Chicago Fire continues to thrive as one of the most popular and engaging procedurals on network TV, and Chicago Fire season 13 was one of the strongest seasons in recent memory. It marked a season of change and transition for the crew of Firehouse 51, but this allowed for fresh and engaging storytelling, new character dynamics, and a stunning One Chicago crossover, all of which have helped to change the landscape of the franchise.
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.
Chicago Fire Season 13 Saw The Return Of The Epic Crossover
The Show Kickstarted The First Franchise Crossover In Half A DecadeOne 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.
Chicago Fire Season 13 Shook Up Its Dynamics With New Leadership
Chief Pascal Replacing Boden Marks The Winds Of Change For Firehouse 51’s Leadership
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.
