Firehouse 51 might be embarking on some rough times in season 12.
Chicago Fire is no stranger to corrupt officials and bureaucrats who want to prioritize their career over the well-being of citizens or entire firehouses. It comes with the territory, and Chief Robinson (Laura Allen) was someone who seemed poised to be a problem for the bulk of season 12.
The character was positioned as a major threat to Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) and the 51 as a whole, as she withheld information and forced a medic onto Violet who was clearly trying to get her in trouble. Within two episodes, however, Robinson was taken out of the equation. In the episode “All the Dark”, her whole underhanded plan came crashing down thanks to Chief Boden (Eamonn Walker).
Chief Boden knows change is coming
Boden realized that Chief Robinson was trying to worm her way into the role of Deputy Commissioner over him, and reported Robinson to the current commissioner. The accusations that Robinson made towards the 51 were brushed away, and the character was taken out of the running for the crucial position. All good, right?
Well, not exactly. Chief Robinson may no longer be a threat, but her last exchange with Boden does suggest that the Chicago Fire writers are mindful of the changes that have been going on within the show, and the sense that it’s far removed from its pilot. Robinson’s final lines drive the point home:
“The old guard is on their way out, Chief Boden. And there are more of us than you know who believe it’s time for some fresh blood.”
The 51 is now considered ‘old guard’
She’s not wrong. There are going to more Chief Robinsons around the corner, eager to break up the synergy of Firehouse 51 and implement changes to keep it “fresh.” The tension between the old and new school is something that’s become increasingly prominent on the show, and it makes sense, given that so many of the “classic” characters have left.
Chief Boden is going to have to contend with change as Chicago Fire wraps up season 12 and heads into season 13. It’s not a matter of “if” it’s a matter of “how much”, which is something we’re curious to see play out.
