As Chicago Fire returns for its 13th season anchoring NBC’s One Chicago lineup – Chicago PD and Chicago Med also return with new episodes – the firehouse-based procedural is also dealing with its biggest cast shakeup from season 12. With his character’s promotion, Eamonn Walker will no longer be a sturdy everyday presence. But that also means there’s a new chief in town, and the always reliable Dermot Mulroney has punched in for his first shift at Firehouse 51. Chicago Fire, created by Derek Haas and Michael Brandt with Dick Wolf as executive producer, also features Taylor Kinney, Miranda Rae Mayo, David Eigenberg, Hanako Greensmith, and in a season 13 promotion to everyday player, Jocelyn Hudon.
CHICAGO FIRE – SEASON 13: STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?
Opening Shot: As Jack Damon (Michael Bradway) closes his locker at the firehouse, Dom Pascal (Mulroney) arrives for his first day as the station’s new battalion chief.
The Gist: The looks on the faces of firefighters Randall “Mouch” McHolland (Christian Stolte) and Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso) and Lieutenant Stella Kidd (Mayo) are a mix of wariness and “Who is this guy?” as Pascal arrives. Wallace Boden (Walker) was a towering presence in all of their lives, professionally and personally, and Pascal is coming into an insular or at least well-seasoned firehouse culture. But the new chief does not hesitate to announce his own ground rules.
Like no phones during meals, for example. (“If you find out something new about each other, I’m happy.”) Or detailed after-action reports from his lieutenants Kidd, Seviride (Kenny) and Herrmann (Eigenberg) that feel more like interrogations. But still, Pascal does prove himself immediately in the field. At the site of a dangerous chemical fire with all kinds of shrapnel popping off, he establishes a defensive perimeter, deploys his people judiciously, and takes no notice of the flames as he personally drags a wounded citizen to safety. “I think he’s missing the fear gene,” remarks paramedic Lyla “Lizzie” Novak (Hudon) to her partner, Paramedic In Charge Violet Mikami (Greensmith).
There are other personal matters in play. Now that firefighter Jack Damon (Michael Bradway) has been revealed as his half-brother, Kelly Severide is leaning into the idea of mentorship. The newly-married Severide and Kidd discuss whether they want kids, while Pascal observes that it’s an official no-no for spouses to even be working the same shift. And though Mikami apologizes to firefighter Sam Carver (Jake Lockett) about scuttling their burgeoning romance, Carver seems preoccupied with a new woman in his life. There’s a lot going on at Firehouse 51. But when that alarm tone sounds – and it always does – it’s time to drop it and suit up. “Cutters and jaws!”
