It happened. We knew it was coming, but seeing Eamonn Walker walk out of those firehouse doors felt like a punch to the gut. The Chicago Fire last episode of Season 12, titled "Never Say Goodbye," wasn't just another season finale with a cliffhanger involving a massive explosion or a character trapped in a basement. No. This was a shift in the show’s DNA. Losing Wallace Boden is basically like losing the foundation of a house while you're still trying to live in it.
Firehouse 51 has always been about family, a word they throw around a lot, but this time the stakes felt incredibly personal.
You’ve probably seen the headlines about cast turnover. It’s been a rough couple of years for One Chicago fans. First, we lost Jesse Spencer’s Matt Casey as a series regular. Then Kara Killmer’s Sylvie Brett headed off to Portland. Even Alberto Rosende’s Blake Gallo made his exit. But Boden? He was the glue. Watching him get promoted to Deputy Commissioner was bittersweet because, while the character deserved the win, the fans definitely felt the loss.
The Reality of Boden's Exit in the Chicago Fire Last Episode
The episode didn't waste time. It focused on the internal politics of the CFD, which, honestly, can be a bit dry sometimes, but here it served a massive purpose. Boden wasn't just running for a promotion; he was fighting to keep the "old guard" values of the department alive against some pretty cold-blooded competition.
When he finally took the podium, it wasn't some flashy action sequence that defined the moment. It was his voice. That gravelly, authoritative tone that has anchored the show since 2012.
What most people get wrong about this exit is thinking it was a snap decision. It wasn't. Showrunner Andrea Newman has been vocal in interviews with outlets like TVLine and Variety about the fact that Eamonn Walker is a "legend" and that the door is always open. But let’s be real. Seeing him in a white shirt in a downtown office isn't the same as seeing him in the bullpen at 51. The Chicago Fire last episode made sure we felt the weight of his absence before he even left.
Why the Herrmann Promotion Matters More Than You Think
There was a beautiful, quiet moment between Boden and Christopher Herrmann. If you didn't tear up when Boden told Herrmann he was the one to look after the house, are you even a fan?
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Herrmann is the heart of the show now.
He’s the one who carries the history of 51 on his shoulders. But transitioning from a Lieutenant to a Captain (and eventually taking that Chief's desk) is a huge jump. It’s not just about the rank; it’s about the emotional labor. Herrmann wears his heart on his sleeve, which is the exact opposite of Boden’s stoic, calculated leadership. This shift is going to redefine how the firehouse operates in Season 13. Honestly, it’s kinda terrifying to think of 51 without Boden’s "big picture" thinking.
That Massive Jack Damon Reveal
Okay, we have to talk about the kid. Jack Damon.
He’s been a bit of a mystery since he showed up. A little too eager? Maybe. A little too intense? Definitely. The Chicago Fire last episode finally dropped the bomb we all saw coming but still dreaded: he’s Benny Severide’s son.
This makes him Kelly Severide’s half-brother.
- It complicates Kelly’s relationship with Stella Kidd.
- It brings up all the trauma of Benny’s cheating and his messy past.
- It puts a rookie in a position of power over Kelly’s emotions.
Kelly has spent years trying to outrun his father's shadow. He finally got his life together, got married, and found some semblance of peace. Now, Benny’s ghost is literally sitting in his firehouse. The look on Kelly’s face when Damon told him the truth was a mix of horror and recognition. It was peak Taylor Kinney acting—minimalist but heavy.
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The Stella Kidd Factor
Stella is in a tough spot. She’s been trying to mentor Damon, and now she finds out he’s been lying to her by omission. In a job where trust is the only thing keeping you alive in a burning building, that’s a massive red flag.
You’ve gotta wonder if this is going to drive a wedge between her and Kelly. They’ve survived "Stellaride" drama before, but family secrets are a different beast.
What This Means for the Future of One Chicago
The landscape of the show is changing. We’re seeing a younger cast start to take the reins. Violet Mikami and Ritzter are no longer the "new kids." They are the veterans now.
The Chicago Fire last episode proved that the show isn't afraid to evolve. It’s a risky move. Usually, when a long-running procedural loses its lead patriarch, the ratings dip. But Dick Wolf’s universe has a way of regenerating. Look at Law & Order. Look at SVU.
However, the "last episode" also left some dangling threads.
What about Mouch?
What about the tension between Carver and Violet?
Carver essentially confessed his feelings (in his own grumpy, brooding way) and then bailed. Violet chasing after him only to find him gone was a classic TV trope, but it worked because we’ve been waiting for that payoff all season. It’s frustrating, sure. But it’s the kind of frustration that keeps you coming back for the premiere.
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The Technical Shift in Season 12's Finale
From a production standpoint, this episode looked different. There was a lot of focus on tight close-ups. The directors wanted us to see the micro-expressions of the cast as they realized their world was changing.
The pacing was frantic during the calls but agonizingly slow during the goodbye scenes. It felt intentional. It felt like they wanted to give the fans a chance to mourn Boden’s departure in real-time.
Actionable Insights for the Season Break
If you’re reeling from the Chicago Fire last episode, here is how to stay ahead of the curve before Season 13 hits the screen:
- Watch the Benny Severide Arc: Go back to Seasons 1 through 7 and re-watch the episodes featuring Benny Severide (played by the late, great Treat Williams). Understanding Benny’s relationship with Kelly is the only way to understand the threat Jack Damon poses to Kelly’s stability.
- Follow the Casting News: Keep an eye on Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter. With Boden gone, the show has already cast Dermot Mulroney as the new Chief, Dom Pascal. This is going to be a massive culture shock for the fans and the characters.
- Analyze the Herrmann Promotion: Pay attention to how the show handles the testing process. Becoming a Chief in the CFD isn't just an appointment; it involves a lot of bureaucracy. This will likely be a major plot point for the first half of the new season.
- Don't Ignore the Carver/Violet Dynamic: This isn't just a romance subplot. It’s about how these characters handle grief and trauma. Both have lost partners (either to death or transfers), and their inability to connect is a symptom of the job.
The Chicago Fire last episode marked the end of an era. It was the final chapter for the original 51 leadership. Moving forward, the show will have to prove it can survive without the "Dads" of the firehouse. It’s a bold new world for Kelly, Stella, and Herrmann.
To stay prepared for the next chapter, dive into the backstories of the Severide family tree and track the official CFD promotion protocols, as these will be the driving forces of the upcoming conflict. The transition from the old guard to the new generation is officially underway, and the fallout from Boden's departure is only just beginning to be felt.