As someone who has been following Chicago Fire for over a decade now, it seems like this upcoming season is going to be quite the rollercoaster ride! With Boden stepping down and Chief Pascal (Mulroney) taking over, it’s clear that there will be some major changes at Firehouse 51. I can just imagine the clash between these two strong-willed characters!
[This story contains mild spoilers from the season 13 premiere of Chicago Fire, “A Monster In the Field.”]
Change isn’t always straightforward, as evident during the premiere of season 13 for NBC’s reliable hit show Chicago Fire. If you’re showrunner Andrea Newman, you might even describe it as an eerie feeling since main characters faced challenges and individuals from their past that seemed to linger like ghosts.
In the first episode, viewers noticed the entire Firehouse 51 team grappling with the absence of their respected former Fire Chief Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker). Previously, Boden had moved up the ranks within the Chicago Fire Department, leaving behind a significantly distinct personality as the new leader, Dom Pascal, portrayed by Dermot Mulroney. Unlike Boden, Pascal makes it clear that he’s not trying to mimic his predecessor and instead sets his own rules for the firehouse. To relieve tension, Chief Pascal often spends time punching a bag in the station.
To gain a better understanding of what the 13th season of Chicago Fire will entail for its fans, The Hollywood Reporter recently interviewed the show’s captain and showrunner, Andrea Newman, to uncover the new season’s main theme, some exciting storylines to watch out for, and how the character of Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg) will manage his role as chief following Boden’s final message in season 12.
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In the previous season, a significant plot revolved around the mature firefighters in the station grappling with the bodily and mental alterations brought on by aging. The audience of the series appeared to appreciate this narrative thread. So, what might viewers anticipate for Season 13?
Man, here I am reflecting on Chicago Fire’s Season 13. Funny enough, during the initial stages, we jokingly referred to it as Lucky 13 or Spooky 13, you know, light-hearted nicknames. But as the season unfolded, it turned out that these names had a deeper significance. The theme of shadows has been quite prevalent this year. Boden’s shadow looms large over the firehouse, and Severide carries the constant specter of his father Benny, played by the late Treat Williams. The bond between Severide and Jack Damon (Michael Bradway) feels like a reflection of that shadow.
Could you provide some additional insights about the development of the relationship between Lieutenant Severide and his half-brother, Damon, within the context of this current season?
This upcoming season will significantly impact Severide’s life. Last season, Severide was contemplating family matters, and there was an interaction between him and Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) about starting one. In the final episode of last season, it was disclosed that he has a half-brother, whose relationship will play a crucial role at the start of this season since it also involves Kidd due to her position as his lieutenant. The fact that they are related and Severide’s secret keeping about this connection will be a significant aspect of their relationship, forming a trio dynamic between them.
And that part about Severide wanting a family, where are we going with that?
The story will continue to develop as we delve into the distinct perspectives when a male versus female firefighter faces certain decisions, particularly impacting Kidd and Severide uniquely. We’re having this dialogue for that reason, and another due to the lack of emotionally supportive parental role models these characters have experienced. Their half-brother serves as a symbol of this ongoing challenge they must confront, dealing not only with firehouse duties but also their personal relationship issues and past experiences.
So, what about beloved firefighter Christopher Herrmann (Eigenberg)? We remember that Chief Boden expressed his support for Herrmann to take over as head of Firehouse 51 at the end of the previous season. However, it seems he won’t be taking on that role… correct?
The intriguing aspect here is that Boden seemed to view Herrmann as his likely successor, expressing, “I believe you lead with your emotions, and that’s what will make you stand out.” However, there are stages to this process. It’s not a simple matter of snapping fingers and promoting him to the top position. He needs to pass certain tests to advance, and during this time, someone else is occupying the role he aspires to fill. This sets up an anticipatory conflict we should watch out for this season. Undoubtedly, it’s a challenge for the new chief, and it’s a problem Herrmann faces from the very start.
In the past seasons, we often saw multiple episodes that connected with each other. However, last season, such episodes seemed to be absent or scarce. Is there a possibility of seeing them in season 13?
Due to the strike, the season was cut shorter than usual, leaving us with limited time. Yet, this is something we enjoy immensely, and I’m confident that discussions about it will arise during this season. We also relish the mini-crossovers where characters from Chicago PD temporarily join our team, and we reciprocate by sending our people to Chicago Med.
How are we looking this season as far as major cast members leaving?
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reflect on Boden’s poignant words about change being an inherent part of life, especially within firehouses where personnel rotate. However, the most significant shift that has me buzzing is the arrival of our new chief, Chief Pascal (Mulroney). Undeniably, this development will be the main focus as we dive into the upcoming season.
What else can you tell us about Firehouse 51’s new chief? What do we need to know about him?
Just so fun! Dermot is a phenomenal actor, and we had ideas about who this Chief Pascal was going to be. What we knew for sure is that we didn’t want him to be like Boden. They are very different characters. And then Dermot showed up and brought all his talent. He has so many intriguing qualities himself, and it all got caught up in this Pascal character, who we keep saying is just kind of a mystery man from the jump. He has layers that will be peeled back. The moment he steps in the house, he’s like, “I’m not Boden, I’m not trying to be Boden. There’s going to be some changes around here, new rules.” So, he’s going to shake things up quite a bit.
Will Chief Boden make any guest appearances?
Yes, that’s part of our plan is to see Boden. He is a part of our world, still.
When you end a season, do you already know how the next season is going to evolve?
Absolutely. When creating our suspenseful plot twists, we always have a clear understanding of how they’ll be resolved. However, once we reconvene, it takes us a couple of weeks before we delve into the broader, season-long story arcs.
Could you elaborate on the connection between Lockett (Carver) and Hanako Greensmith (Violet Mikami). Is there a chance this relationship could reach its fullest possibility?
Absolutely, it sounds intriguing! The series seems to be picking up where it left off at a critical point last season, leading to plenty of turmoil in the new one. There’s a lot of tension between the main characters this time around. With regard to Violet, the specter of Hawkins’ death from season 11 continues to haunt her as she navigates future relationships, making this season about her overcoming that past trauma. Carver too has personal matters to attend to, as his return home and exposure to family brings up old, painful memories for him.
You mentioned Joe Cruz’s (Minoso) character earlier. Can you expound on that a bit more?
Indeed, continuing with the topic you mentioned, he’s going to encounter a spirit from his past. It’s always exciting to delve into history and reintroduce characters who have been absent for quite some time. These individuals could have significantly influenced the main characters in their lives at one point. So, viewers can expect to see this dynamic play out in Cruz’s storyline in a way that will leave everyone somewhat bewildered.
So, spooky seems to be the main theme?
Instead of “shadows and ghosts, and being haunted by the past,” consider using “echoes from the past, and a sense of the supernatural lingering about.” And as for the title, how about “The Ghostly Writers’ Room: Our Season of Spooky Reminiscence”?
Chicago Fire airs new episodes Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on NBC, streaming on Peacock.
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2024-09-26 21:55