NBC’s Chicago Fire is gearing up for one of its most dramatic episodes this season — and it marks the highly anticipated return of a familiar face.
Eamonn Walker reprises his role as Wallace Boden in Season 13, Episode 18, titled “Post-Mortem,” airing Wednesday, April 16 at 9/8c on NBC. After exiting as a series regular in the Season 12 finale, Boden returns in a new capacity — as Deputy Commissioner of the Chicago Fire Department — tasked with conducting a high-stakes investigation that could shake Firehouse 51 to its core.
NBC has released exclusive first-look photos teasing the emotional weight of the episode, and fans should brace themselves — Walker is warning that things get intense.
A Firefighter Left Behind
In “Post-Mortem,” Firehouse 51 is reeling from a devastating call that ends in tragedy: a house fire collapses while a firefighter is still inside. Commissioner Grissom taps Boden to lead a post-incident analysis — and as Deputy Commissioner, he’s no longer returning as one of the team, but as the authority figure seeking answers.
“This is a really intense episode,” Walker said in a recent interview. “I’ll give you this much: somebody got left behind in a fire, and that somebody was a firefighter. That is a no-no and should never, ever happen. Because they were left behind, possibly by the end of this episode, we may lose them. It’s one of your favorites.”
The identity of the firefighter has not been revealed, but early buzz and behind-the-scenes commentary suggest a major shake-up is coming — and possibly, a devastating goodbye.
Boden’s Return Brings Tension, Not Comfort
This isn’t the same Boden fans last saw in Season 12. Now removed from the day-to-day operations of 51, he returns with an investigative lens, and that creates immediate tension. He’s no longer there to offer support or guidance — he’s there to determine responsibility.
“When a firefighter is left behind, an investigation begins immediately,” Walker explained. “Deputy Commissioner Boden has to show up at 51 and let everyone know — including the officers and Chief — that they are under investigation. And we have to prepare for the possibility that we might lose someone.”
Even more layered is the fact that Boden is investigating his old firehouse, a place he once led and still holds close. That emotional proximity forces him to tread carefully, despite the authority he now wields.
“I’m investigating my old favorite house,” Walker said. “So I’ve got to be careful. I’ve been on the other side of that before, when someone higher-up came to question my leadership. Now I’m the one doing the questioning. There’s only one person above me — the commissioner. So if someone is at fault, they’re gone. Fired.”
Behind the Scenes: A Movie-Like Episode
Walker also teased that “Post-Mortem” will stand out visually and structurally from typical episodes of Chicago Fire.
“The writing is fantastic, and the filming is very different from a usual episode,” he said. “You’ve got more of a movie here than a regular TV episode. It’s told through flashbacks and different perspectives, and it really hits hard.”
This episode marks Walker’s first time on-screen at 51 since his character was promoted at the end of Season 12. And while fans may wonder if this is a one-time return or the start of something more, Walker didn’t rule out future appearances.
“If they write it, I will always come back and do it if I can,” he said. “Being part of the Chicago Fire family means a lot. We support each other in ways people can’t even imagine — on and off screen. I’m very grateful.”
What Has Boden Been Up to Off-Screen?
While Boden has been absent from Firehouse 51, he hasn’t been idle. As Deputy Commissioner, he now oversees the entire Chicago Fire Department — a huge responsibility that has shifted his perspective and approach.
“You don’t think I know what’s going on at 51?” Walker laughed. “Boden knows everything. But now, he can’t play favorites. He’s not coming in to rescue the day — he’s coming to do his job. And if someone at 51 made a mistake, they’ll be held accountable.”
Boden’s presence will also intersect with several ongoing storylines, including the leadership transition at 51. His former pick to succeed him, Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg), recently took the chief exam, but in light of the crisis at hand, promotions and politics take a backseat.
“All of that fades away,” Walker said. “The immediacy of possibly losing a firefighter — that’s what takes precedence.”
First Look at the Fallout
NBC’s exclusive stills offer a glimpse at the tension to come, showing Boden, Herrmann, Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney), and Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) mid-discussion at the firehouse. One photo in particular hints at who the injured firefighter may be — and why Walker warned fans to prepare for heartbreak.
A Defining Hour for ‘Chicago Fire’
Produced by Universal Television, in association with Wolf Entertainment, Chicago Fire continues to balance emotional depth with high-stakes action. And “Post-Mortem” is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal episodes in recent memory.
With Walker’s powerful return, a looming loss, and fractured trust within Firehouse 51, Episode 18 could be a turning point that defines the rest of Season 13 — and beyond.
Don’t miss Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 18, “Post-Mortem,” airing Wednesday, April 16 at 9/8c on NBC.
