The upcoming winter premiere of Chicago Fire hints at potential danger for Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney), whose tenure at Firehouse 51 has been met with a mix of appreciation and skepticism. Since his introduction in season 13, Pascal has worked to earn the respect of his team, and while progress has been made, his long-term future remains uncertain.

A Glimpse of Trouble Ahead

The newly released promo for the winter premiere offers tantalizing clues about Pascal’s fate. It highlights his leadership as he rallies the team to tackle a dangerous blaze, even leading the charge himself in the final moments of the teaser. However, the escalating chaos depicted in the promo raises questions about whether Pascal might find himself in harm’s way during this daring operation.

This scenario could lead to a dramatic twist—Pascal being sidelined by injury or a heroic act gone wrong. Given the relatively lukewarm reception to his character compared to fan favorites like Christopher Herrmann, such a development could pave the way for a significant shakeup in Firehouse 51’s leadership.

Herrmann’s Path to Chief

Herrmann (David Eigenberg) has been eyeing a promotion, as evidenced by his decision to take the Captain exam alongside Mouch (Christian Stolte) in the fall finale. While the results of their tests were left unresolved, it’s widely assumed that Herrmann passed, setting the stage for him to either move to a firehouse with a Chief opening or potentially take over Pascal’s role.

Herrmann’s deep roots in the Chicago Fire universe make him an obvious favorite among fans. His years of service and compelling backstory give him a clear edge over Pascal, whose character feels more like a transitional figure. Even David Eigenberg, who plays Herrmann, expressed mixed emotions about the prospect of Pascal leaving, telling TV Line:

“Dermot’s been such a wonderful addition. I’m very torn. I honestly don’t know what they’re going to do, and I can say that I don’t want him to go.”

The One Chicago Pattern

Pascal’s fate might also be tied to the broader One Chicago franchise trend of casting prominent guest stars for shorter stints. Actors like Anne Heche, John C. McGinley, Treat Williams, and Carl Weathers have made memorable but fleeting appearances, often serving as transitional characters.

Dermot Mulroney’s established star power and narrative role as a bridge between former Chief Boden and the next leader of Firehouse 51 suggest his character may not be long for the series. If the franchise follows its established pattern, Pascal’s time at Firehouse 51 might come to an end sooner rather than later.

What’s Next for Firehouse 51?

As the winter premiere approaches, fans are left speculating about Pascal’s future and the ripple effects his potential departure could have on Firehouse 51. Will Herrmann finally step into a leadership role at his beloved firehouse, or will Pascal prove his mettle and secure his place?

Whatever happens, the Chicago Fire winter premiere promises to bring tension, drama, and perhaps a definitive answer to one of the season’s most pressing questions.