Chicago Fire Season 13 Just Fixed Chief Boden’s Replacement in One Scene
Chief Wallace Boden’s replacement, Dom Pascal, is a divisive character, but Chicago Fire season 13, episode 6, “Birds of Prey” fixed him in just one scene. It would be an understatement to say that losing Eammon Walker is a big deal for One Chicago. The actor was the first cast member on Dick Wolf’s Windy City-based series, and he’s played the fearless leader of Firehouse 51 for over a decade. It doesn’t help that Chicago Fire’s Boden replacement, Dom Pascal, doesn’t make the best impression when he introduces himself to the rest of the team.
Having moved from Miami after decades of service there, Pascal is no newcomer to Chicago. He got his first taste of firefighting in the Windy City, and that raised new questions about his history with the fire department. Not much was revealed about his life outside of his time at Firehouse 51. However, it was clear that Pascal was very different from Boden in Chicago Fire season 13, and that, understandably, created friction, especially with people like Kelly Severida and Stella Kidd, who were particularly close to his predecessor. However, after “Birds of Prey,” One Chicago rehabilitated his image.
Chicago Fire season 13, episode 6 revolved around a number of storylines, including an unexpected partnership between Severide and Pascal. After the team responded to a suspected arson fire, the pair went to investigate what really caused the incident. Unfortunately for them, the State Police handling the scene were not only unhelpful but also very cautious, causing Severide to dig deeper. However, Pascal, strangely enough, suddenly tells him to stand down, which causes a conflict between the two.
Initially, Chicago Fire season 13 made it seem like the new Firehouse 51 chief was in cahoots with the corrupt state police. Dedicated to his job, Severide confronts Pascal about this and his sudden change in demeanor. While the Firehouse 51 chief seems annoyed that his subordinates called him out, surprisingly, he comes clean about his recent conversation with the leader of the police squad who recruited him into their illegal activities. Pascal got involved because he wanted them to think he was on their side. He thought it would be easier for them to solve the case this way.
Amidst the tension in Severide and Pascal’s final scene in “Birds of Prey,” what’s lost in the shuffle is how much it actually fixes the new leader of Firehouse 51. During his time on Chicago Fire so far, he’s made little progress in establishing a rapport with his team—something that’s crucial in a tight-knit fire department. Pascal is a capable leader, but that’s hardly enough to lead a team as unique as Firehouse 51. As the de facto leader, gaining Severide’s trust would make it easier for Pascal to change his rather divisive image.
Despite his apparent collusion with the police, Pascal proves that he’s a man of integrity by not giving up on the case.
Additionally, Pascal’s stance on the issue puts him in a better position to win the support of his subordinates. As Severide has made clear, there is no room for corruption in Firehouse 51. Despite seemingly colluding with the police, Pascal proves that he has integrity by not giving up on the case. While he may have told Severide what happened, he is still trying to figure out whether he can fully trust the people around him. Pascal’s move could eventually lead to an understanding between him and Firehouse 51. Proving that Pascal has integrity is a good step toward endearing himself to Firehouse 51 (and the audience). As the investigation into Severide’s arson continues, the character has more opportunities to prove that he can step into the shoes that Boden left in the season 12 finale of Chicago Fire. However, his character development shouldn’t end there. Pascal’s past in Miami and Chicago remains a mystery, and it’s safe to say it’s only a matter of time before it affects the show’s overall plot. Tapping into Pascal could help his cause in the future.
