NBC’sChicago Firetook another loss whenEamonn Walker’s Chief Boden left the show during the season 12 finale, but the good news is that he’s expected to return in some capacity in season 13 (which may or may not hurt Boden’s replacement). The procedural drama has undergone many cast changes over the years. With 12 (soon-to-be 13) seasons and 252 episodes under its belt, the list ofChicago Fireseries regulars is bound to be altered as the years pass. Nevertheless,Walker had been a main cast member since season 1,making his departure all the more heartbreaking.
Boden was promoted from Firehouse 51’s chief to the Chicago Fire Department’s Deputy Commissionerin theChicago Fireseason 12 finale. He couldn’t say no to the offer, but that meant he had to say goodbye to his Firehouse 51 family. After 12 seasons of Boden as the chief, it will be interesting to see someone new assume the position. New relationships will form as well as new methods of conduct in the field. While it might all be strange at first, Boden’s replacement deserves the time and space to cement his place intheChicago Fireseason 13 cast.
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Walker Will Reprise His Role As Boden In Chicago Fire Season 13
Dermot Mulroney’sDom Pascal will replace Boden inChicago Fireseason 13. The new addition to the squad is exciting, especially given Mulroney’s talent and the endless possibilities regarding his character. As a result,the NBC procedural drama must let Pascal settle into his new role at Firehouse 51before inevitably bringing Boden back.
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Walker is expected to return as Boden in the upcoming season in some capacity, but the writers shouldn’t rush it and must wait (ideally until midseason) to incorporate Boden into theChicago Fireseason 13 story, for Pascal’s sake.TheOne Chicagotrailer teases Pascal as Boden’s replacementinChicago Fireseason 13, and it appears the characters will have mixed reactions to the new chief.
Chicago Fireseason 13 will consist of 22 episodes and is scheduled to premiere on Wednesday, July 22, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET on NBC.
Kelly Severide, in particular, is wary of Pascal, who is enacting change in Firehouse 51. New dynamics are at play, thanks to the arrival of Pascal. Meanwhile,the firefighters and paramedics (along with the audience) will likely be comparing Mulroney’s character to Boden.So, Pascal needs time to settle in, letting the characters and viewers get used to him and adjusting to life after Boden. But, if Boden is around, he’ll just impede Pascal’s development.
Eamonn Walker’s Return As Boden Can Make Chief Pascal Better - If It Happens Later
Pascal Needs Time To Establish Himself As The New Chief
Of course, most viewers would be ecstatic to see Walker reprise his role as Boden inChicago Fireseason 13, and his return is more than welcome. However, the writers must wait until much later in the season before bringing Boden back. Once Pascal is established as his owncharacter inChicago Fire, thenBoden can return and stir up some drama between himself and Pascal.
The conflict and dynamic between Boden and Pascal could enrich Pascal’s character, furthering his development inChicago Fire(as long as it happens later in the season).
It has already been revealed thatPascal will be much different from Boden inChicago Fireseason 13.They approach the role of chief much differently, which might cause tension between the two.Or perhaps Boden is the one to convince Firehouse 51 to accept Pascal as their new leader. Whatever the case, the conflict and dynamic between Boden and Pascal could enrich Pascal’s character, furthering his development inChicago Fire(as long as it happens later in the season).
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Chicago Fire follows the lives of firefighters, rescue squad members, and paramedics of Firehouse 51 in Chicago as they face professional and personal challenges, showcasing their dedication, teamwork, and resilience.
