Chicago Fire Season 13’s Boden Replacement Creates a Big Challenge for Eamonn Walker’s Return
NBC’s Chicago Fire suffered another loss when Eamonn Walker’s Chief Boden left the show in the season 12 finale, but the good news is that he’s expected to return in some capacity in season 13 (which may or may not hurt Boden’s replacement). The procedural drama has had a number of cast changes over the years. With 12 (soon to be 13) seasons and 252 episodes, the list of Chicago Fire regulars is bound to change over time. However, Walker has been a mainstay of the cast since season 1, making his departure all the more heartbreaking.
Boden was promoted from Firehouse 51 Chief to Deputy Commissioner of the Chicago Fire Department in the Chicago Fire season 12 finale. He couldn’t refuse the offer, but it meant saying goodbye to his Firehouse 51 family. After 12 seasons of Boden as Chief, it will be interesting to see someone new take on the role. New bonds of will will form, as will new ways of doing things on the battlefield. While things may be strange at first, Boden’s replacement deserves time and space to solidify his place in the Chicago Fire season 13 cast.
Dermot Mulroney’s Dom Pascal will replace Boden in Chicago Fire season 13. This new addition to the cast is exciting, especially considering Mulroney’s talent and the endless possibilities that come with his character. As a result, the NBC procedural drama will have to let Pascal settle into his new role at Firehouse 51 before it can definitively bring Boden back. Walker is expected to return as Boden in some capacity next season, but the writers shouldn’t rush things and wait (ideally until mid-season) to bring Boden into the Chicago Fire season 13 storyline, for Pascal’s sake.
