After Chicago Fire’s Major Loss, The Timing Couldn’t Be Better For Eamonn Walker To Return As Boden

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Be aware that the events of Episode 15 in the current season of Chicago Fire on NBC are revealed. Titled “Too Close,” it can be streamed now with a Peacock subscription.

In the March 5th episode of Chicago Fire, NBC was building anticipation for a significant character death, and the original One Chicago drama did not disappoint in its 2025 TV lineup. However, contrary to expectations, one of Firehouse 51’s heroes didn’t die, but Chief Pascal experienced a devastating loss when his wife Monica was tragically killed in a car accident – on their anniversary, no less. The upcoming scenes seem grim for Pascal, and the timing couldn’t be more fitting as it has been announced that Eamonn Walker will return to his role as none other than Wallace Boden.

Let’s start with the good news!

Eamonn Walker’s Return

In a surprising turn of events, it was announced mere hours before the broadcast of “Too Close” that Eamonn Walker would soon return to Chicago Fire. Given this, it’s not unreasonable to assume that trouble might be brewing for Firehouse 51’s current chief. NBC Insider has disclosed that the familiar face will make a comeback, marking his first appearance since the Season 12 finale from the spring, in an episode slated for Wednesday, April 16. This installment will be the 18th of Season 13 and is titled “Post-Mortem.

In the upcoming episode, Pascal appears to be in distress, as suggested by the promotional material. However, this isn’t the event that will lead to Boden’s return. Instead, Commissioner Griffin orders Boden, the Deputy Fire Commissioner, to revisit a charred house following a fire that trapped a firefighter inside. Showrunner Andrea Newman gives us a sneak peek into what’s ahead, hinting at the impending analysis of the burnt-out structure.

We’re overjoyed to welcome back our cherished Fire Chief Boden, and the upcoming episode, named ‘Post-Mortem,’ promises an exhilarating journey unlike any other we’ve embarked on. Through flashbacks and distinctive viewpoints, Fire Chief Boden guides our team as they delve into the intricate details of a brutal firefight that ended catastrophically, unraveling the events leading up to it.

It’s evident that Eamonn Walker isn’t returning merely for a brief appearance! Even if the episode might not seem enticing at first, his comeback will surely be worth it when the spring 2024 announcement is kept in mind, hinting at the actor potentially reprising his role as a recurring guest star. We can expect at least one more scene with him before Season 13 concludes! Here’s hoping for an engaging conversation among Mouch, Herrmann, and Boden, where Herrmann might inch closer to realizing Boden’s aspirations for him, and Mouch may even be promoted to lieutenant.

The filming for the episode has already started, as evidenced by an adorable picture shared on the One Chicago X account (previously known as Twitter).

Moving forward from discussing the promising future of Chicago Fire, let’s delve into the tragic event unfolding in “Too Close”, where the character Pascal suffered an unbearable loss – his wife passed away on the very same night he was eager to present her a special gift during their anniversary dinner.

Why Pascal Needs An Intervention

By the finale of Episode 15, Pascal found himself deeply saddened when he discovered Monica had been involved in a car accident. Arriving at the medical facility mere moments too late, Dr. Archer (portrayed by recurring Chicago Med actor Steven Weber) informed him that she had already succumbed to her injuries. He was deprived of the chance to bid her farewell. Although Monica wasn’t the most prominent character in Chicago Fire Season 13, Dermot Mulroney’s heart-wrenching portrayal of Pascal receiving the devastating news made the tragedy all the more impactful.

After a brief hiatus until March 26, One Chicago is set to resume. Given this pause, it seems reasonable to assume that there could be a small time leap to bring Pascal back to work, following the death of his wife. However, judging from the sneak peek, it appears he might have benefited from spending more time away from the Fire Department to grieve his spouse thoroughly. Here’s a glimpse:

In simpler terms, Pascal was seen shedding tears in his office, boldly addressing someone suspected of causing his spouse’s accident, and hanging precariously from some heavy equipment at a great height. It seems he could have benefited from additional time away following his wife’s demise, and judging by this brief glimpse, it looks like the team in 51 will be struggling to manage their leader in such a state.

There are indeed intriguing scenarios if Pascal decides to leave his position, either voluntarily or not, following the upcoming episode’s events. Herrmann continues to express his desire for Pascal’s job, while Mouch grows wary due to Pascal’s comment about being too intimate with his best friend to fully grasp the truth.

What we can be certain of is that Eamonn Walker’s significant episode aimed at reintroducing Boden won’t initially tackle the aftermath of Monica’s death, meaning we won’t get to witness Boden’s reaction to the events surrounding Pascal. However, there’s still much anticipation ahead! Don’t miss the upcoming new episode of Chicago Fire on NBC this Wednesday, March 26 at 9 p.m. ET, sandwiched between Chicago Med at 8 p.m. ET and Chicago P.D. at 10 p.m. ET. Catch up on the current seasons of all three shows on Peacock as well!

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2025-03-06 16:55