Chicago Fire has undergone lots of changes in the past year. We've seen characters come and go, we've seen established relationships get challenged, and we've seen those struggle to acclimate to these changes.
2024 has seen the second half of Chicago Fire season 12 and the first half of season 13, and as such, we thought it would be a good idea to cherry pick the moments we thought stood out most... for the right reasons that is.
Chief Boden leaves Firehouse 51 (season 12 episode 13)
It may sound weird to list the exit of a beloved character as being a highlight, but we're here to commend the way that Chicago Fire executed. Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker) has been part of the show since day one, so it was critical that the writers stick the landing with his transition to a new role.
Fortunately, they did. The season 12 finale gave Boden a chance to have heartfelt exchanges with all the characters who have impacted his life over the years. It was understated in comparison to some of the other exits, but the fact that the character is still around in a supporting role means we aren't really saying goodbye.
Violet Mikami and Lyla Novak's tight bond (season 13, episode 4)
Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) and Lyla Novak (Jocelyn Hudon) established a strong work rapport in season 12, but things kicked up a notch when the former's job was on the line in season 13. Instead of sandbagging her co-worker, Novak stuck up for Violet and assured those who doubted the medic's actions that she was acting in the best interest of her patient.
Fortunately, Violet was cleared of any wrongdoing, and her and Novak have been able to build their friendship into one of the tightest of the entire firehouse.
Chief Pascal & Kelly Severide smoke cigars (season 13, episode 7)
Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) was brought in to replace Boden, and there was definitely some bumpy moments coming out the gate. A scene that showed Dom Pascal's potential within the show, though, was the cigar conversation he had with Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) in season 13.
The two men, who had previously clashed, sat down and smoked together while figuring out a solution an investigation that required some, well, off the books help. The pair saw eye to eye, and gained a newfound respect for one another without outright saying it. Good stuff.
Joe Cruz's blast from the past (season 13, episode 8)
Joe Cruz has largely settled into his role as doting father in Chicago Fire's recent seasons. The character hasn't had to contend with anything as dramatic as the street gang that beat up his brother in season one. Well, he didn't, until a member of the same gang returned in the season 13 fall finale.
Cruz was confronted by a man who saw him leave gang leader Flaco (Jose Antonio Garcia) for dead during a building fire. It was a shocking revelation, and one that harkened back to the origins of the show in a way we didn't see coming.