Audrey James has the life Bode wants in Fire Country season 3

There's been a lot of speculation around Fire Country season 3, much of it having to do with what direction Bode's romantic life might take if he and Gabriela remain friends instead of lovers, and the kinship he's set to strike up with Jared Padalecki's Camden Casey. But I've been wondering about Leven Rambin's character, Audrey James.

When her recurring guest star role was announced at the top of August, the idea that Audrey may be Bode's new love interest began to take root. It's quite possible. Showrunner Tia Napolitano did say that this will be a "wish fulfilment" season that explores Bode navigating who he is as a free and single man.

From the description TVLine provided of Audrey, she is someone Bode would be drawn to. She's a former fire camp inmate who has grit, is tenacious, empathic, and is a "gifted musician" with a beautiful smile. Aside from the prison record, that combination of traits is very similar to Bode's parents. They have the right ingredients to become Sharon and Vince 2.0.

So, yes, Audrey could factor in the narrative around Bode's love life but, based on the gear Rambin is wearing in the playful behind-the-scenes footage she's been sharing on Instagram, her role in the show will delve deeper than romance.

As the video shows, Audrey is a Cal Fire cadet. This is the exact position Bode hoped to be in after serving his time at Three Rock. The season 2 finale revealed that he'd hit an obstacle in the form of the union's negative position on allowing the formerly incarcerated from joining their ranks. By the end of the episode, Bode's determined to do what he must to claim his legacy including leaning on his uncle Luke for help.

Audrey and Bode's connection could stem from having similar backgrounds and Bode's interest in getting to where she is, back firefighting and earning his place on a team. He wants to be at the same station as his family but that may not be the way in the door.

We're nearly two months out from Fire Country season 3's premiere on Friday, Oct. 18 at 9 p.m. ET on CBS but it won't be long before Audrey makes her first appearance on-screen. It's not confirmed but it looks like she might make her debut in episode 3 of the season which was directed by Diane Farr. We'll keep you posted as more news comes in. Stay tuned to Hidden Remote for coverage and follow us on X!