The fall finale of Chicago Fire Season 13 is just around the corner, set to air on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 9:00 PM ET. With only a few episodes left before the winter hiatus, the show is ramping up the drama, including key storylines like Severide teaming up with Chief Pascal, and the ongoing tension between Violet and Carver. Additionally, Herrmann and Mouch are preparing for their officer exams, setting the stage for some career-defining moments.
Herrmann’s Unexpected Path to Leadership
In a recent interview, David Eigenberg, who plays Christopher Herrmann, shared surprising insights about his character’s current storyline. At the end of Season 12, Chief Boden named Herrmann as his preferred successor when he bid an emotional farewell to Firehouse 51. However, Season 13 threw in a twist with the introduction of Chief Pascal (played by Dermot Mulroney), who has quickly settled into the role and doesn’t seem to be leaving anytime soon. Now, Herrmann is taking the captain’s exam as a step toward potentially becoming the new chief of Firehouse 51.
When asked whether it would have occurred to Herrmann to pursue this leadership path without Boden’s encouragement, Eigenberg candidly admitted:
“No, it wouldn’t have. In the real world of firefighting, you’re either a firefighter or an officer. Herrmann has always identified as a firefighter, and he was content with that role. But when this new opportunity was presented, it pushed him to consider a different path.”
Eigenberg’s comments reveal that the character’s arc this season is not just about career advancement but also about personal growth and stepping out of his comfort zone.
Reflecting on the Transition from Boden to Pascal
Eamonn Walker, who played Chief Wallace Boden, was a significant figure in Chicago Fire for many seasons. Eigenberg shared a touching story about his close friendship with Walker, mentioning that they still spend time together even off set. He confessed that it never occurred to him as an actor that the show would move on from Boden’s leadership, given how integral Walker’s character was to the series.
“I’ve sat at Boden’s desk a few times, and it feels strange,” Eigenberg said. “Eamonn is a dear friend, and it’s hard to imagine anyone else in that role. But Dermot Mulroney has been a fantastic addition to the cast. He brings a fresh dynamic, and although his character, Pascal, has a bit of an edge, there’s a charm to him that’s hard to dislike.”
This sentiment is echoed by some of the characters in the firehouse, who initially struggled with accepting Pascal but have gradually warmed up to his leadership style. Eigenberg noted that while there is some rivalry and tension, there is also a shared sense of camaraderie, reflecting the real-life dynamics among firefighters.
Balancing Script and Improvisation
One interesting revelation from Eigenberg’s interview was his desire to add a bit more spontaneity to Herrmann’s interactions with Pascal. Although Chicago Fire sticks closely to its scripts, Eigenberg shared that he occasionally wants to improvise and inject more antagonistic humor into his scenes.
“I was just going over lines for tomorrow’s shoot and thought of a line I wanted to add, something like ‘Hey, don’t start that with me!’ But it’s not in the script, so we’ll see if they let me get away with it,” he laughed. “They rarely let us stray from the script, but sometimes I think it could add a bit of extra spice to the scene.”
What’s Next in the Fall Finale?
The fall finale, titled “Quicksand,” promises to deliver high-stakes drama and emotional moments, as is tradition for Chicago Fire. With storylines like Herrmann’s career decision, the ongoing Severide-Pascal partnership, and the complex dynamics within the team, viewers can expect an action-packed and cliffhanger-filled episode.
The episode airs on Wednesday, November 20, at 9:00 PM ET on NBC, sandwiched between the fall finales of Chicago Med and Chicago P.D. Fans eager to revisit previous episodes during the winter hiatus can find all three shows streaming on Peacock.
