As One Chicago’s parent show, Chicago Fire is the series that drives the franchise forward, and season 13 has set up a new and exciting era for the IP. Following Chicago Fire season 12’s truncated episode count, season 13 was a return to long-form storytelling, which I believe has marked a turning point for the future of the One Chicago franchise.
One of the biggest developments to come out of Chicago Fire season 13 was the welcome return of the crossover episodes that defined the franchise’s early seasons. After a five-year gap, the franchise returned to a full-scale, multi-show, three-part crossover event with “In The Trenches: Part I,” which aired as Chicago Fire season 13, episode 11, before continuing across Chicago Med season 10, episode 11, and concluding as part of Chicago P.D. season 12, episode 11. This was the first crossover event since “Infection,” which aired in 2019.
The storyline centered on a devastating gas explosion beneath a city high-rise, which also threatened the subway, and required the combined efforts of fire rescue teams, trauma doctors, and police tactical units. Not only was the immense spectacle a great example of what Chicago Fire can do with a combination of action and drama, but it also served as a reminder of the unified storytelling and nail-biting stakes that made the early seasons of One Chicago feel so immersive.
One of the most significant narrative shifts in Chicago Fire season 13 was the change in leadership dynamics, which saw Chief Dom Pascal take over as head of Firehouse 51. He was brought in to replace fan-favorite Wallace Boden, who left the show following his promotion to Deputy District Chief in one of the most prominent One Chicago character exits ever. Pascal came in the bring stability to Firehouse 51, but quickly came into conflict with several prominent characters, including Severide.
Pascal has one of the most immersive Chicago Fire character arcs and goes through a period of growth before slowly earning the respect of his colleagues. His season arc is also beset by tragedy after Pascal’s wife Monica dies in a car accident, and the chief is then implicated in the subsequent murder of her killer. But Severide works to clear his name and exonerate him, and the two men cool their fractious relationship.
