Another shake-up is coming, and no one is safe.
The heat is on at Firehouse 51 — and not just because of the flames. The Chicago Fire season 13 finale, set to air May 21, is about to ignite major drama with serious implications for two of the show’s most pivotal characters: Kelly Severide and Chief Pascal. A freshly released promo for episode 22, ominously titled “It Had to End This Way,” hints at consequences that could rock the firehouse to its core — including not one, but two possible exits.
🔥 Pascal’s Past Catches Up With Him
When Chief Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) was introduced, fans were wary — and rightfully so. In episode 21, “The Bad Guy,” we saw Pascal try to clear his name after being linked to a suspicious accident involving Robert Franklin, the man connected to his wife’s death. His partner in this mission? None other than Severide.
While Severide believed in Pascal’s innocence, the evidence was stacked against him. His past was murky, his motives questionable, and every step toward the truth only made him look guiltier. As detectives close in and interrogation intensifies, the question isn’t if Pascal will be arrested — it’s who else might go down with him.
🧨 Severide Risks It All
Taylor Kinney’s Severide has always been the go-to firefighter for intense rescue ops and emotionally charged storylines. But now, he’s stepping into a much riskier fire: defending a friend who may not be so innocent.
In the promo, Van Meter (Tim Hopper) issues a chilling warning:
“If Pascal goes down, you’re going down with him.”
That line alone suggests Chicago Fire isn’t just toying with Pascal’s departure — Severide’s career might be on the chopping block too. Whether he knowingly protected Pascal or was simply caught in the crossfire, Severide’s actions could have lasting consequences.
🔄 What This Means for Firehouse 51
Firehouse 51 is already bracing for big changes. Series regulars Daniel Kyri (Ritter) and Jake Lockett (Carver) are confirmed to exit, and now, with Herrmann prepping for his Chief test, it looks like a full-blown leadership shift is in motion.
If Pascal leaves — which seems highly likely given his resignation and legal mess — and Severide is suspended, reassigned, or worse, the firehouse will face its most significant personnel shake-up in years.
🫣 Will Severide Really Leave?
Let’s be clear: there’s no official word yet on Taylor Kinney exiting the show permanently. But Chicago Fire has taken similar steps before. From brief absences to surprise exits, the series doesn’t shy away from writing characters off when it serves the drama. If Severide is gone — even temporarily — it would devastate fans but create a major narrative opportunity for season 14.
🗓 What’s Next?
The final episode of season 13 airs Wednesday, May 21, and promises to answer the big question:
Will Firehouse 51 lose both Severide and Pascal?
With a new chief potentially taking over and two young firefighters already out, season 14 could mark the beginning of a whole new era.
📺 Final Thoughts: A Turning Point for Chicago Fire
The upcoming finale feels like more than just a season ender — it feels like a transition into a reimagined Firehouse 51. Whether it’s justice, betrayal, or redemption that drives Pascal and Severide’s fate, fans should brace for a seismic shift.
Because on Chicago Fire, no one’s fireproof.
