After a two-episode absence that left fans wondering if he’d quietly exited Firehouse 51 for good, Dermot Mulroney is officially back on Chicago Fire. The actor returns in season 14, episode 6, titled “Broken Things”, airing Wednesday, November 5 on NBC.
Chief Pascal Returns to Firehouse 51
Chief Pascal’s disappearance in recent weeks didn’t go unnoticed. Viewers last saw him in episode 3 before his sudden absence was explained as a temporary reassignment to other firehouses amid the CFD’s budget crisis — a storyline that saw six battalion chiefs fired due to city-wide cuts.
Now, new production stills and an official synopsis confirm that Pascal is back and stepping into a mentorship role that could redefine the leadership dynamic at 51.
Inside “Broken Things”: Pascal and Severide Team Up
Episode 6 sees Chief Pascal taking Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) under his wing. After previously asking Severide to help keep an eye on the team during his absence, Pascal now wants to strengthen their working relationship.
According to early teasers, Severide will spend the day shadowing Pascal — and the two will be collaborating on a significant project that could have far-reaching implications for the Chicago Fire Department.
New images from NBC show the duo meeting with Annette Davis (Annabeth Gish), Mayor Benning’s Chief of Staff, to review documents and plans. The meeting hints that the pair might be working on something related to CFD policy or city reform, suggesting the stakes are higher than ever.
From Tension to Trust: A Mentor–Mentee Dynamic Evolves
When Chief Pascal first arrived at 51, his relationship with Severide was tense. Both men are strong-willed leaders who approach firefighting and management in very different ways. But over time, they’ve developed a mutual respect — and a bond that’s becoming one of the most compelling dynamics in the series.
Now, with Pascal guiding Severide more closely, Chicago Fire is exploring a mentor–mentee arc that adds depth to both characters. Their shared goal remains clear: protecting the integrity of Firehouse 51 and ensuring the department runs at its best.
What’s Next for Firehouse 51
While Pascal and Severide work together on what appears to be a major city initiative, Firehouse 51 continues to heal from recent heartbreak. Herrmann (David Eigenberg) is still recovering emotionally from the devastating fire that destroyed his family home, and Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and Severide are adjusting to life as foster parents.
Pascal’s return couldn’t come at a better time. His leadership and calm presence could be exactly what the house needs as the team faces personal and professional challenges in the weeks ahead.
Why Pascal’s Return Matters
Dermot Mulroney’s Chief Pascal has quickly become a key figure in Chicago Fire’s newest chapter. His reappearance not only reassures fans who feared his absence meant an exit but also sets up a storyline that blends mentorship, city politics, and emotional redemption — classic One Chicago territory.
As the title “Broken Things” suggests, this episode may be about repair — not just of the department’s structure, but of trust, resilience, and family within 51.
