Chicago Fire Season 13’s Boden Replacement Creates A Big Challenge For Eamonn Walker’s Return

NBC’s Chicago Fire took another loss when Eamonn Walker’s Chief Boden left the show during the season 12 finale, but the good news is that he’s expected to return in some capacity in season 13 (which may or may not hurt Boden’s replacement). The procedural drama has undergone many cast changes over the years. With 12 (soon-to-be 13) seasons and 252 episodes under its belt, the list of Chicago Fire series regulars is bound to be altered as the years pass. Nevertheless, Walker had been a main cast member since season 1, making his departure all the more heartbreaking.

Boden was promoted from Firehouse 51’s chief to the Chicago Fire Department’s Deputy Commissioner in the Chicago Fire season 12 finale. He couldn’t say no to the offer, but that meant he had to say goodbye to his Firehouse 51 family. After 12 seasons of Boden as the chief, it will be interesting to see someone new assume the position. New relationships will form as well as new methods of conduct in the field. While it might all be strange at first, Boden’s replacement deserves the time and space to cement his place in the Chicago Fire season 13 cast.

Chicago Fire Needs To Time Eamonn Walker’s Return Right To Avoiding Hurting Boden’s Replacement

Walker Will Reprise His Role As Boden In Chicago Fire Season 13

Dermot Mulroney’s Dom Pascal will replace Boden in Chicago Fire season 13. The new addition to the squad is exciting, especially given Mulroney’s talent and the endless possibilities regarding his character. As a result, the NBC procedural drama must let Pascal settle into his new role at Firehouse 51 before inevitably bringing Boden back.

Walker is expected to return as Boden in the upcoming season in some capacity, but the writers shouldn’t rush it and must wait (ideally until midseason) to incorporate Boden into the Chicago Fire season 13 story, for Pascal’s sake. The One Chicago trailer teases Pascal as Boden’s replacement in Chicago Fire season 13, and it appears the characters will have mixed reactions to the new chief.

Kelly Severide, in particular, is wary of Pascal, who is enacting change in Firehouse 51. New dynamics are at play, thanks to the arrival of Pascal. Meanwhile, the firefighters and paramedics (along with the audience) will likely be comparing Mulroney’s character to Boden. So, Pascal needs time to settle in, letting the characters and viewers get used to him and adjusting to life after Boden. But, if Boden is around, he’ll just impede Pascal’s development.

Eamonn Walker’s Return As Boden Can Make Chief Pascal Better – If It Happens Later

Pascal Needs Time To Establish Himself As The New Chief

Of course, most viewers would be ecstatic to see Walker reprise his role as Boden in Chicago Fire season 13, and his return is more than welcome. However, the writers must wait until much later in the season before bringing Boden back. Once Pascal is established as his own character in Chicago Fire, then Boden can return and stir up some drama between himself and Pascal.

It has already been revealed that Pascal will be much different from Boden in Chicago Fire season 13. They approach the role of chief much differently, which might cause tension between the two. Or perhaps Boden is the one to convince Firehouse 51 to accept Pascal as their new leader. Whatever the case, the conflict and dynamic between Boden and Pascal could enrich Pascal’s character, furthering his development in Chicago Fire (as long as it happens later in the season).