We're not here to rag on Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney). The character just lost his wife, and is spiraling in a pretty understandable manner. The interesting thing here, though, is timing. He lost his wife, Monica (KaDee Strickland), in the Chicago Fire episode "Too Close," and while we know what is around the corner courtesy of the promo, we have to wait three weeks before seeing just how bad Pascal gets.
What we do know is that Pascal will be paid a visit by Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker) in the current season. The former chief of Firehouse 51 will be called upon to conduct an investigation after a 51 emergency call results in a house collapsing with a firefighter still inside.
Chief Pascal's career might be in trouble
It's an occupational hazard, but Chief Pascal will no doubt be under the gun to provide answers as to why a firefighter wound up in harm's way. And given what we've seen about his current state of mind, we're skeptical that he will be able to instill confidence in his predecessor.
What we're getting at is the end of Pascal's tenure with Firehouse 51 might be near. The character has slowly won over the firehouse's various characters due to his fairness and stern approach, but he will really burn through a lot of his goodwill by tracking down the man indirectly responsible for Monica's death and accosting him in public.
Both Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and Herrmann (David Eigenberg) are concerned about Pascal, and their opinions carry a lot of weight with Boden. It's also worth noting that Mulroney is one of the biggest stars who has walked through the 51 doors, which immediately led some fans to question if his stint as chief was going to be brief.
Boden will be examining Pascal's leadership
Pascal could, in retrospect, be the bridge between Boden being chief and Herrmann taking over. The latter was not ready to step into Boden's shoes in the season 12 finale, but he has had some time to assume more control in season 13, and Pascal has been eager to mentor him.
We don't want to see Pascal leave, per say. The character has been an intriguing addition to the cast, and Dermot Mulroney brings a different energy to the firehouse, which can not be taken for granted in a show that's been on the air for over a decade. But barring some major changes or breakthroughs on the part of his character, Pascal is headed for a rude professional awakening. And the show is setting up Boden to execute it.