Chicago Fire's season 13 winter finale was very much a showcase for Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso). The character got the lion's share of screen time, and the episode even closed out with his arc being left unresolved. The second most important character of the episode, however, was an equally beloved Firehouse 51 presence.
Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg) has had a taxing couple of seasons. The character has had to contend with hearing loss in one of his ears, and prolonged cancer treatments for his wife, Cindy. He's about as reliable as they come with regard to fighting fires, so it was only a matter of time before he get his due in the form of a promotion.
Herrmann (finally) passed his captain exam
Herrmann and his lifelong friend Mouch (Christian Stolte) took exams in the fall finale, and now that the show is back, we finally know the outcome. Both Herrmann and Mouch passed! These two men have been kicked up a rank, with the former becoming a captain and the latter becoming a lieutenant. It's nice to see them get their due after decades of bravery.
Herrmann's elevated rank is particularly impressive, though, because it means he is now higher on the 51 totem pole than Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney). Severide has always been quicker to rise up the ranks, but Herrmann's diligence has paid off, and he is now one of the few firefighters who qualify as a captain.
This is a long time coming for Herrmann, who was floated as a possible replacement for Chief Boden (Eamonn Walker) in the season 12 finale. Boden made it clear that he had faith in Herrmann as a fill in, but the CFD ultimately decided to go the outside hire route, and bring in Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney).
The character doesn't want to leave 51
David Eigenberg spoke on the complications that will arise now that Herrmann qualifies as a captain, especially since the character wants to continue to advance his career. "He loves the firehouse. He does not want to leave the firehouse," the actor told TV Insider. "He wants to finish out his career. I don’t know how many years left he has."
Herrmann's elevated position will definitely make some interesting conversations about where to put him. There are only so many openings at Firehouse 51, but as Eigenberg stated, the character wants to stay put at the firehouse he's held down for so many years.
The future may be complicated, but we are happy, in the present, that Herrmann passed his exam.