CHICAGO, IL — As Chicago Fire approaches the final stretch of its 13th season, the drama is intensifying both in and outside Firehouse 51. With only a few episodes remaining, NBC’s flagship procedural is preparing to deliver major emotional punches, shocking twists, and the return of beloved characters — raising the stakes for longtime fans and new viewers alike.
The season has already been a rollercoaster of personal and professional challenges. One of the biggest changes was the exit of Firehouse Chief Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker), who was promoted to Deputy Commissioner at the end of Season 12. His absence has been deeply felt within the firehouse, both in leadership and morale.
Taking his place, Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) stepped in during a critical time, but his tenure has been clouded by grief following the tragic loss of his wife in a car accident. The emotional strain on Pascal has been evident, leading to growing concerns among his team — and now, the situation is about to escalate.
The Return of a Leader
In the trailer for Episode 18, Wallace Boden makes a highly anticipated return to Firehouse 51. But this isn’t a celebratory homecoming. He arrives to investigate a rescue operation that went terribly wrong, bringing with him a serious tone and a search for accountability.
“Last night was every firefighter’s worst nightmare,” Boden says in the preview, hinting at a grim aftermath and difficult truths yet to be uncovered.
Boden’s presence will likely shake things up, especially as he steps into a position of oversight. His history with the crew — particularly with veterans like Kelly Severide, Stella Kidd, and Joe Cruz — means emotions will run high as tensions rise over what went wrong on the call.
Season 13’s Emotional Core
While Chicago Fire has never shied away from high-stakes rescues and explosive scenes, its heart has always been in its characters. Season 13 has leaned heavily into personal storylines — grieving, healing, and reconciling. Characters like Severide and Kidd continue to navigate the delicate balance between duty and personal life, while newcomers are still earning their place within the team.
Joe Miñoso, who plays Cruz, recently hinted at massive revelations in the upcoming episodes, teasing a jaw-dropping finale that may bring closure — or new chaos. He also hinted at a connection to Lauren German’s late character Leslie Shay, prompting fan speculation of a tribute or flashback sequence.
“We just read the script for episode 21 — jaws will drop,” Miñoso told MovieWeb. “Fans will not see it coming.”
A Look Toward the Future
As Season 13 heads toward its finale, one thing is certain: Chicago Fire remains as emotionally charged and unpredictable as ever. With the return of Boden, unresolved tension among leadership, and whispers of familiar faces possibly returning, the final episodes promise to be some of the most compelling in recent memory.
For NBC, Chicago Fire continues to prove that network television can still capture audiences week after week. Now nearing its 300th episode, the series isn’t just surviving — it’s thriving.
Chicago Fire airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC. The Season 13 finale is expected to air in May 2025.
