As Chicago Fire heads into Season 14, fans are left wondering what might happen next for the characters, especially Novak. With the departure of Michael Bradway’s character, Damon, the writers are now tasked with finding a new love interest for Novak, and the possibility of a romance with Chief Pascal (played by Dermot Mulroney) has been floated. But is this the right direction for the show?’
Season 13 offered a subtle hint that there could be something more between Novak and Chief Pascal. Novak even confessed to Violet that she had a bit of a crush on him, while Pascal appeared to wrestle with similar feelings. But this developing connection ran into some serious complications, and some fans fear that turning it into a full-blown romance would be a huge misstep for the show and its characters.
Why Novak and Pascal Shouldn’t Be Together
1. The Cheating Angle:
The first and most glaring issue with Novak and Pascal’s potential relationship is that Chief Pascal was married to Monica at the time. Though their marriage was in rough shape, with Monica already living separately in Chicago, the fact that he was still married when the flirtation began makes this a tricky storyline. A healthy romance should never start with the foundation of emotional infidelity. Even if Monica and Pascal were on the outs, exploring any romantic involvement before addressing the complexities of their relationship would feel disingenuous to the audience.
2. The Grief Factor:
Another reason why a romance between Novak and Pascal would be problematic is the recent tragedy surrounding Pascal’s life. After the death of his wife Monica in Season 13, Pascal found himself grappling with overwhelming grief. Jumping into a relationship so soon after a spouse’s death could not only feel insensitive but also unrealistic. For Novak, becoming involved with someone grieving such a profound loss could only complicate things and likely lead to failure. Emotional baggage, particularly that tied to grief, isn’t something that can simply be worked through by jumping into a new romance.
3. The Work Dynamic:
Chief Pascal’s role as the head of Firehouse 51 adds another layer of complexity to the idea of a romance with Novak. Relationships within a professional setting, especially one as high-pressure as the firehouse, can quickly lead to conflicts of interest, favoritism, and a breakdown of trust. With so much at stake, mixing personal and professional lives would likely complicate things, particularly for someone like Novak, who has a vested interest in the team’s dynamics. Introducing romantic tension into this environment could lead to chaos, and ultimately, would serve to disrupt the harmony within Firehouse 51.
The Better Option for Novak
While the potential pairing between Novak and Pascal has sparked some intrigue, it feels like a move the writers should avoid. Instead, they might be better off exploring Novak’s personal growth and healing without rushing her into another relationship. Given the trauma and heartbreak she’s endured, having Novak focus on her career, friendships, and mental health could make for a compelling storyline, and one that doesn’t hinge on the first man who shows her attention.
In the long run, forcing a relationship between Novak and Chief Pascal would undermine Novak’s agency and serve as a quick fix rather than a meaningful, well-thought-out plot. Rather than following this path, the show should focus on building Novak’s character with depth, allowing her to take her time in finding love again — when and if the right person comes along.
The Bottom Line
While Chicago Fire is no stranger to high-stakes romances, the idea of Novak and Chief Pascal being thrust into a relationship feels too soon and too fraught with problems. Grief, work dynamics, and the ghost of a marriage would all be baggage that the writers need to carefully navigate. If they choose this path, it could be disastrous for the characters, the audience, and the story as a whole. The best option is to let Novak find herself and allow any potential romance to develop organically, not as a way to fill the void left by Damon’s departure.
