When Chicago Fire casts a Squad 19 veteran as its new Fire Chief, I’m more relieved than ever that Boden might still be returning
Chicago Fire ended Season 12 in the spring with a big question: who would replace Wallace Boden as Fire Chief of Squad 51 after he was promoted? At the time, the leadership seemed to be lining up Herrmann for the role, but then news broke that One Chicago was looking for a new guy. Now, a Squad 19 veteran has been cast, bringing his experience on ABC’s firefighting show to Chicago Fire. Fans, prepare to welcome Dermot Mulroney to Season 13 in the 2024 TV schedule, with the news that makes me happier than ever that Boden isn’t gone forever.
According to TVLine, Dermot Mulroney will join Chicago Fire as a new series regular in Season 13 to play Captain Dom Pascal in 51. This isn’t an internal promotion within CFD, as Pascal has been the Fire Chief in Miami for the past few years despite starting his career in the Windy City. His leadership style is said to be different from how Boden ran his longtime fire department; whether or not that’s a bad thing after adding “new blood” last season remains to be seen.
While Mulroney’s character is considered a series regular, it’s likely he won’t be in 51 for long, as Herrmann could still be promoted if he’s promoted to captain and passes the test to become Battalion Chief. That would be interesting for a number of reasons, including the fact that Chief Herrmann would probably open up a spot for a new officer on Engine, but I might be getting a little carried away.
My initial reaction to Mulroney’s casting – aside from being obsessed with the “Say A Little Prayer For You” line from My Best Friend’s Wedding – is that I’m glad Eamonn Walker is still expected to guest star in Chicago Fire Season 13, as I’m interested to see how the former Chief of 51 interacts with the new Chief given their different leadership styles. Mulroney and Walker could be formidable partners – or rivals, depending on how Dom Pascal fares – and the transition from Boden to Pascal could be easier if fans see Boden still around. Overall, I’m bullish on Mulroney.
It remains to be seen what other cast changes might come in Season 13. Fire didn’t take long to find a new paramedic partner for Violet after Brett left, and I’m hoping that tease of Kylie joining Truck 81 pays off. There’s also the search for Damon’s future at 51 after the thrilling reveal at the end of Season 12 that he’s Severide’s half-brother, aka Benny Severide’s secret son. Damon has been a solid part of 81, but Severide’s previously surprise half-brother didn’t stick around for long.
Thankfully, the wait to see Dermot Mulroney in action at Firehouse 51 has come to an end: Wednesday, September 25 at 9 p.m. for Chicago Fire, as usual between Chicago Med at 8 p.m. ET and Chicago P.D. at 10 p.m. ET on NBC. The late September premiere date makes the three-episode One Chicago series the first in a nine-episode Dick Wolf television universe that will return in the fall.
