Chief Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker) was the anchor of Chicago Fire for a dozen seasons. Sure, he had his personal dramas, but the character felt like an immovable object, someone who was reliable and supportive for the rest of 51. He left in the season 12 finale, with the promise of returning in a limited capacity.
You might have noticed that Boden has not returned. The character has not appeared once in the current season, despite promises being made by both Eamonn Walker and showrunner Gwen Sigan that he would still be around. It's been a disappointing realization.
The thing is, Chicago Fire is coming up on a situation in which bringing Boden back would be perfect. At least, for an episode. The promo for "Too Close" proves that there is going to be a major loss for 51 and lots of emotional fallout.
Boden should return to comfort a distressed Pascal
We see Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) on the verge of tears, but the most notable person who is shaken in the promo is Boden's replacement, Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney). He storms into a hospital and looks as though his world is about to come crashing down when he discovers who has been hurt. Pascal is going to suffer like we've never seen him suffer before.
Seems like a pretty good time for him to get a visit from Boden. Boden is the First Deputy Fire Commissioner of the Chicago Fire Department, so it makes sense that he would be busy, but a massive loss for the man who replaced him is a pretty valid reason to drop by and check in.
We know that Boden and Pascal are friends, as it was partially the reason Pascal got the 51 gig. They have radically different styles in the field and in terms of dealing with team members, but the lack of screen time between Boden and Pascal means that we haven't gotten to see why they are close for ourselves.
Boden hasn't appeared in season 13 at all
We aren't suggesting that Boden should have appeared in a handful of season 13 episodes already, or that he should have taken center stage during the One Chicago crossover. It would have cool to see him, but at the same time, the show has to establish Pascal as a worthy successor.
The reason a Boden and Pascal reunion would work better after "Too Close" is because it would give the former a chance to comfort the latter without making it seem like he's superseding him. They'd be connecting as men and as friends, rather than employer and employee. We doubt it will happen, but if ever there was a time to sneak in a Boden cameo, it would be now.
Do you think we will see the character return before the end of the season?