Amid this nostalgia, original cast member David Eigenberg (Herrmann) offered comforting words about the enduring bond among the show’s longtime stars. His insights are a tribute to the loyalty and camaraderie that have made Chicago Fire so special for over a decade.
A Heartfelt Tradition Carries On
The November 13 episode, the last before the fall finale, ended with Severide offering Pascal a cigar, continuing the time-honored ritual that once symbolized his friendship with Casey. For fans, it was a bittersweet moment—a nod to the past and a reminder of the void left by Casey’s departure in Season 10.
While Jesse Spencer’s exit marked the end of an era, the traditions he helped create live on. Watching Severide carry the torch underscores how deeply these rituals are ingrained in the culture of Firehouse 51. It’s a testament to the show’s attention to character relationships and the meaningful details that resonate with its audience.
David Eigenberg on Longevity and Loyalty
David Eigenberg, who has played Herrmann since the series premiered in 2012, reflected on the bond shared by the original cast members. Speaking during NBC’s One Chicago junket, he highlighted the rare achievement of sustaining such a tight-knit team over more than 200 episodes:
“We’ve been very, very fortunate, and we go back a long way now. Taylor [Kinney], Christian [Stolte], Joe [Minoso], Tony [Ferraris], and Randy [Flagler]—we go back 13 years. I was 47 when we started, and I’m 60 now. We’ve gone through a lot.”
Unlike Law & Order: SVU, where Mariska Hargitay remains the sole original cast member, Chicago Fire still features several actors from its debut season. This longevity has fostered real-life friendships that mirror the family dynamic of Firehouse 51.
Eigenberg’s comments underscore the show’s unique ability to balance change with continuity, as newer characters like Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and Brett (Kara Killmer) join the ranks while the core cast holds steady.
Herrmann and Mouch: The Firehouse’s Steadfast Duo
Herrmann’s enduring friendship with Mouch (Christian Stolte) remains a highlight of the series, especially as both characters pursue promotions within the CFD. Eigenberg shared his take on their different approaches to preparing for the exams, offering a glimpse of the humor and humanity that make their dynamic so relatable:
“Mouch is thorough. Herrmann is a ‘fly by the seat of your pants’ kind of guy, although he knows what needs to be done. I think Herrmann’s studying skills are not terrific…Mouch is an ‘if you’re going to do it, do it your best’ guy. I’m more like, ‘I do it my best in the moment.'”
This playful contrast between the two characters highlights how Chicago Fire skillfully blends serious firefighting drama with lighthearted, character-driven moments.
Honoring the Past While Looking Ahead
While the absence of Casey and Boden leaves a palpable gap, Chicago Fire continues to honor its history through its characters, rituals, and enduring friendships. Eigenberg’s reflections remind fans why Firehouse 51 feels like home, even as the series evolves.
With Severide still carrying on traditions and Herrmann and Mouch’s dynamic as strong as ever, it’s clear that the spirit of Chicago Fire remains intact. And who knows? Perhaps we’ll see Casey or Boden return someday to share one more cigar on the apron of Firehouse 51.
