One of the most emotionally driving seasons of Chicago Fire 13, the action series broadcast on NBC has become. The confirmation of two major cast departures as well as the very tragic on-screen death of a character left the audience of the show in tears and completely changed the dynamics of Firehouse 51.
Daniel Kyri and Jake Lockett to Exit After Season 13
Several news reports have Daniel Kyri and Jake Lockett leaving the series after its 13th season concludes. The actors’ characters who will be leaving the show are Darren Ritter, the firefighter who has been played by Kyri since Season 7, and Carver, who was introduced by Lockett in Season 11.
It is said that what actually happened to them is only a small part of a larger business approach and a series of long-term negotiations with the team of experienced cast members. There’s no response from NBC to confirm whether these characters will be back in the future, as permanent casts, or if there’s a possibility of guest appearances.
Reports are that the shooting of the last episodes of the show is still ongoing and the sources say in both cases the characters will be given a proper farewell before the season final.
Tragic Death of Monica Pascal
Monica Pascal, the wife of Chief Dom Pascal of Firehouse 51, suddenly died one day in Season 13, Episode 15, which was named Too Close, and the show. Pascal, who was played by KaDee Strickland, was a victim of a car crash that resulted in internal injuries, which hospitalized her and caused her death.
The emotional scenario took place during what should have been the couple’s seventh wedding anniversary. Chief Pascal came running to the hospital only to find his wife dead due to the internal injuries before she could get the operation that she needed so badly.
The memory not only touched the hearts of the fans but also had an impact on the show’s characters. The death is now considered a milestone in the life of Chief Pascal, who is struggling to stay focused and at the same time, deal with his personal grief.
Eamonn Walker Returns in a Special Role
Moreover, actor Eamonn Walker appeared in Episode 18, Post-Mortem, which was aired on April 16 adding to the season’s dramatic twists. Walker, who said goodbye to the show as a regular cast member last season, is playing the role of Wallace Boden — the new Deputy Commissioner this time.
In his return to Firehouse 51, Boden is in command of an investigation about a certain fire that led to a firefighter getting hurt. The episode employs flashbacks and various viewpoints to unfold the to its audience the entire event, with Boden having his leadership challenged as he faces the people of his former team.
The fans have shown an incredibly positive reaction to Walker’s return as this is his first appearance since he left his regular post in Season 12. Walker’s authority figure status and his strong connection to the firehouse strengthen an already intense storyline.
Uncertainty Reigns Over Season 13
When a lot of characters are leaving and shocking story developments are happening, then it’s safe to say that Season 13 of Chicago Fire is definitely reshaping its future. The absence of fan favorite characters such as Ritter and Carver with the intensity of Monica Pascal’s death has thrown the firehouse into a tail-spin that the show needs to answer head-on.
Whether NBC will be introducing more characters or if there are other changes they will make is still unknown. One thing is certain, however, and that is that Firehouse 51 is having to go through a really difficult phase.
Chicago Fire is broadcast at the Wednesday 9 PM ET/PT slots on NBC. Also, one can watch the renewed episodes on Peacock the next day.
