A Shifting Alliance: Severide’s Troubled Loyalty to Chief Pascal in ‘Chicago Fire’ Season 13 Finale
The dynamic landscape of Firehouse 51 has been significantly shaped throughout Chicago Fire Season 13 by the arrival of Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney). His unconventional leadership style, combined with a deeply personal tragedy involving his late wife Monica, has created both new challenges and unexpected alliances within the firehouse. A central figure in this evolving dynamic has been Lieutenant Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney), who initially offered Pascal unwavering support. However, as the Season 13 finale approaches, showrunner Andrea Newman has teased a crucial shift: Severide can’t shake a “nagging feeling” of distrust towards Pascal, suggesting a dramatic confrontation of loyalties and a search for unsettling truths.
Pascal’s storyline has been fraught with tension, culminating in his arrest for the attempted murder of Robert Franklin, the man responsible for his wife Monica’s accidental death. Severide, ever the loyal and determined investigator, has put his job on the line to help clear the Chief’s name. Yet, Newman’s insights reveal that Severide’s faith in Pascal is far from absolute. This internal conflict promises to be a gripping emotional core of the finale, forcing Severide to confront uncomfortable truths about his new superior.
The Bond Forged in Trauma: Pascal’s Achilles’ Heel
Chief Pascal’s history with his late wife, Monica, has been a key factor in his character development and his bond with Severide. Newman explicitly states that Monica was “Pascal’s Achilles’ heel,” explaining that any perceived threat or disrespect towards her could trigger an extreme reaction from the Chief. We’ve seen glimpses of this volatile side, such as his garage inexplicably catching fire after a conflict with Bishop, or him physically assaulting someone who flirted with Monica.
Severide, having also experienced profound loss and a deep devotion to his own wife, Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo), likely empathizes with Pascal’s grief and his desire for justice. This shared understanding formed an initial bedrock for their alliance, making Severide inclined to believe in Pascal’s innocence, even when evidence mounted against him. This emotional connection, however, is now challenged by Severide’s growing unease.
Severide’s Mission: A Search for Truth, Not Just Innocence
Newman clarifies Severide’s role in the finale: “There’s a lot of mysteries that need to be solved and cards turned over to get this done, and I think Severide is a man on a mission to help Pascal.” This suggests that Severide’s primary goal isn’t just to blindly exonerate Pascal, but to uncover the truth of the situation. He’s leveraging his skills as an arson investigator, collaborating with OFI (Office of Fire Investigation), to get to the bottom of what happened with Franklin’s vehicle.
However, it’s the twist in Severide’s perception that promises true drama. Newman adds, “But he can’t help but have this nagging feeling that maybe he’s helping somebody who he shouldn’t be helping. Maybe he’s not going to get the answer he wants once he finally does turn over all those cards.” This powerful admission indicates a growing internal conflict. Severide, known for his sharp intuition and unwavering moral compass, is sensing that Pascal might not be as innocent as he initially hoped.
The Accumulation of Evidence: Why Severide’s Doubts Grow
Throughout Season 13, subtle hints and revelations have contributed to the audience’s, and now Severide’s, growing suspicion of Pascal. The evidence against the Chief is compelling:
- Motive: Pascal’s deep grief and desire for vengeance against Franklin, who was responsible for Monica’s death, provide a clear motive for attempted murder.
- Means: Severide’s investigation revealed that Franklin’s fuel line was intentionally cut, suggesting a deliberate act rather than an accident.
- Opportunity and Alibi: Pascal’s vague alibi for the night of the incident further implicates him.
- Past Behavior: Newman’s reminder of Pascal’s previous extreme reactions when Monica was involved, like the mysterious fire at Bishop’s garage or the punch to Vale, paints a picture of a man capable of acting outside the bounds of protocol and even legality when his emotions are tied to Monica.
- Miami Connection: Recent episodes also hinted at Pascal’s murky past in Miami, where he investigated a mob-linked individual, Hendricks, which drove Monica to move back to Chicago due to fear. This suggests Pascal might have a history of navigating morally ambiguous territories.
All these factors contribute to Severide’s “nagging feeling.” His pursuit of truth might lead him to a revelation about Pascal’s culpability, forcing him to confront a difficult choice between loyalty to a colleague and his commitment to justice.
The Stakes for Severide: Professional and Personal Ramifications
Severide’s decision to actively investigate and stand by Pascal in the face of mounting evidence places him in a precarious position. The promotional material for the finale shows Captain Van Meter (Tim Hopper) warning Severide, “If Pascal goes down, you’re going with him.” This highlights the significant professional risks Severide is taking. His career as an arson investigator and even his standing at Firehouse 51 could be jeopardized if he is perceived as complicit or as having obstructed justice.
Beyond professional repercussions, there are personal stakes. Severide’s relationship with Stella Kidd, already tested by his past absences for OFI work, could face renewed strain if his loyalty to Pascal leads him down a morally questionable path. His integrity is on the line, and the outcome of this investigation will undoubtedly have a profound impact on his character arc moving forward.
Conclusion: A Moral Crossroads for Firehouse 51’s Lieutenant
The Chicago Fire Season 13 finale promises to be a high-stakes showdown, with Chief Dom Pascal’s fate hanging in the balance and Lieutenant Kelly Severide at a profound moral crossroads. Showrunner Andrea Newman’s teasing of Severide’s “nagging feeling” of distrust towards Pascal reveals a complex internal struggle, forcing him to reconcile his initial loyalty with mounting evidence and the Chief’s unpredictable past. As Severide peels back the layers of mystery surrounding Pascal’s actions, he might uncover a truth he doesn’t want to find, leaving him to weigh his personal convictions against the bonds of brotherhood. This compelling conflict will not only determine Pascal’s future but also shape Severide’s own path, ensuring a dramatic and unforgettable conclusion to Season 13.
