Chicago Fire lost many cast members in season 12, including one whose replacement is very exciting, but I still want to see the previous actor back in season 13. The NBC procedural drama TV series has been on the air since October 2012, and over the course of the past 12 years, the cast has undergone several changes. Of course, not every original Chicago Fire cast member is still with the show, with Taylor Kinney as Kelly Severide, David Eigenberg as Christopher Herrmann, Christian Stolte as Randall “Mouch” McHolland, and Joe Minoso as Joe Cruz as the only remaining ones.
However, numerous actors and actresses have come and gone throughout Chicago Fire’s 12 seasons, regardless of how long they have been on the show. In season 12, four stars exited the NBC series — Alberto Rosende as Blake Gallo, Kara Killmer as Sylvie Brett, Rome Flynn as Derrick Gibson, and Eamonn Walker as Chief Wallace Boden. As a result, new characters have taken or will take their place in Chicago Fire. Even though one actor’s replacement has a lot of potential, I still hope they will return in some capacity in Chicago Fire season 13.
Gibson’s Role In Chicago Fire Season 12 Ended Up Being Disappointing
Gibson Was Only In 6 Episodes
Rome Flynn’s Derrick Gibson was introduced during Chicago Fire season 12, episode 2, to replace Alberto Rosende’s Blake Gallo after he moved out of Chicago during the premiere. However, just a few episodes later, Flynn exited Chicago Fire and Gibson left Firehouse 51. Since the actor was supposed to serve as Rosende’s replacement, Flynn’s departure from the series after season 12, episode 8, was extremely shocking and disappointing. Gibson had a lot of potential in the NBC procedural drama, and Flynn is a talented actor who Chicago Fire was lucky to have.
Gibson was a floater firefighter previously assigned to Truck 46. But after Gallo left Firehouse 51 in Chicago Fire season 12, Gibson joined Stella Kidd and the rest of the Truck 81 crew at Firehouse 51. Gibson was a former amateur boxer with a dark past, and it was later revealed that he had accidentally killed his opponent during a match. Flynn’s character was quite complex, and it felt as if there was much more that Chicago Fire could explore regarding Gibson. However, Flynn left the show before the audience could see the true extent of his character’s story.
Jack Damon Is Replacing Gibson On Stella Kidd’s Team In Chicago Fire Season 13
Damon Is Severide’s Half-Brother
Following Rome Flynn’s exit from Chicago Fire season 12, the writers scrambled to find someone to replace him, and they found the perfect person — Michael Bradway as Jack Damon. Damon was introduced during episode 10 as a floater firefighter for Truck 81 in Derrick Gibson’s absence. While I had some initial intrigue regarding Bradway’s character, nothing could have prepared me for the Chicago Fire season 12 finale twist concerning Damon. Benny Severide is his father, meaning Damon and Kelly Severide are half-brothers. Damon knew of his connection to Severide from the get-go but didn’t reveal it until the finale.
Of course, this familial connection between Chicago Fire’s newest recruit and one of the show’s original cast members is extremely compelling. It also gives me hope for Taylor Kinney and Severide’s longevity on Chicago Fire. However, that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t want to see Flynn reprise his role as Gibson in Chicago Fire season 13. Both Damon and Gibson are interesting characters, and there is enough space for both of them at Firehouse 51.
Why Did Rome Flynn Leave Chicago Fire & Could He Return In Season 13?
Flynn’s Last Episode Was Chicago Fire Season 12, Episode 8
When it was first announced that Rome Flynn was leaving Chicago Fire, the explanation regarding his exit was unclear. Some thought it was connected to his casting as Frank Lucas in Godfather of Harlem season 4. However, Flynn finally cleared up the rumors about his departure from the NBC procedural drama during an interview with Deadline in August 2024. The actor explained:
“They were not connected at all. I did not leave that show for this one. Everything just happened to turn out that way. It’s like you have your people, but you won’t be with all of them forever. Sometimes, you meet a new person and you connect. I loved my time there. I love the cast and the crew and I miss them a lot. But we all have our own journeys, and I’m grateful for that opportunity. Now, I’m excited and grateful for this opportunity because it’s giving me the chance to step into a life like I’ve never done before.”
So, Flynn leaving Chicago Fire seemingly just happened without any clear explanation. Since Derrick Gibson’s fate was left up in the air following his final episode, though, the door remains open for Flynn’s return. Hopefully, the actor will find time in his schedule to reprise his role in the cast of Chicago Fire season 13, even if it’s just for an episode or two.
