In Chicago Fire season 13, Firehouse 51 faces a major change with the arrival of a new chief, Dom Pascal, portrayed by Dermot Mulroney. Showrunner Andrea Newman has offered some intriguing insights into how Pascal’s leadership will affect the team and hinted that his presence will bring about both tension and growth within the firehouse.
Pascal is stepping into the shoes of Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker), who has been promoted to Deputy Commissioner of the Chicago Fire Department. Known for his years of experience and cool demeanor under pressure, Pascal has worked extensively in Miami and is now tasked with leading the tight-knit team of Firehouse 51.
A New Era for Firehouse 51 Without Boden
Boden’s departure as chief marks the end of an era, as he has been the bedrock of Firehouse 51 throughout the series. While his promotion is a personal victory, his absence leaves a void that Pascal will be expected to fill. Newman emphasized the strong bond between Boden and the firefighters, describing him as the “dad” of the firehouse family. This deep connection means that his presence will still be felt, even though he won’t be leading the team day-to-day.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Newman touched on how challenging it was to write this new dynamic, likening it to how a parent might feel after raising their children and hoping they can stand on their own. She teased that each character will have a different reaction to Pascal, and some of these reactions may surprise viewers:
“It’s like Boden raised them. When a new chief starts, everybody’s going to have a different reaction. And some of the reactions are surprising.”
Reactions to Pascal’s Leadership Will Vary
Pascal’s arrival is expected to stir up a range of emotions among the firefighters, particularly those who have been part of the team for a long time. Veterans like Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg) and Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) might be more hesitant to embrace Pascal’s leadership, given their long history with Boden and their natural wariness toward change.
However, not everyone will be resistant to Pascal. Some team members may eventually warm up to the new chief as they get to know him. Still, Pascal will need to prove himself in a firehouse that operates more like a family than a professional team, and winning over the trust of this group won’t happen overnight.
Challenges and Conflict in the Early Episodes
According to Newman, Pascal’s arrival will introduce new dynamics within Firehouse 51, leading to shifts in relationships and potential conflicts. The initial episodes of season 13 will likely focus on the adjustment period as the team grapples with this leadership change.
There’s also speculation that Pascal’s first major mission with the team—hinted at in promotional images showing him assisting after an explosion—could be a turning point. His actions during this critical moment may begin to earn the trust of even the most skeptical team members.
Boden’s Continued Presence in Season 13
While Pascal’s introduction marks a new chapter for Firehouse 51, Boden’s influence remains strong. Newman’s comments suggest that the team will still feel the impact of Boden’s leadership style, even though he is no longer their direct commander. In fact, Boden will continue to appear in a recurring role throughout season 13, and his return could be tied to any conflicts or growing pains the team experiences under Pascal’s leadership.
Conclusion: A Shaky Start for Pascal’s Leadership
With Pascal stepping into such a pivotal role, Chicago Fire season 13 is set to explore the challenges of new leadership in a well-established team. While Pascal is described as a capable and experienced leader, Newman’s preview suggests that his arrival won’t be smooth sailing for everyone at Firehouse 51. Longtime fans of the show can expect a few bumps in the road as the characters adjust to life without Boden at the helm.
Ultimately, Pascal’s ability to lead the team through difficult situations will be tested early on, and whether the team fully embraces him remains to be seen. The emotional stakes are high as Chicago Fire enters a new era, and viewers are sure to be hooked as they watch how Pascal’s leadership affects the beloved Firehouse 51 family.
