Jesse Spencer’s unexpected favorite scene partner in Chicago Fire season 11 could be a hint about Matt Casey’s return to the Windy City. The actor made his second appearance as a guest star since leaving One Chicago in “Danger All Around.” Casey was able to interact with several of his former Firehouse 51 co-workers, but one particular conversation stood out from the rest.

Speaking with NBC Insider, Spencer names Eammon Walker’s Chief Wallace Boden as his favorite scene partner. Luckily for him, he got exactly what he wanted when the Firehouse 51 leader and Casey were able to sit down for a brief but interesting chat in Chicago Fire season 11 episode 18. Read his full quote below:

“I look forward to doing scenes with Boden [Eamonn Walker] in his office because him and I, we’re quite close. He’s just sort of always been a bit of a grandfather figure. There’s just the ease of the scenes that we have with each other. It’s fun to get back into character and explore. It’s very familiar but also a fresh storyline. It’s new and old at the same time, and I really dig that.”

Why Casey & Boden’s Chicago Fire Scene Could Be Integral To Jesse Spencer’s Return

Casey’s return to Chicago could set up the next Chicago Fire/Chicago PD crossover. In “Danger All Around” he comes home as part of the Department of Homeland Security in Oregon after recognizing potential domestic terror attacks across the United States. During his Firehouse 51 visit, he is able to catch up with his ex-co-workers. His most honest conversation, however, is with Chief Boden wherein he reveals that he wants to come back to the Windy City. Whether this actually pans out at this point is uncertain, but it lays the groundwork for the possibility.

For context, it was Spencer’s decision to leave One Chicago after a decade of spearheading Chicago Fire. He wanted to relocate back to Australia to spend more time with his family. However, the fact that he has already returned to the show twice since formally exiting the franchise establishes that he is open to being continuously involved in the series. That includes possibly returning full-time.

When asked about the matter, however, Spencer was careful not to reveal anything about his future on the show. With One Chicago taking a month-long break, there’s a wait to see if any lingering repercussions arise from his unexpected Chicago visit. If there is, it may very well be another set-up for Casey’s next Chicago Fire guest appearance.