The Chicago Fire Season 13 fall finale, titled “Quicksand,” may not have felt like a traditional cliffhanger, but it left viewers with plenty to ponder. As Firehouse 51 navigates new challenges and unresolved storylines, the episode laid the groundwork for explosive drama in the season’s second half. Here are eight burning questions that fans are desperate to see answered.
1. What’s Next for Joe Cruz After Junior’s Threat?
The fall finale’s most intense cliffhanger revolved around Joe Cruz. After receiving mysterious bullets laced with human ashes, Cruz learned from his brother Leon that Junior, a relative of Flaco—a gang leader Cruz left to die in Season 1—was released from prison early. Junior cornered Cruz at a church, ominously stating, “We need to talk.” What’s Junior planning? Cruz’s past has resurfaced with life-threatening implications, and it’s clear he’ll need all the help he can get to survive.
2. Will Herrmann and Mouch Pass Their Exams?
Christopher Herrmann and Randall “Mouch” McHolland took crucial career-defining tests in Episode 8—the captain and lieutenant exams, respectively. While their results weren’t revealed, success for either could signal big changes for Firehouse 51. Will Herrmann finally be on track to become a chief? Will Mouch move up to lead Engine 51? Or will failure bring unexpected setbacks?
3. Will Herrmann Take Over as Chief?
If Herrmann passes the captain’s exam, he may be in line to replace Chief Dom Pascal by Season 14. Herrmann was Boden’s first choice as his successor in the Season 12 finale, but his reluctance to take the test led to Pascal’s appointment. With his exam complete, Herrmann’s journey toward leadership could finally begin. However, Pascal’s volatile presence suggests the transition may not be smooth.
4. What’s Novak’s Hidden Past?
Paramedic Lizzie Novak showed a deeply emotional reaction during a suicide call, hinting at unresolved trauma in her past. Later, she visited her childhood home, prompting a look of recognition from its current occupant. A photo seen earlier in the episode suggests Novak lost a family member to suicide, possibly shaping her career path and current emotional state. What happened to Novak, and how will it affect her role at Firehouse 51?
5. Will Violet and Carver Rekindle Their Romance?
The slow-burn tension between Violet Mikami and Sam Carver continues. Carver’s recent breakup with his high school sweetheart Tori leaves him single, but Violet has been dating Flynn, someone she met on a call. Despite their efforts to move on, their chemistry suggests a reunion is inevitable. The question is not if, but when, and what obstacles might stand in their way.
6. What’s Pascal’s Secret from Miami?
Hints about Chief Dom Pascal’s murky past in Miami have created a cloud of mystery. His wife Monica’s plea to “stop going at it alone” and “keep each other safe” adds layers to the intrigue. Could Pascal’s aggressive tendencies stem from unresolved trauma, or is there a darker secret lurking? Answers to this storyline could redefine his role at Firehouse 51.
7. Will Ritter Move in with Dwayne?
Darren Ritter’s reluctance to move in with his boyfriend, Dwayne Morris, highlights his personal struggles this season. Thanks to advice from Stella Kidd, Ritter began addressing his concerns, though the decision remains unresolved. This storyline offers a refreshing focus on Ritter’s life outside the firehouse, a development fans have long awaited.
8. When Will Severide Return?
Kelly Severide’s absence loomed large in the fall finale. While Stella Kidd hinted at his early return from an arson case in Michigan, fans remain skeptical given Severide’s history of unannounced delays. Will his prolonged absence strain his marriage with Kidd further, or will his return bring stability back to Firehouse 51?
Looking Ahead
The midseason premiere promises answers to these pressing questions, with a mix of emotional payoffs and high-stakes drama. Whether it’s Cruz confronting his past, Herrmann stepping into leadership, or Novak unpacking her trauma, Chicago Fire is setting the stage for an unforgettable second half of the season.
