Chicago Fire season 13 has introduced Chief Tom Pascal, played by Dermot Mulroney, and the mystery surrounding his past in Miami has already sparked intrigue among audience members. The NBC drama, famous for its action, melodrama, and realistic portrayal of firefighters in Chicago, teased at Pascal’s background, leaving viewers curious about what truly happened back in Miami. This new addition is expected to spice up Chicago Fire season 13 by adding some tension as Pascal becomes more integrated with Firehouse 51.
In an exclusive interview with Screen Rant, Mulroney discusses what it feels like coming onto a long-running show like Chicago Fire and revealed that they are working on episode 8. However, he says that despite having shot several episodes already, he is still learning about Pascal’s past too, which he says is central to the character’s introduction. Read his full quote below:
We’ve seen three episodes, and they’re brilliant. The writers, all they had to do was drop one [line] in the first episode, “What happened in Miami,” and it’s driving everyone crazy. Because you see this story every week for 12 years. I’ve never done this, so I’m doing it for the first time, and people are nuts about trying to figure out what happened with Pascal.
So, let me tell you this, we’ve shot seven, we’re on our eighth episode, so I know a little bit more, but I do not know the whole of it. Even myself, the actor, even though, in the life of the character, I’ve already lived through what happened in Miami, but that’s how they do it. So I’m learning too, but I can tell you this, these storylines go great.
It’s not linear, they’re really introducing Pascal in a great way. He has his moral challenges, and then obviously he’s a firefighter, so he keeps going in. So, it’s really a great role to get, and I’m thrilled to be here and on regular network television. I love that, too.
What This Means For The Show
Pascal’s Past Adds Uncertainty To Firehouse 51
The mystery surrounding Pascal’s origins will add a new twist, bringing excitement and unpredictability into the plot. While Chicago Fire tends to focus on high-stakes rescues and the relationships among the firefighters, Chief Pascal’s storyline will bring a new emotional arc that could complicate his integration within Firehouse 51. Depending on what happened in Miami, this could serve for some potential conflict with the rest of the team, who might be hesitant to trust him. Additionally, Mulroney teased a non-linear storyline, which will ensure that viewers will have to keep watching the season to fully find out about Pascal’s past.
Introducing a character with a mysterious past is a risky move that may pay off for the Chicago Fire as they enter season 13. With Pascal’s past being explored throughout the year, the series will be able to delve deep into themes of redemption and second chances while still developing their already existing storylines and delivering the fast-paced action the audience loves.
Our Take On Pascal’s Past
A Season-Long Development
The decision to slowly reveal Chief Pascal’s past throughout the season will add more complexity to Chicago Fire‘s plot. It could involve professional missteps, unresolved trauma, or personal failures during his time in Miami— possibly a failed operation or an internal scandal that would have forced him to relocate to Chicago. Mulroney’s remarks point to a layered story that might affect his relationship with the crew at Firehouse 51. As the season progresses, viewers can expect to be surprised by the upcoming revelations.
