It was announced a while ago, but the promo for the Chicago Fire season 12 finale confirmed it: Chief Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker) is on his way out. The character will be moving on from Firehouse 51 and appointing a new successor.
It’s going to be sad to no longer have Boden’s reassuring presence around, but the change also gives the show a chance to try new things. Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) has been filling in for Chief Boden during his leave of absence, and he’s done an excellent job.
Severide is the favorite to become 51’s new chief
He feels like the obvious choice to take over the position full-time in season 13. If he does, the show may have just found a way to resolve a season-long arc. The arc belongs to Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso), and it pertains to his sense of frustration in the workplace.
Cruz voiced dissatisfaction with working under Severide early on in season 12. He felt like he had more to offer, and he liked the power that came with working above others. This dissatisfaction came back around in the episode “Under Pressure.” Cruz has had a difficult season overall, as we’ve noted, but the character clearly feels like he has more to offer as a lieutenant.
Cruz has thought about moving to a firehouse with an opening, but if Severide gets promoted to the role of 51 Chief, then the firehouse is going to need another lieutenant to fill his shoes. Boom. If this is what happens, then Cruz will be able to stay at 51 without compromising his professional goals. He’ll be able to maintain his working relationship with Severide without feeling stifled.
Cruz would be able to take Severide’s old spot
Besides, Cruz needs a win. The character has been going to marriage counseling in an effort to fix his personal life, and “Under Pressure” saw him run out oxygen and nearly die on the job. It would be very satisfying if, after a season of heartache and frustration, the character got the promotion he wanted, while being able to stay with all of his friends.
This is, of course, assuming Severide gets promoted to chief. It seems like a no-brainer, but Boden has yet to make his decision, and Chief Robinson (Laura Allen) clearly has the knives out for 51. We hope it happens, and we think it will, because it would really make life easier for some of our favorite firefighters.
