A Powerful Dynamic in Fire Country
One of the most compelling aspects of CBS’s Fire Country is the raw, unresolved tension between Bode Donovan (played by Max Thieriot) and his father, Vince Leone (played by Billy Burke). From the very first episode, their strained father-son relationship became the emotional backbone of the show — marked by anger, love, regret, and the desperate hope for redemption.
The chemistry between Thieriot and Burke is unmistakable. Their scenes are often emotionally charged, with Thieriot playing Bode as a wounded man searching for validation, while Burke embodies Vince as a father torn between duty and disappointment. Audiences quickly noticed that this wasn’t just well-written drama — it was layered, authentic, and deeply moving.
How Max Thieriot Chose Billy Burke
As the co-creator and executive producer of Fire Country, Max Thieriot had a direct hand in casting. Choosing Billy Burke as Vince Leone was both a strategic and emotional decision. Burke, known for his gritty roles in Twilight, Zoo, and Revolution, brought exactly the kind of internal conflict that Thieriot wanted for Vince.
In interviews, Max has said:
“Billy has this quiet fire in him. He can say everything with a look — and when he brings that into scenes between Vince and Bode, it’s magic.”
Burke, in return, has expressed admiration for Thieriot’s leadership and work ethic, especially given how many roles he juggles on the series.
A Partnership of Equals Behind the Scenes
While their characters often clash onscreen, the relationship between Thieriot and Burke behind the scenes is built on trust, creative exchange, and mutual respect. Burke is said to offer suggestions to deepen Vince’s role, while Thieriot is always open to exploring unexpected emotional turns in their scenes together.
This partnership has strengthened over the seasons, with both actors contributing to some of the show’s most impactful moments — including the intense confrontations in Season 2 about Bode’s prison sentence and his mother’s illness.
Navigating Loss and Legacy in Season 3
In the Season 3 finale of Fire Country, Vince Leone’s fate became a major turning point. With the character’s future hanging in the balance after a catastrophic explosion, fans were left wondering whether Burke would return.
This possible departure — still unconfirmed — has brought new attention to just how central the Bode-Vince relationship is to the show’s core.
If Burke exits the series, it will leave a major emotional void, both for viewers and for Bode’s arc. Yet Thieriot has hinted that even if Vince is no longer present, his influence will remain:
“That relationship shaped Bode. It still drives everything he does.”
