The Winds of Change: ‘Chicago Fire’ Showrunner Andrea Newman Previews an Explosive Season 13 Finale
As Chicago Fire barrels towards its highly anticipated Season 13 finale, fans are bracing themselves for significant shake-ups. Showrunner Andrea Newman has offered tantalizing glimpses into what promises to be an emotionally charged and action-packed conclusion, hinting at “big endings” for departing cast members and a persistent “nagging question” for Lieutenant Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) regarding the embattled Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney). With reports of beloved characters Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri) and Sam Carver (Jake Lockett) making their exits, and a major storyline involving Herrmann’s (David Eigenberg) quest for the Chief’s position, the stage is set for an unforgettable send-off that will undoubtedly leave viewers reeling and eagerly awaiting Season 14.
Newman’s insights reveal a finale crafted to deliver both thrilling resolutions and impactful character arcs, ensuring that the show’s long-standing tradition of high-stakes drama and deep emotional resonance remains intact. The balancing act of concluding major storylines while setting the stage for future narratives is a delicate one, but from her comments, it seems the Chicago Fire team is prepared to deliver.
“Big Endings” for Departing Cast Members: Ritter and Carver’s Uncertain Future
One of the most talked-about aspects leading into the Season 13 finale is the reported departure of two key characters: Darren Ritter and Sam Carver. Both have become integral parts of Firehouse 51, making their potential exits a significant concern for fans. Showrunner Andrea Newman acknowledged these looming departures, while also providing a glimmer of hope for their future.
“There’s so many mysteries to be played out with both those characters,” Newman stated, confirming that their exits are indeed a central part of the finale. She hinted at the different ways their stories could conclude, noting, “How they’re going to leave, and for how long, and are these things permanent? Are they temporary? Are they explosive-type endings, as we’ve tended to do? Or are they more emotionally centered endings?”
This open-ended approach suggests that while Ritter and Carver may not return as series regulars in Season 14, their stories might not necessarily be over forever. Newman emphasized the creative team’s affection for the actors and characters: “We love these actors. We love Jake and Daniel with a passion, so we will do whatever we can to see them as often as we can, and to give them the big endings they deserve.”
This statement is particularly reassuring for fans. Chicago Fire has a history of impactful character deaths (e.g., Shay, Otis), so the possibility of Ritter and Carver leaving alive, with a door open for future guest appearances, is a welcome one. Carver’s recent struggles and a period away from the firehouse make his potential departure more narratively plausible, while Ritter’s seemingly settled life makes his exit more surprising, adding to the intrigue of how their “big endings” will unfold.
Severide’s “Nagging Question” About Chief Pascal: Trust and Doubt Collide
A major through-line of Season 13 has been the complicated dynamic between Lieutenant Kelly Severide and the new Chief Dom Pascal. Initially, they bonded over professional matters and even a shared past related to Bishop. However, as the season progressed, Severide’s instincts began to tell him something was amiss with Pascal, particularly concerning his intense reactions when his late wife Monica was involved.
The penultimate episode saw Pascal taken into police custody as evidence mounted that he was responsible for the attempted murder of Robert Franklin, the man who killed Monica in a car accident. In the finale, Severide finds himself in a precarious position, putting his job on the line to help Pascal. But as Newman reveals, this act of loyalty is complicated by a persistent internal conflict for Severide.
“There’s a lot of mysteries that need to be solved and cards turned over to get this done, and I think Severide is a man on a mission to help Pascal,” Newman explained. “But he can’t help but have this nagging feeling that maybe he’s helping somebody who he shouldn’t be helping. Maybe he’s not going to get the answer he wants once he finally does turn over all those cards.”
This internal struggle is classic Severide – his unwavering dedication to justice and truth, even when it pits him against perceived allies. Newman highlighted that Monica was Pascal’s “Achilles heel,” explaining how his rage and possessiveness when her name came up foreshadowed his potential involvement in something sinister. Severide, having experienced his own battles with grief and vengeance, can understand Pascal’s motives to a certain extent, but his core moral compass pushes him to uncover the full truth. The outcome of Severide’s investigation will undoubtedly impact his relationship with Pascal “forever going forward,” regardless of whether Pascal is ultimately cleared or confirmed to be guilty.
Herrmann’s Ambition and the Future of Firehouse 51’s Leadership
Another critical storyline converging in the finale is Christopher Herrmann’s long-standing ambition to become Chief. Showrunner Newman confirmed that the “dilemma” of Herrmann and Pascal’s simultaneous presence at Firehouse 51 has been a central question since the season’s beginning.
“Somebody is going to have to go, and that’s the mystery that must be solved,” Newman explicitly stated, setting up a direct conflict for the Chief’s position. Herrmann, having passed the captain’s exam, is now poised to take the chief’s test. This creates a compelling narrative fork: if Herrmann passes, will Pascal be forced out, or will Herrmann transfer to another station? Newman even hinted at a third possibility: Herrmann, feeling the “enormous pressure” from Boden’s endorsement at the end of last season, might choose not to take the test.
This storyline not only impacts Herrmann’s career but also the very leadership dynamic of Firehouse 51. While Pascal has grown on the crew, Herrmann is a beloved veteran. The finale will likely decide who leads the house into Season 14, creating significant ramifications for the team’s future.
The Unpredictable Nature of a ‘Chicago Fire’ Finale
Chicago Fire is renowned for its explosive season finales, often leaving viewers with shocking cliffhangers. Newman’s comments suggest Season 13 will be no different. The title “It Had to End This Way” is deliberately ominous, hinting at irreversible changes and difficult choices.
The combination of character departures, Severide’s intense investigation, and the leadership battle at Firehouse 51 ensures a high-stakes conclusion. The show’s ability to weave together personal drama with the intense realities of firefighting means fans should expect both emotional farewells and potentially dangerous emergencies.
Conclusion: A Finale That Reshapes Firehouse 51
Andrea Newman’s insights into the Chicago Fire Season 13 finale paint a picture of a show ready to deliver “big endings” and profound character shifts. The impending departures of Ritter and Carver, though potentially temporary, will undoubtedly shake up Firehouse 51. Meanwhile, Severide’s relentless pursuit of the truth regarding Chief Pascal, driven by a “nagging question” of trust and culpability, promises a gripping resolution that could have long-lasting consequences for both characters. Combined with Herrmann’s make-or-break Chief test, the finale is set to reshape the landscape of Firehouse 51, leaving fans with plenty to ponder as they await the next season. The stage is truly set for an unforgettable conclusion to a season that has continually challenged its heroes and tested their loyalties.
