They Had the Perfect Replacement… and Let It Go – Chicago Fire’s Big Mistake

Ignoring concerns about upcoming cast changes in Chicago Fire, the series snubbed its chance to cast a much-needed replacement for a firehouse favorite who tragically passed years ago. It’s no great secret that the Chicago Fire cast is in a period of upheaval. Ritter and Carver are meant to depart in Chicago Fire season 14, hopefully with their lives intact.

Speculation abounds regarding how Carver and Ritter might be written out, with the Chicago Fire season 13 finale offering little in the way of answers. But not every departed character plays a vital enough role on the crew to necessitate an immediate replacement. Unfortunately, that means one beloved character who sadly perished offscreen has yet to receive a proper substitute.

Tuesday Was Chicago Fire’s Token Dalmatian Until Her Death In Season 10

She Had A Tangible Impact On The Entire 51 Crew

While Stellaride’s Chicago Fire pregnancy will bring one bundle of joy to Firehouse 51 in the near future, Stella Kidd’s first baby on the show was Darren Ritter’s rambunctious polka-dotted puppy, Tuesday. Although not everyone (particularly Herrmann) supported the nerve-wracked pooch’s presence when she was first introduced in season 7, she quickly won the hearts of the entire 51 family.

It’s worth noting that Tuesday wasn’t the first firehouse dog in Chicago Fire. That honor belongs to Pouch, who appeared for a few episodes in season 4 before finding his forever home. But a Dalmatian is naturally a more classic fit for a firehouse, and Chicago Fire gave Tuesday her own side stories to keep her from feeling like a mere prop.

She was lovably chaotic, tearing through the station whenever Ritter tried to leash her. Stella, Tuesday’s biggest fan, tried to train her for a talent competition, and the result was that Tuesday was publicly accused of mauling a little girl for adorably licking peanut butter off of her face. Her real-world death after season 10 left a void.

Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 8 Nearly Gave The 51 A Great Tuesday Replacement

Fridge Showed Up When Carver Needed Him Most

After his owner’s leg was eviscerated in a freak accident, Fridge found a temporary home at the 51 thanks to Carver taking him in and Kidd getting Pascal’s permission. Carver leaned into Fridge’s companionship until he was ready to tell his friends that Tori left him, and he likely would have kept Fridge for good had the owner not survived.

Not only did everyone from Truck to Ambo embrace Fridge immediately, but it seems that Fridge had a prior relationship with Chicago Fire itself. During the “stop, drop, and roll” talent contest, a dog with seemingly identical markings stands just behind Tuesday, as pictured in this article’s first gallery. Clearly, some clairvoyant knew the 51 would need a backup dog.

Why Tuesday Needs A Firehouse 51 Replacement In Chicago Fire

The Crew Is Clearly Happier With A Dog In The House

If Pouch made the concept of a firehouse dog enjoyable, Tuesday made it borderline essential. Stella’s ten times brighter when Tuesday’s in the room, and Herrmann goes from being her biggest detractor to one of her most eager supporters. And, with Ritter’s Chicago Fire exit impending, replacing Tuesday is a way of preserving the spirit Darren brought to the 51.

And, just as Fridge appeared at one of Carver’s low points, a new firehouse dog could be a source of relief and comfort in a stationhouse that’s consistently besieged by tragedy. With Monica’s death still fresh, and with Carver and Violet’s Chicago Fire romance seemingly nearing its end, the crew could benefit from a wagging tail and a friendly face.

Network dramas can be emotionally compelling, but they require bright spots amid the darkness. Chicago Fire can milk a lot of this out of Herrmann arguing about Certs and Uber ratings, or Novak teasing Damon about his unwillingness to commit. But nothing sells happiness like a dog. With Pouch, Fridge, and Tuesday gone, it’s time for a more permanent replacement.