Dermot Mulroney, who plays Chief Dom Pascal on Chicago Fire, describes his character as someone who isn’t there to be anyone’s best friend. This sentiment is evident in the first few episodes of Season 13, where Pascal’s tough demeanor is front and center.
“It starts off on a little off-kilter footing deliberately, and then you’ll see how the character develops from there,” Mulroney explained during a recent visit to the TV Insider office. “What I’ve learned about Pascal in these early episodes is that he’s surprisingly kind. He’s had to navigate his moral boundaries a couple of times already, showing that he’s choosing his people, even if they’re new to him. I think we’re learning that he’s fiercely loyal to his company.”
One of the intriguing aspects of Pascal’s return to Chicago from Miami remains shrouded in mystery. “The writers are brilliant in how subtly they’ve introduced what happened in Miami. It’s driving people crazy, and I have no idea when you’re going to get let off the hook,” he admitted, appreciating the suspense that television can create.
Changes at Firehouse 51
From the premiere, it’s clear that Pascal has a distinct approach to leadership, which means changes are coming to Firehouse 51. But Mulroney questions whether these changes stem from Pascal’s nature or from his outsider perspective.
“He definitely approached this new job very strictly. You see him come in very demanding. Now, has it really effectively changed the dynamic within the house yet in the episodes we’ve seen? I can’t say so much, frankly,” he stated. “Pascal himself is not that familiar with what led up to Season 13, and he’s trying to run a tight ship, but it’s a little hard.”
Adding complexity to the situation is the marriage of Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) and Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo), who shouldn’t be working together according to firehouse protocols. “Pascal’s kind of a rules-y guy, so we don’t know how that’s going to go yet,” Mulroney shared.
Future Challenges and Dynamics
Another element of intrigue revolves around the future of Captain Hermann (David Eigenberg) and his aspirations to move up the ranks. If Hermann were to pass the captain’s and then chief’s tests, would Pascal step aside? Mulroney suggests that this tension has been brewing since Season 12.
“I feel like Pascal was put directly in Hermann’s path as a leftover from Season 12 and Boden’s [Eamonn Walker] exit. I think he was kind of being set up as the heir apparent to that seat behind the chief’s desk. Well, sorry, Pascal’s here, and I don’t feel like he’s going anywhere,” he explained. “So the writers are going to have to figure that out.”
A Musical Side to the Cast
In addition to discussing his character, Mulroney hinted at the surprising musical talents of the Chicago Fire cast, adding a lighter note to the serious themes of the show.
To catch all the insights from Dermot Mulroney about Chief Pascal and the evolving dynamics at Firehouse 51, watch the full video interview on TV Insider.
