Fans of Chicago Fire hoping to see Eamonn Walker’s Chief Wallace Boden return will have to wait longer than expected. After Walker’s departure as a series regular following 12 seasons, there was hope that he’d still appear occasionally in Season 13. However, as the season progresses, there’s been no sign of Boden, leaving many viewers disappointed.
No Sign of Boden’s Return Yet
When Eamonn Walker exited Chicago Fire, the plan was for his character, Chief Boden, to appear in a recurring capacity. This softened the blow of losing another original cast member, as many believed they’d still get glimpses of Boden’s leadership in the new season. But now, with the first half of Season 13 nearly complete, there hasn’t been a single appearance from him.
In a recent interview with TV Insider, David Eigenberg (who plays Senior Firefighter Christopher Herrmann) shed light on the situation. He expressed his own disappointment, revealing that while there were discussions about Boden’s return, nothing concrete has been set yet.
David Eigenberg’s Update on Boden
Eigenberg’s comments suggest that although there were talks of bringing back Walker’s character, there’s no official plan for his return. “I have been told that it will be possible for Boden to return,” Eigenberg shared. “But I don’t know that because it hasn’t been in an actual stack of papers that I’ve read yet. I want it to happen badly as soon as possible. I want him back here with us, and we just have to wait and see.”
This suggests that Boden’s comeback isn’t likely in the immediate future, and fans may not see him until 2025. Given that the fall finale of Chicago Fire airs on November 20, and there’s been no hint of Boden’s involvement, it looks like his return is off the table for now.
Boden’s Absence Leaves Fans Disappointed
The uncertainty surrounding Boden’s return has left many fans frustrated. From the initial reports of Walker’s exit, viewers were led to believe that Boden would still play a recurring role, making occasional appearances throughout the season. Instead, his absence has been noticeable, with only brief mentions of the character and no on-screen appearances so far.
This disappointment was echoed by TVLine’s recent Inside Line update, which confirmed that Walker has yet to book his first return to the show since stepping down as a main cast member. It feels like the promise of Boden’s continued presence hasn’t been fulfilled, leaving fans wanting more of the beloved character.
Will Boden Return for the Big Crossover Event?
While there’s no confirmed timeline for Boden’s return, there’s speculation that he might make a comeback in the upcoming One Chicago crossover event scheduled for 2025. The crossover, which marks the first in five years, is rumored to involve a massive explosion that shakes the city of Chicago. Such a major incident would likely call for the highest-ranking officials, making it a perfect opportunity for Boden, now the Deputy Commissioner of the Chicago Fire Department, to step back into action.
A dramatic crossover event could offer an exciting way to reintroduce Boden to the series, providing fans with a memorable comeback after his extended absence.
When and Where to Watch Chicago Fire
Chicago Fire continues to air on Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC, with streaming available on Peacock. Fans will have to keep tuning in and hoping that Chief Boden makes his much-anticipated return soon.
