Why did Pelham leave Chicago Fire?

Jason Pelham (Brett Dalton) was an enigmatic character. We weren’t quite sure what to make of him when he first appeared, and it seemed like the rest of Firehouse 51 didn’t know either.

He was given a hard time by those who missed Casey (Jesse Spencer), and forced to navigate the awkward situation involving Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and her desire to have his job. Through it all though, he managed to prove himself a good man and a worthwhile lieutenant.

Now he’s gone. Pelham made his exit in the episode “An Officer with Grit”, just as we were getting used to having him around. It was a bittersweet development, and one we’re going to unpack for those still deciding how they feel.

Is Pelham still on Chicago Fire?

The episode “An Officer with Grit” revolved around Kidd and her conflicted feelings over wanting a promotion to lieutenant. She gets along with Pelham, yet she wants to advance her career, which leads to her considering a lieutenant gig at a different firehouse.

The issue, of course, is that a different firehouse means different hours and much, much less time with Severide (Taylor Kinney). This would be tough on its own, but taken in consideration with the rough patch they just had, it feels like a major obstacle.

In the end, Pelham takes the gentleman’s route. He decides to uproot and take the lieutenant job at the other firehouse, so that Kidd can stay and be promoted at firehouse 51. Because of Pelham and his selfless decision, Kidd is able to achieve her career ambition and maintain her personal life.

Watch One Chicago on fuboTV: Watch over 67 live sports and entertainment channels with a 7-day FREE trial!

It’s a nice resolution for the character, who never quite fit within the idiosyncratic walls of the 51. He was good at his job, but up until the very end he was having to sift through paperwork without a proper office, and fend off pranks from the rest of the team.

Those plugged into the One Chicago social media accounts know that Pelham’s actor, Brett Dalton, announced his plans to shoot a new series in New York, which would’ve clashed with his Chicago work (confirming there wasn’t any). It was always going to be a temporary character, and its a testament to the writing and the strong performance that he left such a positive impression.

Here’s hoping Pelham will make a cameo at some point in the future.

For the latest Chicago Fire season 10 spoilers and news, plus more on the entire series, follow the Chicago Fire category at One Chicago Center.