that promises to be filled with unexpected twists and turns. As the firefighters and paramedics navigate this shift in leadership, viewers can expect to be treated to a captivating and unpredictable season, with the potential for Boden's return adding an extra layer of intrigue. With the One Chicago universe continuing to evolve, fans of the franchise are in for a thrilling ride as they follow the ongoing sagas of Firehouse 51 and its dedicated crew.