Changes are underway in the cast of the NBC series Chicago Fire as actor Dermot Mulroney will take a hiatus for the remainder of season 14. While he is scheduled to appear in the upcoming 14th episode and the crossover event with Chicago Med and Chicago PD on March 4, 2024, it remains uncertain if he will return by the end of the season. The scripts for the final episodes have not yet been finalized.
Dermot Mulroney joined the series in season 13, portraying Battalion Chief Dominick Pascal. His character’s journey has seen him struggle to gain the trust of his colleagues at Firehouse 51, but he has gradually become an integral part of the team. The decision for his hiatus is reportedly tied to a character arc that will unfold over the remaining episodes of the season.
New Faces Join the Team
In a significant development, actor Rob Morgan will be introduced in a recurring role as Battalion Chief Hopkins. According to Deadline, Hopkins has a “long, haunted past in overseeing several Chicago firehouses” and is known for his authoritative demeanor. He is set to debut in episode 16 and will appear in a total of four episodes, including the season finale.
The addition of Rob Morgan comes at a time when Pascal has been actively involved in a storyline opposing the Chief of Staff for the city’s Mayor, Benning, who proposed a controversial program aimed at shutting down Engine 51 and laying off crew members. The dynamics within the firehouse are expected to shift with the arrival of Hopkins, and viewers are keen to see how his authoritative style will be received by the existing team.
Alongside these changes, fans will also welcome back Katelynn Shennett, who reprises her role as Kylie Estevez. Shennett originally joined Chicago Fire in 2020 and has appeared in 44 episodes. She shared her excitement about returning on social media, posting a mirror selfie from her trailer and expressing her joy at reuniting with her castmates.
Character Development and Storylines
Kylie Estevez has had a significant journey, being the first recruit for Stella Kidd’s “Girls on Fire” program and later progressing to an office assistant and firefighter candidate at Firehouse 51. Her return comes at a critical juncture, as Stella navigates personal challenges in her marriage to Kelly Severide. The ongoing mentorship between Stella and Kylie is anticipated to provide viewers with compelling storylines in the coming episodes.
Since its debut in 2012, Chicago Fire has garnered a loyal fan base, often referred to as “Chi-Hards.” In previous seasons, the series said farewell to regulars Daniel Kyri and Jake Lockett, while welcoming Brandon Larracuente as Sal Vásquez.
As the series continues to evolve, viewers can expect engaging plot developments and character arcs that highlight the challenges faced by the firefighters of Chicago. With the upcoming episodes, Chicago Fire aims to maintain its place as a staple of NBC’s lineup, captivating audiences with its blend of drama, action, and camaraderie among the team at Firehouse 51.
