Across the current season of Chicago Fire, fans have grown accustomed to key characters missing randomly from the episode and it seems this is a trend that is becoming even more popular. It seems like every episode in the show’s second half has been without at least one key member of the cast and this is a trend that continues in episode 14.
The Feb. 26 episode saw Dermot Mulroney’s Chief Pascal missing in action. Unlike in recent weeks when these absences haven’t really factored into the episodes’ primary storylines, Mulroney’s absence in the episode actually leads to a really fun storyline for another member of the 51 team. Before we get into that though, let’s start by answering the burning question on your mind.
Where is Chief Pascal on Chicago Fire season 13 episode 14?
So why isn’t Chief Pascal in the latest episode of Chicago Fire? Well, that explanation comes early in the episode as we learn that Chief Pascal has been called away from 51 for a special CFD assignment. It seems there are some hotel protests taking place and the CFD has been called in for support which results in Chief Pascal and Squad heading out to 67 to assist with the efforts.
This explanation comes via a quick conversation between Stella and Mouch after Stella notices that Pascal is out and Herrmann is sitting in his office seemingly spiraling. We quickly learn that Herrmann has been tasked with acting as the active chief at 51 in Pascal’s option, only it seems this test comes with a bunch of grunt work leaving Herrmann with a “massive pile of chief-level training records and incident reports."
Honestly, this might just be the season’s best handling of a cast absence as it allowed for a really fun storyline for Herrmann in getting to see him getting a taste of what being a Chief entails – including the tedious paperwork that comes with the job. It also allowed us to see glimpses of how things might look should Herrmann eventually take over the post of Chief at 51 in a full-time capacity, which is a moment that fans have been hoping for since the moment the thread was hinted at in the season 12 finale.
Many fans expected that with Boden leaving 51 as its Chief, Herrmann would become the newest Chief as season 13 rolled around with Boden directly telling Herrmann he wanted him to succeed him. That’s why so many were surprised when the show instead brought in Mulroney to play 51’s new Chief, making him Boden’s replacement over Herrmann.
While it didn’t make sense at first, it’s honestly proven to be a really great approach as we’ve gotten to see Herrmann go on a longer journey first in preparing for and taking the various tests to reach Chief ranking within the CFD, and then ease into the role of Chief by shadowing Pascal and taking on more responsibilities. This ultimately has led to a really enjoyable storyline for the character in getting to see Herrmann growing and challenging himself, while also struggling with his own insecurities while stepping outside his comfort zone to pursue his newfound dream of becoming 51’s new Chief.
This storyline in episode 14 was yet another perfect step in that storyline and fans shouldn't worry as Chief Pascal will be back soon, though we're not sure how much longer he might be needed after seeing Herrmann getting a taste of sitting in the Chief's seat.