Eamonn Walker Leaving ‘Chicago Fire’ as Series Regular — But with Potential to Return?
Say it isn’t so!
Eamonn Walker is exiting Chicago Fire as a series regular after 12 seasons, according to Deadline. Walker, of course, plays Chief Wallace Boden on the hit series.
Having moved up in the ranks from Battalion Chief to Deputy District Chief, Boden has, so far, always found a way to stay around Firehouse 51.
It’s noteworthy that he’s no longer going to be a “series regular,” though, which means there’s potential for him to still be part of the show. It’s expected that he’ll return “in a recurring capacity” at some point. Chicago Fire has already been renewed for Season 13.
As of now, it’s being reported that it was Walker’s decision to step back.
Boden is currently missing on Chicago Fire, having taken a leave of absence to help with family matters. Viewers will know this means he’s helping out with his stepson, whom he recently reconnected with.
However, he will be back for the Chicago Fire Season 12 finale, when we will learn how he will leave the series. It sounds as though his being on the shortlist for Deputy Commissioner may have something to do with it.
The episode description for the finale states that Boden will make “a decision that impacts the race for deputy commissioner.” While he’s stated previously that he had no interest in a position like that, there could be plenty of reasons for him to change his mind.
Or, it’s possible he’ll head in an entirely different direction with his career, considering the conflict he and Firehouse 51 have already had with Paramedic Chief Robinson.
Walker is just the latest in a long list of recent and upcoming exits from the One Chicago universe. Kara Killmer and Jesse Spencer have recently exited Chicago Fire, Nick Gehlfuss exited Chicago Med, and Jesse Lee Soffer exited Chicago P.D.
Tracy Spiridakos is also exiting Chicago P.D. at the end of this season.
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How do you feel about the news, and how do you think Wallace Boden will be written out? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Chicago Fire airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC.
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Ashley Bissette Sumerel
Ashley Bissette Sumerel is a television and film critic living in Wilmington, North Carolina. She is editor-in-chief of Tell-Tale TV as well as Eulalie Magazine. Ashley has also written for outlets such as Rolling Stone, Paste Magazine, and Insider. Ashley has been a member of the Critics Choice Association since 2017 and is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic. In addition to her work as an editor and critic, Ashley teaches Entertainment Journalism, Composition, and Literature at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.