It's time for Monica Raymund to return to Chicago Fire

As fans of Chicago Fire get ready for Season 13, which will have quite a few changes around, there’s the best opportunity yet for Monica Raymund to return to the hit series. Could we see Gabriela Dawson back? 

Chicago Fire Season 12 saw a lot of changes for the show, which is impressive given it was only 13 episodes due to the 2023 Hollywood strikes. It opened by explaining that Blake Gallo (Alberto Rosende) was moving to Detroit to be closer to family. Later in the season, Sylvie Brett (Kara Kilmer) bid farewell after finally marrying love Matt Casey. 

The Season 12 finale had Chief Boden deciding to block the actions of Chief Robinson by putting in a bid to become Deputy Commissioner and winning the job. That sets up Eamonn Walker departing the show. 

So far, there’s no word on who will become the new Chief, although Jocelyn Hudon will be a regular as new paramedic Lyla Novak. With a full 22-episode slate ready for Season 13, fans are hopeful for some old faces to pop in and Gabriela Dawson would be a great choice. 

What happened to Gabriela Dawson on Chicago Fire

An original cast member when Chicago Fire debuted, Gabriela Dawson was notable for her feisty temper and bending of the rules to help patients, which often got her written up. She had a good friendship with fellow paramedic Leslie Shay that lasted until Leslie was killed in a fire. There was also her close bond with her brother Antonio (Jon Seda), a cop in Chicago PD.

As one of the few women in Firehouse 51 at the time, Gabby had to prove herself a lot but was respected by the team, including helping run Molly’s. She proved her toughness by becoming a firefighter, handling both the job and a prejudiced boss. She and Casey also had a strong relationship going, married in the show’s 100th episode and hoping to adopt a foster child. 

However, things went badly with Gabby enduring health issues preventing her from having children and her relationship with Casey souring. This coincided with Raymund wanting to leave the show for other opportunities. Season 7 saw Gabby depart to do charity work in Puerto Rico. She briefly returned to close out her marriage with Casey and they left on good terms and was last seen in Season 8’s “Best Friend Magic.”

Raymund moved on well, producing and starring in the Starz crime series Hightown, which ended its three-season run in early 2024. That makes it a perfect time for her to return to Chicago Fire. 

How can Gabby return to Chicago Fire?

How Gabby could return is a question, as there are ways for her to come back. A full-time return to the show may be unlikely as Gabby has moved on with her life and seems happy handling her charity work abroad. Having her jump right back into firefighting/paramedic work in Chicago seems too much of a step back rather than her character evolving. At least returning for a few episodes could be good to bring back her fun spirit. 

Casey no longer being around may be a good thing for Dawson as it avoids an awkward reunion. A great idea would be Dawson dropping in to help with Stella’s Girls on Fire program as her own journey to become a firefighter would be an inspirational story to others. It’d also be nice to see her and Stella together again. Dawson could even give Novak some advice on how to temper herself, speaking from her own experiences on how being a maverick can come back to bite you.

It’d also be good to know if Dawson has moved on with a new romance and maybe even adopted a child to finally be a mom. The show is great at bringing back some past characters, and Dawson returning would make sense. She won’t be the new chief or even sticking around Chicago long yet, so an episode or two to catch up on her fits well. 

It’s up in the air if Raymund would be open to coming back, although now that her schedule is free with Hightown ending, she can be swayed. With so many changes hitting Chicago Fire in cast comings and goings, bringing back one of their original stars would placate fans and spark up a show that is entering a 13th season.

From the character herself to Raymund’s wonderful charm and humor, Chicago Fire fans can only hope the producers decide to bring back Dawson to be a good thing for the series.

Chicago Fire Season 13 premieres Wednesday September 25 at 9/8c on NBC.