Dermot Mulroney’s casting as Chief Dom Pascal in Chicago Fire Season 13 marks a significant moment in his television career, especially as it contrasts sharply with a role he played five years ago. Known for its long-standing cast and thrilling storylines, Chicago Fire has kept audiences engaged for over a decade. With more than 250 episodes under its belt, the show is embarking on a new chapter as it introduces Mulroney as the replacement for Chief Boden, a character portrayed by Eammon Walker since the pilot episode.
This new direction for Firehouse 51 ushers in fresh dynamics, while also offering Mulroney an opportunity to redeem a less favorable role he played in another fire-station drama, Station 19.
Chief Boden Passes the Torch to Dom Pascal
Chief Wallace Boden has been a cornerstone of Chicago Fire since its inception in 2012. As the first actor cast by producer Dick Wolf for the One Chicago franchise, Eammon Walker’s portrayal of Boden has been both commanding and heartfelt. In the Season 12 finale, Boden steps into a new role as First Deputy Fire Commissioner, leaving fans to grapple with his departure from Firehouse 51.
While many assumed that Christopher Hermann, a senior figure in the firehouse, would take over, his rank made him ineligible for the role. Instead, the series introduces Chief Dom Pascal, played by Dermot Mulroney. This decision sets the stage for a fresh perspective in the firehouse while keeping fans curious about how Pascal will fit into the tightly knit group.
From Shady Criminal to Respected Fire Chief
Mulroney’s role in Chicago Fire not only signals a new beginning for the show but also serves as a redemption arc for the actor himself. Five years ago, Mulroney played Greg Tanner on Station 19, a Grey’s Anatomy spinoff centered on a Seattle fire station. In stark contrast to his upcoming role, Greg Tanner was a shady character—an estranged father with a penchant for gambling and criminal activities.
Chief Dom Pascal, however, couldn’t be more different. As a seasoned and respected firefighter, Pascal is described as a leader who thrives under pressure. This shift from a morally ambiguous supporting character to a lawful, commanding lead highlights Mulroney’s versatility and gives him a chance to redefine his television persona.
A Step Into the Spotlight for Dermot Mulroney
Another significant difference between Mulroney’s roles in Station 19 and Chicago Fire lies in their prominence. While Greg Tanner was a recurring side character, Chief Pascal takes center stage as the new leader of Firehouse 51. This lead role allows Mulroney to explore deeper character development and establish himself as a key figure in one of NBC’s most successful franchises.
What’s Next for Dermot Mulroney?
Even as he prepares to take on this pivotal role in Chicago Fire, Mulroney remains busy with other projects. He is set to appear as a series regular in The Hunting Wives, an upcoming Starz thriller drama based on May Cobb’s novel. In this series, Mulroney will play millionaire Jed Banks, a playboy contemplating a run for Texas governor. This character, vastly different from Chief Pascal, further demonstrates Mulroney’s range as an actor.
As Chicago Fire embarks on Season 13, fans eagerly await how Mulroney’s Dom Pascal will step into Chief Boden’s formidable shoes. Whether Pascal becomes a beloved figure or faces challenges in winning over the team remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Mulroney’s journey in network television is reaching new heights.
