Unexpected Sparks at Firehouse 51? Dermot Mulroney on the Pascal and Novak Fan Theories
Season 13 of Chicago Fire has introduced new dynamics and shaken up the familiar landscape of Firehouse 51, most notably with the arrival of Chief Dom Pascal, played by the seasoned actor Dermot Mulroney. While Pascal’s leadership style has been a point of contention for some, an unexpected undercurrent has caught the attention of observant fans: the burgeoning dynamic between the Chief and the sharp-witted paramedic, Lyla “Novak” Novak, portrayed by Jocelyn Hudon. This subtle yet intriguing connection has led to a wave of online “shipping” – the fan desire for a romantic relationship between two characters – and now, Dermot Mulroney himself has weighed in on this surprising development.
Throughout the season, there have been moments, often fleeting, that have hinted at a potential spark between Pascal and Novak. Whether it’s a shared understanding during a tense call, a moment of unexpected camaraderie, or Novak’s occasional admiration for the Chief’s competence (albeit sometimes grudgingly), these interactions haven’t gone unnoticed by the Chicago Fire faithful. Given the show’s history of in-house romances, the possibility of a connection between the new Chief and the no-nonsense paramedic has fueled considerable speculation.
“A Special Type of Respect”: Mulroney’s Perspective on the Pascal/Novak Dynamic
In a recent interview, Dermot Mulroney was directly asked about the fan theories surrounding a potential romantic relationship between Chief Pascal and Novak. His response offered an interesting perspective, emphasizing a different kind of connection between the two characters.
Mulroney stated that he believes the dynamic between Pascal and Novak is characterized by “a special type of respect.” He elaborated on this by suggesting that Pascal, despite his sometimes abrasive exterior, recognizes Novak’s competence and her dedication to the job. According to Mulroney, Pascal operates on a principle of meritocracy within the firehouse: if a firefighter or paramedic proves their worth and meets the required standards, they earn his respect, regardless of age or gender.
This “special type of respect,” as Mulroney describes it, seems to be the foundation of Pascal and Novak’s interactions. He sees Pascal “pulling for her because she keeps proving herself.” This suggests a professional admiration rather than a romantic inclination, at least from Pascal’s side.
Novak’s Subtle Admiration: A One-Sided Attraction?
While Mulroney’s comments shed light on Pascal’s perspective, the fan “shipping” largely stems from Novak’s occasional, albeit subtle, displays of admiration for the Chief. There have been instances where Novak has voiced a degree of respect for Pascal’s skills or even hinted at a certain level of attraction, often in conversations with Violet.
For example, in earlier episodes of Season 13, Novak made passing comments about Pascal’s competence during challenging calls. While these remarks could be interpreted as professional acknowledgment, some fans have read them as carrying a hint of something more. Given Novak’s past romantic entanglements, which have shown a leaning towards authority figures, this interpretation isn’t entirely unfounded.
The Age and Power Dynamic: Potential Obstacles to Romance
One of the significant factors that makes the Pascal/Novak “ship” somewhat controversial among the fanbase is the age and power dynamic between the two characters. Chief Pascal is a seasoned veteran and the commanding officer of Firehouse 51, while Novak is a relatively newer paramedic. A romantic relationship between them could raise ethical concerns within the workplace dynamic and potentially create an imbalance of power.
Mulroney himself touched upon the importance of showing respectful relationships between colleagues in the workplace, drawing parallels to the film industry. He emphasized the value of seeing characters behave professionally and make the right choices for their work environment. This suggests that he might personally favor a platonic and respectful dynamic between Pascal and Novak, setting a positive example of workplace relationships.
The Loss of Monica: Pascal’s Recent Grief as a Barrier
Another significant obstacle to a potential romance between Pascal and Novak is the recent tragic loss of Pascal’s wife, Monica. Season 13 has explored Pascal’s grief and his struggle to cope with this profound loss. It seems unlikely, at least in the near future, that Pascal would be emotionally ready to pursue a new romantic relationship.
Mulroney acknowledged the impact of Monica’s death on Pascal, suggesting that the Chief is still navigating his grief. This makes the prospect of a sudden romantic entanglement with Novak seem improbable and potentially insensitive to Pascal’s ongoing emotional journey.
A “Special Type of Respect” Prevails? The Likely Future for Pascal and Novak
Based on Dermot Mulroney’s insightful comments, it appears that the dynamic between Chief Pascal and Novak in Chicago Fire Season 13 is more likely to be characterized by a “special type of respect” built on professional admiration and competence rather than a burgeoning romance. While Novak may harbor some subtle admiration for her Chief, the age and power dynamic, coupled with Pascal’s recent loss, present significant hurdles to any romantic development.
Mulroney’s emphasis on the importance of respectful workplace relationships further suggests that the writers might be inclined to keep the dynamic between Pascal and Novak professional, showcasing a positive example of inter-departmental respect within the high-pressure environment of Firehouse 51. While fan “shipping” can be a powerful force, it seems that in this particular case, the dynamic between the Chief and the paramedic will likely remain one of mutual professional regard, a “special type of respect” that is valuable in its own right.
