Chicago Fire season 13 is bringing a new Firehouse 51 despite Chief Boden’s plan, and I’ve always known that this would happen. My initial introduction to Dick Wolf’s franchise was Law & Order: SVU, so naturally, I expected the same thing when I started with Wolf Entertainment’s expansion franchise, One Chicago. I quickly realized, however, that things were different in the Windy City than in New York. As its flagship, Chicago Fire remains the most popular of the trio of projects. Season 12, however, was particularly difficult because of the sheer number of departures that it experienced.
Interestingly, Chicago Fire is also the most different from Law & Order, because there’s more focus on Firehouse 51’s relationships than its actual calls. This makes it a proper ensemble, and hence why, it’s always difficult when a long-time character leaves, let alone its leader — Eammon Walker’s Chief Boden. Losing him sets Kelly Severide and the rest of the team on a difficult transition period when they return for Chicago Fire season 13. As a good leader, Boden tries to make it easier by keeping the house in order as much as possible, only for it to be undone.
Why Boden Personally Chose Hermann To Be His Firehouse 51 Replacement
Hermann Is Great At Counseling People, Which Is A Big Part Of The Job
Boden’s reign ends as Firehouse 51’s fearless and principled Battalion Chief when he is promoted to be the new First Deputy Fire Commissioner — a role that he deserves in the Chicago Fire season 12 finale. Boden doesn’t even want to leave his firehouse, but he is forced to do so following a threat to the organization. He personally handpicks Christopher Hermann to take his role, which everyone in Firehouse 51 supports. Boden initially wanted Severide to replace him, but he changed his mind after realizing that Engine 51 CO was more suited for the role.
It was the best-case scenario in an already difficult situation for Firehouse 51. Somehow, however, I’ve always known that it will never stick. As revealed in a new report, Chicago Fire season 13 is introducing a new character to replace Boden. Tentatively named Dom Pascal, he previously served in Miami, and is “described as a cheerful person who works well under pressure, and whose leadership style differs from Boden’s.” Casting is currently underway, but regardless of who they are bringing in, this makes it clear that Hermann won’t be Firehouse 51’s new Battalion Chief.
Hermann Being Firehouse 51’s Next Chief Decreases The Chicago Fire Season 13 Drama
It Narrows The Good Narrative Options For Chicago Fire Season 13
Understandably, Boden wanted his successor to be someone from Firehouse 51 since he knew how tight-knit his former team was. From a storytelling perspective, however, I was always skeptical about whether Hermann would assume the position. For starters, it doesn’t pose any real conflict that could be at the center of Chicago Fire season 13’s story. Even if Hermann struggles to fill the void that Boden left (anyone will, considering how great he was in the job), I and those who religiously follow One Chicago know that it is only a matter of time before the issue is resolved.
Unfortunately, Chicago Fire is best when there’s office politics involved in its usual storytelling elements, and it just won’t have that with Hermann easily becoming the new Firehouse 51 Battalion Chief.
That’s exactly what happened with Joe Cruz’s grudge against Severide in Chicago Fire season 12, which wasn’t even properly resolved but just swept under the rug. Considering how beloved Hermann is, it’s difficult to imagine anyone who would openly antagonize him, especially since Boden chose him to be his successor. Unfortunately, Chicago Fire is best when there’s office politics involved in its usual storytelling elements, and it just won’t have that with Hermann easily becoming the new Firehouse 51 Battalion Chief.
Secondly, Hermann also severely damaged his hearing in the Chicago Fire season 12 premiere — something that he tried to hide from the rest of Firehouse 51. Ultimately, he got it checked and was advised to get hearing aids. While it hasn’t bothered him since then, it may have come up as he is preparing to take over Boden’s old job, effectively preventing him from doing so.
It’s Better For Chicago Fire Season 13 To Bring In A New Firehouse 51 Chief
This Can Make Firehouse 51 Stronger
Just because Hermann isn’t Firehouse 51’s Battalion Chief when it returns in Chicago Fire season 13, it doesn’t mean that he will never be able to fulfill the plan that Boden has for him. Personally, this is a better narrative route than just Hermann assuming his new position. At this point, it needs a central storyline that could unite the house to re-establish its internal dynamic, especially considering the arrival of new players, including Benny Severide’s son, Jack Damon. If anything, this may lead to a much stronger Firehouse 51 as they navigate something totally new for them.
