A Fiery Finale With Everything On The Line
Chicago Fire never holds back when it comes to high-stakes endings, but the Season 13 finale, titled “It Had to End This Way,” raises the bar. The new trailer teases Lieutenant Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) facing the biggest professional and moral crisis of his career, as Chief Dom Pascal (guest star) becomes the prime suspect in a shocking arson and attempted murder case.
The trailer’s haunting line — “If Pascal is going down, you’re going down with him” — sets the tone for an episode that threatens to burn everything Severide has built to the ground.
The Case That Could Destroy Two Careers
The trouble begins when Firehouse 51 responds to a devastating car crash. What initially appears to be an accident quickly spirals into a murder investigation when Severide, working in his fire investigator role, uncovers evidence of arson. The victim turns out to be Robert Franklin — the man responsible for the death of Pascal’s wife months earlier.
With a clear motive and damning evidence, Pascal becomes the lead suspect in what police believe was a revenge plot. For Severide, the situation becomes deeply personal. He must choose between reporting his suspicions or standing by his Chief, risking his own reputation in the process.
Captain Van Meter (OFI) delivers the chilling warning seen in the trailer: “If Pascal is going down, you’re going down with him.” The message is clear — Severide’s loyalty could cost him everything.
A Bond Forged in Fire
Throughout the season, Severide and Pascal’s relationship has evolved from professional tension to mutual trust. Initially, Pascal’s strict leadership style clashed with Firehouse 51’s family dynamic. He even questioned Severide’s marriage to Stella Kidd, citing departmental regulations.
But as the two worked side by side on complex arson cases, Severide discovered a man driven not by ego, but by duty and loss. When Pascal’s past comes back to haunt him, Severide’s decision to risk his career for him shows just how much their bond has grown.
Severide’s faith in Pascal becomes the heart of the finale — a choice between protecting his superior or protecting himself.
The Truth Behind the Fire
The Season 13 finale’s central mystery reaches a tense climax as Severide investigates deeper, determined to prove Pascal’s innocence. His search leads him to a shocking revelation: the true arsonist is not Pascal, but Lieutenant Vale — a fellow firefighter secretly obsessed with Pascal’s late wife.
Vale’s twisted sense of loyalty led him to frame Pascal, believing he was avenging her death. In a gripping final act, Severide exposes Vale’s crimes, clearing Pascal’s name and saving his own career in the process.
By the end, Pascal is reinstated as Chief, while Severide earns not only vindication but a deeper sense of purpose — and an unbreakable bond with his commanding officer.
Big Changes for Firehouse 51
The finale doesn’t stop with Severide’s redemption. It sets up major storylines for Chicago Fire Season 14:
1. Herrmann Steps Down: After years of service, Herrmann decides against taking the Chief’s test and instead steps down to give his best friend, Mouch, the opportunity to rise to Lieutenant. It’s a touching, selfless decision that cements Herrmann’s legacy.
2. The Stellaride Baby: In one of the finale’s most emotional moments, Stella Kidd reveals to Severide that she’s pregnant. After seasons of turmoil and uncertainty, the couple finally has something to celebrate — and a brand-new chapter on the way.
3. Pascal’s Redemption: With his name cleared, Pascal becomes a respected figure in Firehouse 51, officially solidifying his place as Chief. His and Severide’s renewed partnership will likely drive much of next season’s storytelling.
Looking Ahead to Season 14
While the finale closes the book on Pascal’s scandal, it opens several new ones. With a baby on the way, Severide and Kidd must balance the demands of family life with their dangerous careers. Meanwhile, Pascal’s leadership will continue to shape the team, especially as new threats and rescues test their loyalty once again.
Chicago Fire Season 13 may end in flames, but it leaves behind hope, healing, and a powerful reminder of what the show does best — proving that the strongest bonds are forged in fire.
