‘Chicago Fire Showrunner Explains Why Boden Is Leaving
The Chicago Fire Season 12 finale had a number of arcs to wrap up. However, none were as significant as Boden’s farewell as Eamonn Walker left the series, especially since he’s been a regular cast member since the series’ debut. It’s unclear how the show intends to say goodbye to one of its best characters. In an interview with TV Insider, showrunner Andrea Newman teased a familiar twist that would help Boden escape his current assignment. When Casey revealed he was leaving Chicago, he went to Oregon to take care of the Darden boys after witnessing their living conditions, and it seems Boden’s departure will follow a similar pattern.
In Chicago Fire Season 12, Episode 4, Boden’s own son came to him for help, and Boden promised to be there for him. Newman teased a development on that front, noting that something shocking will happen that will force Boden to rethink some aspects of his life. She revealed the impact Boden’s decision will have on the rest of the fire department, saying: “Boden has been dealing with a lot of change at home (with his stepson James) and at age 51, and has learned a lot in the process, including about himself. A shocking incident in the finale will highlight what it means to him to be a leader, and everyone close to him will be greatly affected by the decision he makes.” Newman also discussed what’s coming up in this week’s finale. The show has developed a number of arcs throughout the season that it left unfinished, particularly around relationships. “There are so many decisions that need to be made, I don’t think I can count them all,” Newman said of how much the finale will cover. She revealed that there will be some developments regarding romantic relationships, saying, “Cruz (Joe Minoso) and Chloe (Kristen Gutoskie), Violet (Hanako Greensmith) and Carver (Jake Lockett), Damon (Michael Bradway) is attracted to Novak (Jocelyn Hudon), Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and Severide (Taylor Kinney) are dealing with the emotional aftermath of Episode 1211, it’s a relationship rollercoaster and viewers are going to have to hold on tight!” Chicago Fire is known for delivering suspenseful plot twists that make it impossible to know what the future holds for the fire department in the next season. The show has toyed with the idea of a threat to Firehouse 51 originating from within the firehouse, something Newman has talked about, saying, “51 has dealt with all sorts of external conflicts over the years… but when it comes to next season, I keep thinking about that famous line from the old horror movie, When A Stranger Calls: ‘It’s coming from inside the house.’” Chicago Fire is known for delivering suspenseful, tense episodes that leave one wondering what the future of the firehouse will hold in its successful season. The show has toyed with the idea of a threat to Firehouse 51 originating from within the firehouse. Something fishy has happened to Damon, and while he denies that he didn’t sell out the firehouse when a rig was stolen, he’s not off the hook. He’s keeping secrets from the firehouse and hiding his intentions. Damon seems like the biggest candidate for a saboteur. Newman teased what will happen to the fire station from the man on the inside next season, saying: “51 has dealt with all sorts of external conflicts over the years… but when it comes to next season, I keep thinking of that famous line from the old horror movie, When A Stranger Calls: ‘It’s coming from inside the house.’” Chicago Fire and the rest of One Chicago have been renewed for new seasons, which are set to premiere in the 2024/2025 television season. NBC has announced its fall schedule, with the three shows staying in their longtime 8 p.m.-11 p.m. Eastern time slots on Wednesdays. The fire department will look quite different next season without many familiar faces, and if Damon is on the inside, he may not stick around long enough.
