A New Era at Firehouse 51
After Chief Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker) stepped down from his long-held position to take on the role of Deputy Fire Commissioner, the question of his successor loomed large. While Boden initially considered Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg) for the role, the position ultimately went to Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney).
Pascal’s arrival in Season 13 immediately set a different tone at Firehouse 51. Having previously served as a fire chief in Miami, Pascal brought a distinct leadership style that clashed with the close-knit, family-like atmosphere Boden had cultivated for years. This created immediate tension, particularly with characters like Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) and Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo), who were deeply loyal to Boden.
The Unbelievable Twist: Boden’s Return and Pascal’s Redemption
The “unbelievable twist” truly came to a head when Boden returned in Season 13, Episode 18, titled “Post-Mortem.” His return wasn’t a casual visit; he was back in his new capacity as Deputy Commissioner to investigate a disastrous firefight that left one of Firehouse 51’s own in peril. This put Boden in a difficult professional position, as he had to objectively scrutinize the decisions made by his former colleagues and the new chief.
During this intense investigation, viewers saw Boden butt heads with Pascal. However, through the episode, a more complex picture of Pascal emerged. He wasn’t simply a rigid, unlikeable figure. In a later Season 13 episode (“Birds of Prey”), a storyline involving Pascal and Severide began to redeem Pascal’s image. It was revealed that Pascal was playing a more intricate game than initially perceived, showcasing his integrity and paving the way for a better rapport with the team.
This dynamic, where the beloved former chief returns to challenge the new, initially divisive replacement, only for the new chief to gradually earn respect, proved to be the jaw-dropping element that kept viewers on their toes. It wasn’t just a simple changing of the guard, but a deeper exploration of leadership, loyalty, and the evolution of Firehouse 51.
