Chicago Fire Season 12, Episode 21, “The Bad Guy,” had Severide (Taylor Kinney) and Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) team up in an unlikely turn of events. Pascal wanted to prove his innocence in the attempted murder of Robert Franklin, the driver involved in the accident that resulted in his wife’s death. Severide wanted to believe Pascal was innocent and was looking to prove that he’d been framed. However, it seemed clear with every passing scene that Pascal was guilty. He’s done it before and had the means, motive, and opportunity to do it again. The logline for Episode 22, “It Had to End This Way,” reads: “Severide puts his job on the line to help out one of their own; Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) navigates Natalie’s complicated relationship with her sister; Herrmann (David Eigenberg) prepares to take the Chief test.” NBC released a sneak peek of the season finale airing next week on May 21.
After his arrest, Pascal is questioned by detectives to determine if he was truly responsible for Franklin’s accident. “There is evidence that you tried to kill Robert Franklin,” one detective says. The logline leads us to believe that Severide still thinks Pascal is being set up, but that puts him at odds with Van Meter (Tim Hopper), who believes that Severide lied to him to cover up for Pascal. “If Pascal goes down, you’ll go down with him,” Van Meter warns. Thus far, it’s unclear if Pascal truly was responsible, but even if he wasn’t, the damage has already been done. The firehouse doesn’t trust him, and he doesn’t trust himself. But if he is guilty, he can take Severide with him.
‘Chicago Fire’ Prepares for Numerous Exits
Based on this case’s outcome, Chicago Fire could be looking at two exits as Severide and Pascal face the law. However, given that Herrmann is preparing for his Chief’s test and Pascal has effectively resigned, he could be the only one of the two leaving. We already know that two other series regulars are leaving as Daniel Kyri and Jake Lockett depart the show. When Chicago Fire returns for Season 14 this Fall, we could be looking at a new chief and some new firehouse members to replace Ritter and Carver.
