Known for his firm but compassionate leadership, Boden was the backbone of the firehouse for years, and Pascal’s entrance brings a fresh yet challenging style of command.
From early photos of the season premiere, it’s clear Pascal is ready to make his mark, but not everyone will embrace the change with open arms. Showrunner Andrea Newman has teased that Pascal’s leadership will contrast with Boden’s, stating that he “makes it clear right from the start that he is not Chief Boden.”
This sets the stage for potential tension among the team, particularly with seasoned members like Herrmann, who is shown engaging in what appears to be a strained conversation with the new chief.
In the episode, Pascal faces his first major challenge: a massive fire at a tobacco shop, where his actions in the field raise eyebrows, especially from Severide. The episode’s title hints at the possibility of Pascal’s unconventional approach stirring up conflict within the team. A sneak peek even shows Pascal helping a victim, but his odd behavior during the crisis leaves Severide questioning his new chief’s leadership style.
Take a look at the photos below:
CHICAGO FIRE — “A Monster In the Field” Episode 13001 — Pictured: (l-r) — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)CHICAGO FIRE — “A Monster In the Field” Episode 13001 — Pictured: (l-r) — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)CHICAGO FIRE — “A Monster In the Field” Episode 13001 — Pictured: (l-r) — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)CHICAGO FIRE — “A Monster In the Field” Episode 13001 — Pictured: (l-r) — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)CHICAGO FIRE — “A Monster In the Field” Episode 13001 — Pictured: (l-r) — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)CHICAGO FIRE — “A Monster In the Field” Episode 13001 — Pictured: (l-r) — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)CHICAGO FIRE — “A Monster In the Field” Episode 13001 — Pictured: (l-r) — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)“A Monster In the Field” Episode 13001 — Pictured: (l-r) — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC) “A Monster In the Field” Episode 13001 — Pictured: (l-r) — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC) “A Monster In the Field” Episode 13001 — Pictured: (l-r) — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)“A Monster In the Field” Episode 13001 — Pictured: (l-r) — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC) “A Monster In the Field” Episode 13001 — Pictured: (l-r) — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC) “A Monster In the Field” Episode 13001 — Pictured: (l-r) — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)“A Monster In the Field” Episode 13001 — Pictured: (l-r) — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC) “A Monster In the Field” Episode 13001 — Pictured: (l-r) — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC) “A Monster In the Field” Episode 13001 — Pictured: (l-r) — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC) “A Monster In the Field” Episode 13001 — Pictured: (l-r) — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC) “A Monster In the Field” Episode 13001 — Pictured: (l-r) — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC) “A Monster In the Field” Episode 13001 — Pictured: (l-r) — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC) “A Monster In the Field” Episode 13001 — Pictured: (l-r) — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC) “A Monster In the Field” Episode 13001 — Pictured: (l-r) — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC) “A Monster In the Field” Episode 13001 — Pictured: (l-r) — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC) “A Monster In the Field” Episode 13001 — Pictured: (l-r) — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC) “A Monster In the Field” Episode 13001 — Pictured: (l-r) — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC) “A Monster In the Field” Episode 13001 — Pictured: (l-r) — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC) “A Monster In the Field” Episode 13001 — Pictured: (l-r) — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC) “A Monster In the Field” Episode 13001 — Pictured: (l-r) — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)“A Monster In the Field” Episode 13001 — Pictured: (l-r) — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)
Season 13 also promises plenty of personal drama for the beloved crew. Jake Lockett, now a series regular as Sam Carver, will have a more prominent role, particularly in his evolving relationship with Violet. Meanwhile, other characters like Violet and Carver will confront unresolved traumas, as Newman hinted at deeper emotional arcs for the pair: “Violet’s haunted by Hawkins and what happened with him, and Carver is haunted just as a soul,” she shared.
Fans can also look forward to an intense storyline between Damon and Novak, as the heat builds both in the firehouse and in their personal lives. With Firehouse 51 facing changes in leadership, it’s clear that the upcoming season will be packed with action, drama, and emotional challenges.
Be sure to catch Chicago Fire Season 13 when it premieres on NBC, September 25, to see how the firehouse adjusts to its new chief and the challenges that lie ahead.
