Boden's exit from Chicago Fire has a big impact on season 13, here's how things have changed

Chicago Fire saw some major shifts in season 12. The premiere had Blake Gallo (Alberto Rosendale) saying goodbye to be with family in Detroit. Halfway through the season, Kara Killmer departed after Sylvie Brett finally married Matt Casey. There was also drama, such as Herrmann suffering some hearing loss and having to wear hearing aids. 

However, the season 12 finale was a bigger turn that will shake up the show majorly!

What happened in the Chicago Fire season 12 finale?

Realizing that letting Robinson become Deputy Commissioner would be a disaster, Boden threw his hat into the ring. Thanks to Kidd’s emotional speech, Boden landed the job, which was a wonderful reward for his years of service. It does mean leaving 51 and Boden made it clear he thought Herrmann should be his successor. 

Mouch planned to take the lieutenant’s exam while Damon got into a physical fight with an abusive father. Violet got into it with Carver over having a crush on Kidd, only for him to respond he couldn’t “because I’ve fallen in love with you.” Kidd and Severide were talking about kids. 

The final scene had Damon explaining to Severide that he’d been triggered by that father because he’d grown up under an abusive and abrasive dad…named Benny Severide. Yep, Damon is the half-brother Severide never knew he had. 

Cast exit and additions

Who’s out?

While Eamonn Walker will no longer be a regular, it does sound like Boden will remain a recurring face to help the team out now and then. 

Who’s coming?

The season 13 premiere has Dermot Mulroney joining as the new firehouse chief, Dom Pascal. A former Chicago firefighter, he returns to the Windy City to try and rebuild his life. He’ll have a new style for the team with KaDee Strickland playing his estranged wife, Monica. 

Also, both Jake Lockett and Jocelyn Hudon (paramedic Layla Novak) have been promoted to full series regulars. 

What's set to happen in season 13?

The season premiere picks up six weeks after the finale, with showrunner Andrea Newman telling TVLine the reveal of his half-brother “really shakes [Severide] up in lots of ways, and he has to make some big decisions.” Cruz isn’t happy about this either, given her own problems with her brother Leon and Stella wrestling with a family. 

The entire crew has to get used to Pascal, who makes it clear his style of leadership will be much different than Boden's. Herrmann is still handling his hearing issues, and it appears he decided not to accept the Captain's position as he'd need to take a battalion chief test first. It does sound like Herrmann and Mouch’s friendship will be tested by their dual climbs up the leadership ladder. Violet and Carver will be working out their relationship while Ritter gets a big focus and we’ll learn more about Novak and what drives her on the job. 

So it looks like a huge season of change for Chicago Fire, which should make for a fantastic year for its fans.

Chicago Fire season 13 premieres Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 9/8c on NBC.