‘Chicago Fire’: David Eigenberg Explains Why Herrmann Can’t Take Over for Boden
At the end of Chicago Fire Season 12, Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker) became Deputy Commissioner, but he knew that in leaving, he needed to have someone replace him. And as it’s become clear over the years, but especially in the finale, the person for that position is Herrmann (David Eigenberg).
After all, in the finale, it was Herrmann who stepped up to remind the others of the lives they did manage to save on a tough call. Herrmann wasn’t sure, but Boden told him he just needed to be himself, the person “who looks out for people, who listens, who always leads with his heart.” But then less than a month after the finale aired, it was reported that a new character will be coming in as chief in a series regular role.
This new battalion chief, potentially named Dom Pascal, “began his career with the CFD but spent the last decade as a chief in Sunny Miami,” according to Deadline. He’s “a cheerful person who works well under pressure, and whose leadership style differs from Boden’s.” There’s also potential for personal drama; he’s estranged from his wife.
But fans probably shouldn’t have been surprised when it was reported that Herrmann won’t be taking over for Boden, as David Eigenberg told TV Insider at the Television Critics’ Association Summer Press Tour. After all, it’s not like Herrmann could have just become battalion chief; he’s currently only a lieutenant.
“The character can’t make a shift to a chief unless we were deep into TV falsehoods,” Eigenberg pointed out. “I’m not going to let him do that. He has to become a captain, and then you got to go through a whole thing. I think that the character might be able to make the transition. I don’t know. Who knows? They may put me in chief and then fire me as a chief. We’ll see.”
As for how Herrmann’s going to feel about this new character coming in, considering what Boden told him he wanted, Eigenberg’s not sure yet. “I know Herrmann is always floating around. His brain is always kind of a little bit whacked out about everything, so we’re just going to see what happens,” he said.
Still, we do expect to see Herrmann stepping up into a leadership role around 51, even if it’s not with an official promotion.
What do you think of someone new coming in? Let us know in the comments section, below.
Chicago Fire, Season 13 Premiere, Wednesday, September 25, 9/8c, NBC
-Reporting by Meaghan Darwish
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I think they should bring Casey back to be battalion chief
45 5
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As long silveeeee comes back!!!Pleeeeeaaaasssseeee! Lol
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Bring Casey and Brett back
35 6
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I feel like hiring from within the firehouse is better than an outsider.
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Definitely hire from within
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Always hire from within. 30 retired chief. Bring from the outside, bad for moral and blocks promotion
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Casey for Chief
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Love Herman, but……. He is hot headed. Besides, Severide has been there longer. Casey as well. Maybe he will come back! lol
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I don't know, there's what 3-4 ppl leaving the show at once. It would be easier if they did it 1 a yr. We'll have to see what happens.
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No don’t dare leave Kelly and kid along y’all so jealous of them two suck it up I agree bring Casie back to be they need to leave chief along leave him there they going mess up a awsome show
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Hire from within. I would not want an outsider come in. 51 is a tight nit group. An outsider will mess everything up!!
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I thought bringing Casey back as chief would be the best workable answer to Boden leaving
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It needs to be kept in house. There is already to many changes as is. I am close to not watching it anyway
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Wish they'd bring back Gallo or Mills as part of the team!
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Yes, bring Casey back, the dynamics and story line for fire fighting has already changed on the show.
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KeepBiden, get rid of Kidd instead. No chemistry with Kelly and he’s clearly not happy
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Boden will always be the best, rather him stay! But Casey be my next choice. But either/ any way love this tv show!!!
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Bring Matt back as chief and promote severide to captain
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Bring back Gabriella Dawson, Leslie shay , Casey and Brett
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I love Chief Boden, I cried on that episode. They feel like family to me. Please keep his character in the show. He’s the nicest Chief.
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I don’t like that a new person is taking over for Boden. Somebody from the crew should be taking over. There are a few that can step right in.
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I think it would be better to promote from within.
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Career departments promote within, first: if they have a candidate pool.Promote Herrman to Capt so he gets that leadership experience.
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Definitely higher from with in. Give Herrmann a chance.
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I am heart broken at Boden leaving. I hope the show stays in a family atmosphere. Don't bring in a nasty person as they have before.
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The article explains why that would not be realistic.