CHICAGO FIRE -- "A Monster In the Field" Episode 13001 -- Pictured: Dermot Mulroney as Chief Dom Pascal -- (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC) Chicago Fire Season 13 Episode 1 Review: A Monster in the Field CHICAGO FIRE -- "A Monster In the Field" Episode 13001 -- Pictured: Dermot Mulroney as Chief Dom Pascal -- (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)

Chicago Fire Season 13 Episode 1 Review: A Monster in the Field

Chicago Fire, Reviews

As much as I hate to see Boden gone, a shake-up like this one could be just what Chicago Fire needed. On Chicago Fire Season 13 Episode 1, “A Monster in the Field,” the new chief arrives to the firehouse with a tough attitude and quick show of talent.

There’s some mystery around Dermot Mulroney’s Dom Pascal, which borders on being the same tired cliche that the series often falls back on: a new guy that we can’t trust. But the mystery of this new chief doesn’t make it feel like he’s an enemy, even if he does come in with new rules and high expectations.

CHICAGO FIRE -- "A Monster In the Field" Episode 13001 -- Pictured: (l-r) David Eigenberg as Christopher Herrmann, Dermot Mulroney as Chief Dom Pascal, Miranda Rae Mayo as Stella Kidd -- (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)
CHICAGO FIRE — “A Monster In the Field” Episode 13001 — Pictured: (l-r) David Eigenberg as Christopher Herrmann, Dermot Mulroney as Chief Dom Pascal, Miranda Rae Mayo as Stella Kidd — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)

His rule about the phones during meals is patronizing, but it’s also endearing despite the gruffness that comes off him. He genuinely believes that connection is important and that it’s in their best interests. 

The mixed reactions Pascal is met with are interesting, too. Stella is too resistant, while Severide seems willing to make changes and play ball. It makes sense that everyone would have a tough time adjusting, of course, especially those who have been around for a while.

Herrmann, meanwhile, sees someone he can learn from, though that’s more complex given that Herrmann is supposed to be in that role eventually.

Enough time has passed that Herrmann could have already been making steps toward becoming captain, but he was “sick.”

Mouch calls that out, knowing full well that his friend and co-worker has the potential to move up, but that he may also have some insecurities. Herrmann moving up also opens the door for Mouch to do the same and fill Herrmann’s shoes as the lieutenant on truck. 

CHICAGO FIRE -- "A Monster In the Field" Episode 13001 -- Pictured: David Eigenberg as Christopher Herrmann -- (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)
CHICAGO FIRE — “A Monster In the Field” Episode 13001 — Pictured: David Eigenberg as Christopher Herrmann — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)

So, we have an intriguing trajectory ahead when it comes to promotion possibilities, and it gets even more complicated if you consider the fact that Cruz has also had his eyes on becoming a lieutenant.

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When Mouch says he’s not going to try for a promotion until there’s a space available at Firehouse 51, Cruz notes that that’s exactly why he held off on taking the exam himself.

Are we in for some competition in the future? All of that conflict would certainly be great storytelling.

Pascal is also going to be keeping a close eye on Stella and Severide, which is possibly the most problematic part of his arrival so far. CFD has a rule about family members working together on the same shift — a rule we’ve heard about before.

But Boden allowed the two of them to keep working together because he trusted their leadership. (They also aren’t the first married couple to work together at Firehouse 51.)

CHICAGO FIRE -- "A Monster In the Field" Episode 13001 -- Pictured: Miranda Rae Mayo as Stella Kidd -- (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)
CHICAGO FIRE — “A Monster In the Field” Episode 13001 — Pictured: Miranda Rae Mayo as Stella Kidd — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)

Pascal is at least going to give it a chance, but he’s skeptical. And he doesn’t even know that Severide has another family member working the same shift as well… 

Six months have passed since Jack Damon told Severide that they were brothers, and they’ve clearly taken the time to bond. This could have gone any number of ways, and there’s something comforting about how amicable it is. Severide is genuinely trying to get to know Damon, sharing stories about Benny and worrying over his welfare.

Cruz is concerned about that last part, though, and with good reason. While Severide’s wife may be working the same shift, she’s on equal footing. When it comes to Damon, however, Severide is acting as a mentor and, deep down, clearly feels protective. 

CHICAGO FIRE -- "A Monster In the Field" Episode 13001 -- Pictured: Michael Bradway as Damon-- (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)
CHICAGO FIRE — “A Monster In the Field” Episode 13001 — Pictured: Michael Bradway as Damon– (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)

That causes one minor conflict with Stella, who is annoyed that Severide gives Damon feedback on a call when Stella is his actual commanding officer. It wouldn’t be surprising if we see that sort of thing continue to happen.

The bigger issue, though, is that Severide makes an obvious choice to lie by omission when he has his meeting with Pascal. So now it’s going to be a secret that they’re brothers? How long does Severide actually think that’s going to last? It’s fitting for his character, in a way, but it’s risky.

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So far I’ve talked a lot about how Pascal is affecting the other characters, but Pascal himself is fascinating, and I like him already. 

The way he steps right in during that call at the beginning, walking right toward the danger without hesitation, suggests an extra special kind of fearlessness that is really satisfying to watch. And again, he may be gruff and by the books, but he’s there to lead and has good intentions — that’s clear.

CHICAGO FIRE -- "A Monster In the Field" Episode 13001 -- Pictured: Dermot Mulroney as Chief Dom Pascal -- (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)
CHICAGO FIRE — “A Monster In the Field” Episode 13001 — Pictured: Dermot Mulroney as Chief Dom Pascal — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)

Yet, he does have that mystery about him. He’s back in Chicago after years of living and working in Miami, and something horrible happened there that he’s not ready for folks to know about yet. One old friend has already heard about it and visits him, but the meeting isn’t totally friendly. 

Then, Kadee Strickland appears as, I assume, his wife. There’s barely anything to explain their relationship beyond the changed lock on a door and quick forgiveness of something from a woman who obviously still loves him.

This interaction immediately softens his character, and it’s all just enough to make us excited to learn more about both of their characters. 

Pascal isn’t the only mysterious character on this season premiere, though. Carver is back from a six-week furlough where he went back home, returned looking a little more rugged, and has a new mystery girl picking him up from the firehouse. 

CHICAGO FIRE -- "A Monster In the Field" Episode 13001 -- Pictured: Jake Lockett as Sam Carver -- (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)
CHICAGO FIRE — “A Monster In the Field” Episode 13001 — Pictured: Jake Lockett as Sam Carver — (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)

I suppose it would be too easy for him to come back and be available once Violet was ready to tell him she’s all in, but this one stings!

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It also suggests we could be learning more about Carver’s past soon, and that would be welcomed character development. I hope that’s the case. 

What did you think of this episode of Chicago Fire? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Chicago Fire airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC.

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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.