When Chicago Fire premiered on NBC in 2012, few could have predicted its lasting impact or that it would anchor the broader One Chicago franchise, which now spans three hit series. Now in its tenth season and having celebrated its 200th episode, Chicago Fire remains a primetime favorite. Over the years, the show has seen several characters come and go, but Jesse Spencer’s recent departure as Captain Matthew Casey marked one of the most significant exits. Spencer’s departure left both a leadership gap at Firehouse 51 and a void for fans who’d grown attached to Casey’s steady presence.
Enter Lieutenant Jason Pelham, portrayed by Brett Dalton, who joined Chicago Fire as Firehouse 51’s interim boss. Many fans may have felt an instant sense of familiarity with Dalton’s face. He’s no stranger to TV drama—and if you’re a Marvel fan, you’ll likely remember him from Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Brett Dalton as Grant Ward on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Brett Dalton has been steadily rising in Hollywood, thanks to standout guest roles on popular shows like Blue Bloods, Army Wives, and Elementary. However, Dalton’s most memorable TV role was on ABC’s Marvel series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., which first aired in 2013. The show followed a team of agents working under the resurrected Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg) after the events of The Avengers. Though it didn’t reach blockbuster status like Marvel’s movies, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. became a fan favorite, running for seven seasons and amassing a dedicated fanbase.
Dalton portrayed Grant Ward, an initially heroic S.H.I.E.L.D. agent who later shocked fans by being revealed as a double agent for Hydra. His character arc became even darker and more complex, with multiple layers of betrayal, redemption, and transformation. By the show’s later seasons, Dalton had transitioned from playing Grant Ward to embodying Hive, an ancient parasitic being and one of the most fearsome villains in the S.H.I.E.L.D. universe. This role let Dalton show incredible range, bringing depth and nuance to characters that many actors would struggle to make relatable.
Dalton’s ability to balance charisma, complexity, and intensity made his portrayal unforgettable. His adeptness at complex roles makes him an ideal fit for Chicago Fire‘s Firehouse 51, where characters are often torn between duty, personal growth, and ethical dilemmas. While his Chicago Fire character, Lt. Pelham, may be more of a straight-shooter than his S.H.I.E.L.D. personas, fans can likely expect Dalton to bring a compelling dynamic to the firehouse.
Whether Pelham becomes a permanent leader at Firehouse 51 or serves a shorter stint, Dalton’s past experience and layered performances ensure he’ll leave a strong impression on Chicago Fire audiences.
