‘Chicago Fire’: Hanako Greensmith Says Cliffhanger ‘Put Fear There for a Reason’
Sound the alarms! Last we saw Firehouse 51, most were trapped in a burning building — or on a ladder outside as, according to star Hanako Greensmith, who plays paramedic Violet Mikami, “a tsunami wave of fire consumes them.”
“We put fear there for a reason,” warns Greensmith. “The cliffhanger is there to keep you coming back for answers and for more. So, I don’t want to take away your anxiety, but I can guarantee that all of the fabulous elements that come with our show are absolutely present and they’re better than ever.”
As for what’s going on with the firefighters at the center of the danger, they’re “doing what they do best: thinking about the team, the people there to be saved,” she teases. “It’s a really rewarding watch.”
Elizabeth Sisson/NBC
As for Violet and her fellow paramedic Lyla Novak (Jocelyn Hudon), all they can do (at least at first) is “spend a lot of time watching in horror,” Greensmith says.
Early on, Season 15 welcomes new probies and says goodbye to two major players. Dermot Mulroney wraps up his role as ex-battalion chief Dom Pascal in the opener, and original cast member Joe Miñoso (firefighter Joe Cruz) leaves after a handful of episodes.
“You will still have some time with [Mulroney’s Pascal] before his departure. It feels like a nice passing of the baton. I think that’ll be exciting to see who’s stepping into his place, at least for the interim. We’re going to have some exciting changes there,” reveals Greensmith. “And then as far as Cruz goes, so much beautiful story’s being written to acknowledge him in a completely different way. And I think there’s going to be a lot of growth for his character and his story. And I really, really hope that his departure leaves people as touched as it will touch us.”
Watch the video interview above for more from Hanako Greensmith about Season 15, including the upcoming 300th episode!
Chicago Fire, Season 15 Premiere, Wednesday, October 7, 9/8c, NBC
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The cliff hanger is there for contract negotiation leverage.
If you are a cast member, and you want too much money to renew your contract, then your character does NOT survive the "cliff hanger"...
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“The cliffhanger is there to keep you coming back for answers and for more." Actually, given the increasing volatility of TV programming (especially how often cancellations are announced after the last episode of a season is in the can, or even aired), cliffhangers are points-lost when I'm evaluating whether or not to get invested in a season of something. In this case, I'll watch despite last season's cliffhanger, not 'cuz of it. But no guarantees for the future.
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