Jake Lockett’s Sam Carver and Michael Bradway’s Jack Damon are leaving Chicago Fire ahead of the season 14 premiere. Meanwhile, Daniel Kyri’s Darren Ritter will return at the beginning of the season but is set to exit after an unspecified number of episodes. And Brandon Larracuente’s Sal Vasquez is Firehouse 51’s newest firefighter. However, these aren’t the only big changes awaiting the characters.
Mouch Replaces Herrmann In Chicago Fire Season 14
Mouch Takes Over As Engine 51’s Lieutenant
During the Chicago Fire season 13 finale, Herrmann took a demotion so that Mouch could assume his role as Engine 51’s lieutenant. It all started when Boden expressed his wish to have Herrmann replace him as Firehouse 51’s chief in season 12. But since he didn’t have the qualifications to do so, Dermot Mulroney’s Dom Pascal stepped in as the fire station’s leader.
Mouch pushed Herrmann to take the captain’s exam at the beginning of Chicago Fire season 13. If he passed, he would be a captain, of course, but he’d also be one step closer to being eligible to be a chief. Since Herrmann (reluctantly) set down this path, Mouch decided he wanted to become a lieutenant. He could then succeed Herrmann on Engine 51.
Since Herrmann chose not to go through with taking the chief’s exam, he would have theoretically stayed on as Engine 51’s leader. But he didn’t want to cheat his best friend out of this opportunity. So, Herrmann informed Mouch that he was stepping down as Engine 51’s lieutenant. Consequently, Mouch would take over his role, and Herrmann would be a regular firefighter again.
Herrmann’s Hesitancy To Hand Control Over To Mouch Could End Their Friendship
Herrmann Seemed Fine With Taking A Demotion In Season 13
In the Chicago Fire season 13 finale, Herrmann seemed happy for Mouch. It was his decision to hand control over to his best friend, after all. Of course, this meant that Herrmann is taking a pay cut along with relinquishing his leadership role. It’s only a matter of time before Herrmann starts to regret his choice or resent Mouch for it.
Unfortunately, it seems as though Herrmann’s regret will start to form in the Chicago Fire season 14 premiere. The synopsis for the upcoming episode says as much. The description of Chicago Fire season 14, episode 1, “Kicking Down Doors,” reads:
“A new face at Firehouse 51 causes tension, while rising chaos in the city brings new challenges to the team. Herrmann stalls on plans of relinquishing his office to Mouch.”
The “new face” is referring to Vasquez, who will butt heads with his lieutenant, Stella Kidd. As for the “rising chaos,” fans must wait until the episode premieres to learn more details. Meanwhile, the teaser reveals that Herrmann will be hesitant to hand over the reins to Mouch in season 14. Perhaps he’s rethinking his decision to step down as Engine 51’s lieutenant.
If Herrmann backs down on his promise to Mouch, or even if he buries his regret and lets Mouch take over, their friendship could be headed for disaster in Chicago Fire season 14. Herrmann’s theoretical decision to continue as a lieutenant would anger Mouch. And if Herrmann doesn’t express his feelings, they could build up and fester until they’re out of control.
Whatever the case, fans should be worried about Herrmann and Mouch’s relationship in Chicago Fire season 14. The lieutenant situation could easily result in a huge fight between the two best friends, leading to a fallout. Based on the premiere’s description, a breakup could happen as early as episode 1.
How Herrmann & Mouch Can Overcome This Obstacle In Season 14
Herrmann & Mouch Have Too Much History For This To Be The End
The two Chicago Fire characters will undoubtedly encounter significant speed bumps in the episodes to come. But they can overcome them by simply talking to each other and maturely expressing their feelings. Unfortunately, that doesn’t exactly make for good TV. Chicago Fire season 14 will likely put Herrmann and Mouch through the wringer before they make amends.
