The Chicago Fire season 12 finale didn't disappoint with Boden's exit

We knew Eamonn Wallace was leaving Chicago Fire as a series regular. With hints that he would return as a guest star now and then, it meant he wasn’t likely to be killed off. So, how would it all play out?

Caution: This post contains spoilers from the Chicago Fire season 12 finale.

It wasn’t clear why Boden would choose to leave Firehouse 51 at first. The episode started with him taking the loss of a victim hard, but it didn’t end up involving him choosing to retire like we may have initially feared. Instead, he chose to put his hat in the race for Deputy Commissioner.

He just couldn’t see Robinson getting the job. He couldn’t allow it. Even though he knew the chances of winning we slim, he couldn’t let Robinson get the spot without a fight.

Boden ended up becoming the Deputy Commissioner in Chicago Fire

Kidd helped to get Boden the job. She went to fight for him, and that loyalty made it clear that Boden was the man for the job. Robinson thought she had it and was angry when she learned that wouldn’t be the case at the last minute.

We ended up with a beautiful goodbye in Boden’s office. It wasn’t really a goodbye, because how can you say goodbye to someone so important in your life? Plus, it just means a trip to HQ when people want to see him. That trip is sure to be made now and then.

Who will take Boden’s office in Chicago Fire season 13?

Of course, this means the position of Chief is open. It looked like Severide would be the one to take that. He was acting as Chief throughout the end of Chicago Fire season 12, but Boden ended up wanting someone else to get the promotion instead getting us ready for Chicago Fire season 13.

Herrmann managed to put the focus back on the people Firehouse 51 saved at the start of the episode rather than the one they almost lost. That made it clear that he is a great leader, and Boden shared he wants Herrmann to take the exams to become Chief. There are a few exams to take, but we all believe in Herrmann. He can do this.

At the same time, Mouch surprised us sharing that he is going to take the lieutenant exam. Could we see Mouch end up becoming the lieutenant of Engine 81? There were a lot of changes for the finale, and all of them in a good way.