Chicago Fire Season 14 is turning up both the emotional and romantic tension as Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) finds himself unexpectedly flustered by the attention of Ms. Annette Davis, the Chicago mayor’s Chief of Staff — played by none other than veteran actress Annabeth Gish.
While Davis’ flirtatious offer to grab a drink caught Pascal completely off guard, longtime TV fans instantly recognized the actress behind the confident political powerhouse. Here’s a closer look at her character’s storyline — and where you’ve seen Annabeth Gish before.
Sparks Fly Between Pascal and Davis
In the episode “In the Blood,” Pascal visited City Hall to confront Davis about sudden CFD budget cuts that left Firehouse 51 short on rigs. The conversation quickly turned from tense to personal when Davis, impressed by Pascal’s dedication, dropped a bombshell of her own.
“This won’t be public for another week or two,” Davis confided. “City Hall and the fire department have finalized a plan to consolidate and reduce the number of battalions.”
As Pascal processed the news, Davis softened the blow with a compliment — and then an unexpected proposition. “Maybe sometime you and I could grab a drink,” she suggested, smiling. “It’s rare to meet a man who isn’t intimidated by a woman in my position.”
Caught completely off guard, Pascal stumbled over his words before admitting, “I’m married… well, I was.” He politely declined, clearly torn between grief for his late wife and his discomfort at the flirtation.
Later, Pascal confided in Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney), wondering if Davis’s interest was genuine or simply a political tactic. Severide, ever the pragmatist, shrugged: “Or maybe she just likes you.”
Who Is Annabeth Gish?
Fans quickly took to social media after the episode aired, excited to see Annabeth Gish join the Chicago Fire universe. The acclaimed actress has built a decades-long career spanning both television and film, with standout performances in several fan-favorite series.
Some of Gish’s most recognizable roles include:
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Monica Reyes in The X-Files (Seasons 8–11)
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Lieutenant Althea Jarry in Sons of Anarchy
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Dr. Anne Sullivan in Pretty Little Liars
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Charlotte Millwright in The Bridge
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Eileen Caffee in Brotherhood
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Clara Dudek in Midnight Mass and The Haunting of Hill House
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Carolyn Rivers in Law & Order: SVU (Season 19)
Moviegoers may also remember her as Kat Arujo, starring alongside Julia Roberts in the beloved 1988 romantic comedy Mystic Pizza.
Davis’ Role in Season 14
Davis enters Chicago Fire as both an ally and potential complication for Pascal. As the Mayor’s Chief of Staff, she’s caught between the city’s political pressures and the CFD’s growing frustrations over budget cuts. Her chemistry with Pascal — combined with her authority at City Hall — positions her as a pivotal figure in Firehouse 51’s ongoing fight for resources.
Whether she becomes a genuine romantic interest or a political adversary remains to be seen, but her presence is already adding intrigue to Season 14’s unfolding drama.
A Powerful Addition to the One Chicago Universe
Annabeth Gish brings a blend of warmth, intellect, and quiet intensity that fits perfectly into the One Chicago world. Her addition to the Chicago Fire cast has fans eager to see how her character evolves — and whether Pascal will finally let down his guard after tragedy.
As one fan put it on X: “Annabeth Gish never misses. Davis has chemistry with everyone, even when she’s just reading budget reports.”
