The “Chicago Fire” Season 12 finale, “Never Say Goodbye,” closed with a bang as the show embraced change—both personal and professional. With its signature mix of drama, action, and heartfelt moments, the episode set the stage for an exciting Season 13. Here’s a breakdown of the key developments in the finale and how they might shape the future of Firehouse 51.

1. Boden’s Bold Move: A New Chapter

Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker) has been the backbone of Firehouse 51 for years, but in the Season 12 finale, he made a life-changing decision. After responding to a tragic fire, where a foreman lost his life despite trying to save his crew, Boden realized he needed to step out of his comfort zone. Instead of continuing in his role as chief, he took the bold step of campaigning for a deputy commissioner position. This represents Boden’s desire to take on a new challenge and leave behind the familiar chaos of Firehouse 51. His departure as chief opens up questions about the future leadership of the station, and fans are left eagerly wondering who will take the reins in Season 13.

2. A Shocking Family Twist: Severide Gains a Brother

One of the most jaw-dropping moments of the finale came when Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) discovered he had a half-brother in Jack Damon (Michael Bradway). After an intense confrontation, Damon revealed his troubled past, including abuse at the hands of his father, Benny Severide. Jack had intentionally joined Firehouse 51 to get closer to Kelly and understand more about his long-lost family. This twist adds an intriguing layer to Severide’s already complicated family life and promises to keep fans engaged with new dynamics in the upcoming season.

3. A Baby on the Horizon? Severide and Kidd’s Future

As Season 12 wrapped up, Kelly Severide opened up to Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) about his desire to have a child. However, Kidd seemed conflicted about the idea, unsure if she was ready to balance motherhood with her career ambitions. This storyline introduces a classic “Chicago Fire” plot twist—adding a new family member to the mix—but with the tension between career goals and personal life, viewers are left wondering if this new chapter will come to fruition in Season 13. Will Severide and Kidd build a family together, or will their professional aspirations get in the way?

4. Violet and Carver’s Strained Relationship

Romance has always been a pivotal aspect of “Chicago Fire,” and in Season 12, Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) and Sam Carver (Jake Lockett) faced a rough patch. Their relationship hit a breaking point when Carver’s insecurities about Mikami’s past with Evan Hawkins (Jimmy Nicholas) led to a confrontation. The couple’s emotional turmoil set the stage for a potential breakup, but with Carver going on furlough to clear his head, it’s unclear if their relationship will survive. Will Violet and Carver find a way to rebuild their bond, or will they go their separate ways?

5. Who Will Be the New Chief?

With Boden’s departure, the question on everyone’s mind is who will step into his shoes as the new chief of Firehouse 51. Although Boden nominated Chris Herrmann (David Eigenberg) for the position, Herrmann’s self-doubt leaves the door open for other candidates. A new character, Dom Pascal, is being introduced, and his brash approach could clash with the dynamics at Firehouse 51. Will Herrmann rise to the challenge, or will Pascal’s bold leadership style shake things up even more?

6. The Mouch Factor: Career Growth

Randy “Mouch” McHolland (Christian Stolte) has always been a steady presence at Firehouse 51, but in the finale, he expressed an interest in advancing his career. Mouch plans to take the lieutenants’ test, signaling a shift in his character’s arc. Fans are excited to see if Mouch can take on a bigger role within the station and how this new direction will affect the team.

7. What’s Next for Brett and Casey?

Though not central to the finale, Brett (Kara Killmer) and Matt Casey’s (Jesse Spencer) future remains an intriguing subplot. After Brett’s departure in Season 12, she and Casey are now living in Oregon. Fans are eagerly awaiting the chance to see how this couple will evolve away from Chicago. Will they continue their relationship or face new challenges? The Season 13 premiere could provide clues about their future, whether they return to Chicago or remain on the West Coast.

Looking Ahead: What’s in Store for Season 13?

The Season 12 finale of “Chicago Fire” set up plenty of exciting storylines for Season 13. With Boden moving on to a new role, Severide gaining a new family member, and several characters facing life-changing decisions, the future of Firehouse 51 is uncertain but filled with promise. Fans can expect new dynamics, personal struggles, and heroic moments as the series continues to evolve. Season 13 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting seasons yet!