The Chief’s Chair: ‘Chicago Fire’ Showrunner Confirms a Major Clash for Firehouse 51’s Top Spot
For Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg), the dream of leading Firehouse 51 has been a long-held ambition, one that gained significant momentum when former Chief Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker) explicitly endorsed him as his successor. However, that path became complicated with the arrival of Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) at the beginning of Chicago Fire Season 13. Now, as the season finale looms, showrunner Andrea Newman has confirmed the inevitable: “Somebody is going to have to go” from Firehouse 51 for Herrmann to realize his dream of becoming chief. This direct statement sets the stage for a high-stakes showdown that will define the leadership of the beloved firehouse.
Herrmann’s journey towards becoming chief has been a core narrative thread, a testament to his growth from a brash, sometimes hot-headed, lieutenant to a respected and seasoned leader. He successfully passed the Captain’s exam and has been diligently working towards the Chief’s test during Season 13. But with Pascal firmly entrenched as the current chief, and now facing serious legal trouble, the stage is set for a dramatic resolution to this power struggle. Newman’s comments underscore the intense pressure on Herrmann and the significant implications for Firehouse 51’s future.
The Dilemma From The Start: Two Chiefs, One Firehouse
The conflict over Firehouse 51’s leadership has been simmering all season. “Yeah, that’s been the dilemma from the beginning. Somebody is going to have to go, and that’s the mystery that must be solved,” Newman explicitly stated. This highlights that the creative team intentionally set up this direct competition from the moment Pascal walked through the doors of 51.
At the end of Season 12, Boden’s departure left a void, and his parting words to Herrmann about being “the next leader here” fueled Herrmann’s ambition. However, the unexpected arrival of Pascal immediately put Herrmann’s aspirations on hold. This created a season-long arc of Herrmann preparing for a role that was already occupied, leading to constant tension and an underlying question of how this would ultimately resolve. The finale is designed to provide that answer, and it promises to be decisive.
Herrmann’s Pressure Cooker: The Weight of Expectation
Herrmann has been under immense pressure throughout Season 13. “From the beginning of this season, the pressure has been on Herrmann because Boden handed him the crown at the end of last season and said, ‘You’re the next leader here. You just have to take these tests to get there,'” Newman explains. This endorsement from Boden, a towering figure at Firehouse 51, placed a heavy burden of expectation on Herrmann.
Furthermore, his long-time friend and colleague, Mouch (Christian Stolte), who recently achieved lieutenant status himself, also needs Herrmann to succeed for his own career advancement. “Everybody’s been pushing for it, and Mouch needs it to happen for him to get where he wants,” Newman adds. This collective belief in Herrmann, coupled with Pascal’s constant “testing” and “pushing,” has created an environment where Herrmann has been relentlessly driven towards the Chief’s test. Newman points out the irony: “The one person who hasn’t stopped and said, ‘Should I be doing this?’ is Herrmann. So that’s really where we’re at heading into the finale, is him not knowing what to do and wanting to support his best friend.” This hints at Herrmann’s internal struggle, balancing his ambition with his loyalty to Firehouse 51 and his personal desires.
Pascal’s Downfall: Opening the Door for Herrmann?
The ongoing legal troubles surrounding Chief Pascal, who has been arrested for attempted murder, significantly impact the leadership dilemma. His potential conviction or removal from duty would directly clear the path for Herrmann. As Newman notes, “Given how Pascal’s Chicago Fire story is going, though, he might not want to stick around in Chicago for very long, opening the door for Herrmann to become the chief.”
This suggests that Pascal’s fate might provide the convenient resolution to the “one chief per firehouse” problem. If Pascal is incapacitated or chooses to leave, Herrmann, having passed his Chief’s exam during the finale, would be the natural and well-deserved successor, fulfilling Boden’s vision.
The Three Potential Outcomes: What Lies Ahead for Herrmann
Newman’s comments, coupled with the ongoing plot, suggest three main possibilities for the Chief conflict in the finale:
- Herrmann Passes, Pascal Leaves: This is the scenario most favorable to Herrmann and many fans. If Pascal is removed from his position due to his legal issues, Herrmann would seamlessly step into the Chief’s role at Firehouse 51. This would be a triumphant culmination of his journey and Boden’s prophecy.
- Herrmann Passes, Pascal Stays: This would create a direct conflict. Firehouse 51 cannot have two chiefs. If Herrmann passes his exam and Pascal remains in charge, Herrmann would be forced to transfer to another station. This would be a bittersweet victory, fulfilling his Chief ambition but tearing him away from his chosen family at 51.
- Herrmann Doesn’t Take/Pass the Test (or Chooses Not to Be Chief): Newman hints at Herrmann’s internal questioning of whether he should be doing this. While less likely given his season-long drive, it’s possible Herrmann could decide that the Chief’s role isn’t what he truly wants, or that it’s not worth sacrificing his place at Firehouse 51. This would allow both Herrmann and Pascal to theoretically stay, but it would also impact Mouch’s career aspirations.
The finale will undoubtedly bring this long-running plot to a head, forcing crucial decisions and leading to significant consequences for both Herrmann and the future of Firehouse 51.
The Legacy of Leadership: From Boden to Herrmann?
The potential ascension of Christopher Herrmann to Chief of Firehouse 51 would be a powerful narrative development. He embodies the heart and soul of the firehouse, having been there since the very beginning. His journey from a somewhat struggling, often comedic, figure to a respected leader resonates deeply with long-time viewers.
Boden’s trust in Herrmann, despite his sometimes unconventional methods, solidified the idea that true leadership comes from experience, dedication, and a deep understanding of the firefighters under one’s command. Herrmann’s potential leadership would be a direct continuation of Boden’s legacy, albeit with his own unique style.
Conclusion: A Chiefdom at Stake in the ‘Chicago Fire’ Finale
The Chicago Fire Season 13 finale is poised to deliver a dramatic resolution to the simmering conflict over the Chief’s position at Firehouse 51. Showrunner Andrea Newman’s clear statement that “somebody is going to have to go” underscores the high stakes for both Christopher Herrmann and Chief Dom Pascal. As Herrmann prepares for his Chief’s exam amidst Pascal’s legal turmoil, the future leadership of the firehouse hangs in the balance. Whether it’s through Pascal’s downfall, Herrmann’s triumph, or a surprising turn of events, the finale promises to be a pivotal moment that will shape the destiny of Firehouse 51 for seasons to come. Fans are on the edge of their seats, eager to see if Herrmann’s long-held dream will finally be realized, and what new era of leadership will begin.
