Chicago Fire will say goodbye to one of its longest-serving stars after 12 seasons. The NBC flagship show is the first installment in the One Chicago franchise, which also comprises Chicago P.D., Chicago Med, and the previously cancelled Chicago Justice. Fire focuses on the personal and professional lives of the firefighters in the fictional Firehouse 51 and has so far run for a total of 249 episodes. Chicago Fire season 12 is approaching its conclusion, and over the course of its run, it has already seen a number of cast changes.
The cast turnover isn’t finished just yet, either. According to Deadline, Eamonn Walker, who portrays boss Wallace Boden, has made the decision to step down from Chicago Fire after 12 years, marking another significant change for the One Chicago franchise. However, it is understood that the character of Boden will not be leaving the show permanently, and Walker will return in a reduced capacity.
Walker has been on Chicago Fire since the pilot episode in 2012 and is among only three actors who remain from the original season 1 cast. Taylor Kinney and David Eigenberg are the other two.
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His new status as a recurring player shows that he has a strong working relationship with the Chicago Fire team, and that his character will maintain his importance within the franchise.
As one of the biggest and most popular shows on NBC, there is little surprise that Chicago Fire season 13 has been renewed, and it comes after a somewhat tumultuous season. By the finale, Walker won’t be the only cast member to have departed the show. Regular cast members Alberto Rosende (Blake Gallo) and Kara Killmer (Sylvie Brett) left at different points in the season, and Rome Flynn (Derrick Gibson) was brought in as a recurring cast member who could possibly become something more, only to announce his exit midway through the season.
The reasons behind Walker’s exit are unclear, but the fact that the actor made the decision himself suggests that he had good cause to make the choice. His new status as a recurring player shows that he has a strong working relationship with the Chicago Fire team, and that his character will maintain his importance within the franchise. Boden has led Firehouse 51 since the very beginning of Chicago Fire and stands as one of the most prominent authority figures. His departure means someone else will need to step up, forcing a shift of power within the team.
As a franchise that is not afraid to mix things up, One Chicago has taken many risks over the years, and this is certainly another one. However, the franchise has already weathered a number of major cast departures, and it seems likely that Chicago Fire will be able to handle Walker leaving, especially since he won’t be gone for good. Firehouse 51 will certainly feel different, but this could lead to exciting storylines as the firefighters adjust to having a new boss.
Chicago Fire season 12 airs on Wednesdays at 9pm ET on NBC.
