When Chicago Fire returns for Season 14, Firehouse 51 isn’t just facing raging infernos — it’s about to be caught in a political blaze of its own. The hit NBC drama is setting up one of its most intriguing power plays yet, with The Haunting of Hill House and The X-Files alum Annabeth Gish stepping into the line of fire as Annette Davis, the mayor’s formidable chief of staff.
And from what we’re hearing, sparks will fly — both politically and personally — between Davis and Fire Commissioner Dom Pascal, played by Dermot Mulroney.
A Clash of Titans at City Hall
Annette Davis isn’t your average bureaucrat. As the mayor’s chief of staff, she wields enormous influence over Chicago’s public safety decisions — and that means Firehouse 51’s future could rest in her well-manicured hands. Gish’s Annette enters the story just as the department faces severe budget cuts that threaten to close firehouses and stretch emergency teams to their limits.
“She’s sharp, strategic, and not afraid to play hardball,” teases showrunner Andrea Newman. “Her relationship with Pascal is very complicated. They don’t have history — but they will.”
Newman hints that their interactions will be filled with tension, chemistry, and uncertainty. “We’re not so sure about her intentions right off the bat,” she adds. “She’s a bit of a mystery.”
Pascal’s Charm Meets His Match
Mulroney’s Dom Pascal made his debut last season, quickly becoming a commanding presence both at the firehouse and behind closed doors at City Hall. Confident, charming, and sometimes a little too sure of himself, Pascal may finally have met someone who can challenge his authority — and maybe his heart.
In an exclusive first-look photo, Pascal sits across from Annette Davis, tension radiating between them as she flips open a confidential file. The expression on his face says it all: whatever’s inside could change everything.
Fans are already buzzing about the potential chemistry between Mulroney and Gish, both seasoned actors known for bringing layered performances to every project they touch. Could this professional rivalry ignite into something more?
The Fallout at Firehouse 51
Meanwhile, the ripple effects of the CFD’s financial strain are being felt across the board. Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) is stretched thin managing ambulance calls, joined by Novak (Jocelyn Hudon) and Rescue Squad’s Capp (Randy Flagler), who’s stepping in to help cover the growing workload.
“The cuts are going to affect everybody at the firehouse this season,” Newman confirms. “There’s a real shakeup.”
That shakeup could mean more than just personnel changes — it could redefine the show’s tone and power dynamics. If Davis enforces the mayor’s cost-saving measures, she’ll find herself at odds with Pascal and his fiercely loyal team. But if she chooses to side with him, she might just become 51’s unexpected ally in a city full of backroom deals and political smoke screens.
Gish’s Arrival Marks a New Chapter
For longtime fans, Annabeth Gish’s casting is an exciting addition. Known for her ability to play both compassionate and calculating characters, she brings an energy that could steer Chicago Fire into a more politically charged — and emotionally complex — direction.
“Annabeth has this incredible ability to command a room with stillness,” says one insider close to production. “When she’s opposite Dermot, you feel the tension build before either of them says a word.”
Whether Annette Davis becomes a savior or a saboteur remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure — her presence will test Pascal’s leadership and Firehouse 51’s unity like never before.
“Chicago Fire” Season 14 premieres Wednesday, October 1 on NBC.
