Chicago Fire season 8 character preview: Wallace Boden

What might happen

Wallace Boden is the unquestioned boss of Firehouse 51, but that comes with certain limitations. Though the Chicago Fire writers have been better than most at getting him out from behind his desk and into the line of fire (literally), he still ends up in a lot of scenes where he’s having or calling meetings, doing paperwork, or handing out discipline because somebody else did something.

So as much as more Boden would be great, it’s likely we’ll see the same amount of him this season, potentially with the one or two feature episodes that we’ve bene getting. One thing that won’t change is Boden’s natural instinct to protect his firehouse. Firehouse 51 is a family, and no one knows that better than Boden. He’s looked up to by Casey, respected by Severide, and loved by everyone else at 51.

Given how wise he is, it would make sense to continue to push Boden as the “father figure” within 51. His approach has helped shape everyone under his command, not only professionally but personally as well. So since his advice and guidance has worked so well, expect more of it to be doled out this season. After all, as the only person who has to deal with issues in the greater Chicago Fire Department hierarchy, he has a level of perspective that none of the other main characters do.

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Boden’s personal life is unfortunately probably going to stay on the sidelines. Developments in that respect have been limited to him rescuing people that he discovers afterward have some significance to him (in season 6 it was the jazz musician, then last season it was his old acquaintance). Donna has only appeared in a few episodes, and not in a huge capacity. There aren’t any signs to indicate that’s going to change in the new season.

Likewise, while Boden has toyed with the idea of change (whether it’s taking on a different role in the department or how he finally got his boat), we don’t expect much to shift for him this season. He can’t stop being Chief or there wouldn’t be a role for Eamonn Walker in the show, and Boden seems to have figured out that he’s a creature of habit, for better or worse. While he may feel stymied, he also knows deep down that the firehouse needs him.

For the latest Chicago Fire season 8 spoilers and news, plus more on the entire series, follow the Chicago Fire category at One Chicago Center.