Dermot Mulroney’s Chief Dom Pascal is about to face a major test on Chicago Fire, and it all starts with a broken award. In the upcoming episode airing on Wednesday, October 23, Pascal’s patience will be pushed to the limit after firefighter Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri) and paramedic Lyla Novak (Jocelyn Hudon) accidentally damage one of his prized awards.
Mulroney, who joined Chicago Fire at the beginning of season 13, exclusively teased to Us Weekly how the mishap unfolds and why it puts the characters’ ethics into question. “We learn that Pascal received an award for valor, but someone breaks it in my office while snooping around,” Mulroney explained. This sets the stage for what he described as “a little moral quandary,” as Ritter and Novak must decide whether to come clean about their blunder.
“What happens? Do they tell on themselves?” Mulroney teased, keeping the outcome under wraps. He promised that the situation will shed light on the characters’ true nature, noting, “The way it plays out reveals a lot about people’s characters.”
Despite the tension, Mulroney hinted that Pascal’s reaction might not be what viewers expect. “If fans think Pascal is going to lose his cool, they may be surprised,” Mulroney shared. “He chooses a different approach to handle the issue in the firehouse, one that challenges everyone’s ethics, including his own.”
While the conflict will cause some friction in the firehouse, the actor revealed that filming these scenes was a lot of fun, especially watching the comedic interaction between Kyri and Hudon. “Daniel and Jocelyn were really onto something with their rapid-fire dynamic. They brought a comedic touch that was deeply funny,” Mulroney recalled. The humor was balanced with a grounded sense of reality, as Kyri explained, “Ritter’s desire to make a good impression on Pascal adds to the tension, but it’s also a comedic scene because of how clumsy the situation is.”
Along with the broken award storyline, this episode will also give fans a glimpse into Pascal’s evolving relationships with other key characters, including Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo). Pascal will see a new side of Kidd as she and Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) continue their investigation into a shady trucking company. Mulroney hinted that the interaction between Pascal and Kidd takes “an unexpected and gratifying turn,” revealing her “true colors” to the chief.
Finally, Wednesday’s episode also celebrates Violet Mikami’s (Hanako Greensmith) birthday, bringing some lighter moments amidst the firehouse drama. As Pascal continues to find his footing in his new leadership role, Mulroney assured fans that the chief’s journey will remain a central focus as the season progresses.
With a blend of tension, humor, and character development, the latest episode of Chicago Fire promises to keep viewers entertained—and wondering how Pascal will navigate the challenges that lie ahead.
