Eamonn Walker Just Made Chicago Fire’s Next Episode Even More Alarming — Here’s Why
Eamonn Walker’s long-awaited return to Chicago Fire is already a major event for longtime fans, but the actor’s recent comments have turned that excitement into full-blown anxiety. After nearly a year offscreen, Walker is finally stepping back into the role of Chief Wallace Boden in the upcoming episode titled “Post Mortem”—and based on what he’s saying, it sounds like the episode will be anything but business as usual.
Not only is Boden returning under high-stakes circumstances, but Walker has hinted that serious consequences are looming, including the potential departure—or downfall—of another major character: Chief Dom Pascal (played by Dermot Mulroney).
Walker’s Warning: “A Head Will Roll”
In a recent interview with Deadline, Walker teased the gravity of Boden’s return and what it means for the future of Firehouse 51. While fans assumed Boden would be coming back to provide leadership during a crisis, it turns out the situation may be far worse than expected.
“Deputy Commissioner Boden has to turn up at Firehouse 51,” Walker explained, “and let all officers and the chief know they are being investigated. And we have to prep just in case we lose this person. Possibly, a head will roll.”
That line alone—“a head will roll”—has sent fans into a frenzy, not just because of the possible death it implies, but because it hints at accountability at the leadership level. And with Dom Pascal currently at the helm, the pressure is squarely on him.
Pascal Is Spiraling — And It Shows
Pascal stepped into the role of Firehouse 51’s Chief at the start of Season 12, following Boden’s departure. While he initially came across as a stable if slightly standoffish leader, recent episodes have revealed cracks in his professionalism and emotional stability. The death of his wife, Monica (played by KaDee Strickland), has sent him into a downward spiral—something that’s been reflected in both his judgment calls and his increasingly erratic behavior on the job.
Now, according to previews for “Post Mortem,” Pascal will be in charge during a critical incident where one of his firefighters’ lives is put at risk. It’s the kind of error in judgment that doesn’t just rattle a firehouse—it can end careers.
This is where Boden’s return becomes even more significant. He’s not coming back to check in—he’s coming back because the very future of Firehouse 51 may be on the line. His presence signals that the situation has escalated far beyond internal tension. There may be an investigation, disciplinary action, or even a leadership shake-up in the works.
Could Herrmann Be the Long Game?
Many fans have theorized that Chief Pascal might not be a permanent fixture. Some suspect he was always a placeholder until a longtime 51 firefighter—most notably Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg)—was ready to step into the chief role. Herrmann has been a consistent voice of reason and leadership within the squad and was even in the running to succeed Boden last season.
But if Pascal’s tenure ends not with a peaceful resignation but with a scandal or firing, it would make Herrmann’s potential promotion far more dramatic—and earned. That said, there’s another twist to consider: some believe Herrmann himself could be the firefighter injured (or worse) in the episode, which would raise the stakes for everyone involved.
Could “Post Mortem” Be a Turning Point for the Series?
Chicago Fire has been no stranger to change in recent seasons. Between key cast departures, emotional character deaths, and shifting leadership dynamics, Season 12 has already been a rollercoaster. But “Post Mortem” seems poised to become a major turning point, one that could reset the leadership structure of Firehouse 51 entirely.
Whether it’s the tragic death of a firefighter, a high-level dismissal, or both, the episode promises fallout that will ripple across the rest of the season. Walker’s cryptic comments and the episode’s ominous title only reinforce that this isn’t just a standard dramatic installment—it’s a game-changer.
The Bottom Line
Chief Pascal’s unraveling, combined with Walker’s bombshell hints about “heads rolling,” strongly suggest that Chicago Fire is about to shake things up in a major way. Whether we’re witnessing the end of Pascal’s tenure or the tragic loss of another firefighter, one thing is clear: Chicago Fire is gearing up for one of its most intense episodes in recent memory.
Let’s just hope that the title “Post Mortem” is more metaphor than reality—because if it’s literal, fans may not be ready for what’s coming.
