What will the Chicago Fire be without Boden? A fireless pit.
The finale episode of Season 12 will arrive this Wednesday, and it looks like the series is yet to cover up several unfinished story arcs. But the no.1 question in our minds is how they will fabricate the exit of Eamonn Walker who plays Boden, given the fact that he has been a part of the team since its premiere in Season 1.
Showrunner Andrea Newman spoke to TV Insider and addressed how they would ensure a fitting goodbye for Boden. Newman reveals Boden might face a similar trajectory to Casey when he had to leave the show. When Jesse Spencer exited the show after Season 6, he went to Oregon to care for the Darden boys after seeing their living situation, and it sounds like Boden will also be relieved of his current duties.
Newman teased a pivotal development in the season in episode 4, when Boden promised his stepson that he would be there for him. This moment might force Boden to make a few life-altering decisions for the future. As the showrunner puts it, “Boden has been managing a lot of change at home (with his stepson James) and at 51, and learned a lot while doing it, including about himself. A shocking incident in the finale will highlight what it means to him to be a leader, and everyone close to him will be impacted hugely by the decision he makes.”
So it seems like they will be able to write Walker’s character off seamlessly, only if the actors can employ the necessary skills to make the audience feel like it is a heartbreaking farewell.
Chicago Fire Season 12 finale will close several story arcs
As Newman shared, the finale episode is going to be brimming with plots. She teased that it would be difficult to address so many unfinished stories in a single episode, but emphasized possible developments on the romantic front.
She said, “There are so many decisions to be made, I don’t think I could count them all,” adding, “Cruz (Joe Minoso) and Chloe (Kristen Gutoskie), Violet (Hanako Greensmith) and Carver (Jake Lockett), Damon (Michael Bradway) being drawn to Novak (Jocelyn Hudon), Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and Severide (Taylor Kinney) dealing with the emotional fallout of Episode 1211, it’s a relationship rollercoaster and viewers will just have to hold on tight!”
Another threat that may be brewing regarding the safety of Firehouse 51, may have just been hinted at by Newman. She said, “51 has dealt with all kinds of outside conflict over the years… but when it comes to next season I keep thinking of a famous line from that old horror movie, When A Stranger Calls: ‘It’s coming from inside the house.’”
This may point to a danger that will arise from inside the walls of Firehouse 51. Over the 11 seasons of the hit series, Chicago Fire has gathered a talent to leave viewers amidst a mind-boggling cliffhanger every season, with no prospect of a conclusion until the next season arises. It is most likely that the Season 12 finale will also be the same, so buckle up!
Catch the season finale this Wednesday at 9 PM on NBC. You can watch the aired episodes on Peacock.