The emotional Season 12 finale of Chicago Fire, titled Never Say Goodbye, delivered a powerful cocktail of career transformations, romantic upheaval, and surprising family revelations — all without claiming a single life. As the squad faces new challenges and shifting priorities, the episode underlines the show’s signature themes of sacrifice, legacy, and the unrelenting pull of found family.
Boden’s Farewell — But Not Goodbye
The beating heart of 51, Chief Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker), takes center stage in the finale. After years of unwavering leadership, Boden steps down to pursue the role of Deputy Commissioner, blocking Jude Robinson from taking the position. His decision is born from a moment of clarity during a harrowing rescue, where a selfless foreman loses his life prioritizing his crew. That sacrifice awakens something in Boden, reminding him that leadership is about more than loyalty to your station — it’s about making a wider impact. While his departure leaves a leadership vacuum, his legacy endures. Thankfully for fans, Boden isn’t gone for good and is expected to appear in a recurring role in Season 13.
Severide’s Surprises: A Brother and a Baby?
Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) faces a double bombshell. First, it’s revealed that new recruit Jack Damon (Michael Bradway) is actually his half-brother, sharing the same abusive father, Benny. Damon’s presence at 51 wasn’t accidental — he sought to connect with Kelly. As the brothers start to build a fragile bond, Severide also opens up to Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) about wanting to start a family. While Kidd is caught off guard, the emotional weight of the moment suggests that this arc will evolve significantly in Season 13.
Violet and Carver: A Love on the Brink
Romantic turbulence brews between Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) and Sam Carver (Jake Lockett). After a tense morning leads to tardiness, Carver is triggered by Violet’s lingering tributes to her late love, Evan Hawkins. Their issues boil over after Carver’s emotional outburst during a fire rescue, and despite professing his love, he takes furlough — cutting off communication. Their future is left uncertain, hinging on whether they can confront the ghosts of past trauma and grow stronger, or fall apart completely.
Herrmann’s Leadership Test
Boden recommends Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg) as his successor — a major nod to the character’s growth. Herrmann is hesitant, doubting his capabilities, but the prospect of advancement offers a compelling arc. However, NBC’s casting call for a new chief named Dom Pascal, a bold Miami native, hints that a major shake-up is coming. Whether Herrmann ultimately rises or falters will likely be a key Season 13 thread.
Looking Ahead
With Chicago Fire returning September 25, the stage is set for sweeping change. Will Severide embrace fatherhood? Can Violet and Carver salvage their relationship? Who will truly lead 51 into the next era? As always, the strength of Chicago Fire lies not just in action, but in the heartbeats behind the helmets — and Season 13 promises to challenge every one of them.
