‘Chicago Fire’ Recap: ‘A Monster in the Field’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

CHICAGO FIRE -- "A Monster In the Field" Episode 13001 -- Pictured: Dermot Mulroney as Chief Dom Pascal -- (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Thirteen Premiere of ‘Chicago Fire’. To revisit the Season Twelve Finale, click here.

The vast majority of us in the world, see change as a constant in the workplace. Because so many of us work in places where people come, and people go. So, seeing a coworker leave for a better opportunity, or having them transfer away doesn’t faze most of us. We just go on about our day, work toward our own goals and embrace that change. Which is why we are so surprised when we hear someone speak to how stunned they are that a longtime coworker is gone, simply because we either forget or don’t know that there are career fields that don’t see much change. That feature leaders that are firmly in place and coworkers that have been there for decades on end. Which would bring about some struggle and some strife and that is why the season thirteen premiere of Chicago Fire on NBC is of note.

Simply because ‘A Monster in the Field’ picked up some time after Chief Boden left Station 51, and well, we all assumed that Herrmann would follow up with Boden’s request and be the new chief of the place. But alas, a sickness, or a choice… kept him in his current spot. Which meant, a new boss was installed at 51, and well, Chief Dom Pascal definitely showcased how change can be hard on people who have known the same individuals in their workspace for years on end. Because his arrival brought about real trepidation and worry, since it meant operating under new rules and new regulations. Wherein we saw the firehouse struggle a bit with his expectations and his demands. Because they simply weren’t used to someone else directing traffic in the manner that Pascal adhered to.

Not to mention, the department heads were also thrown for a loop by his management style. Since he wanted the three of them to meet after every call and talk about the ups and the downs of the call, and how to improve as first responders. And while Severide tried to be optimistic about it, those meetings were tough and challenged him in ways he never thought possible. Even going so far as to put him on notice about how things could change shift wise because of his relationship with Stella. Who made a point to avoid the new chief often to just keep a status quo in her mind. If anything, the only person that seemingly adjusted was Herrmann. Since he and Pascal saw eye to eye on a lot and shared in the thirst for innovation. All of which spoke to how hard change can be in this kind of work environment and of course, the show made sure to showcase how that transition can be made smoother.

In that, it is up to the new person to prove they belong and prove that the change that’s come isn’t a bad thing by any means and well, that will likely be a central theme and exploration present as this season goes along. Because Chief Pascal only went so far in making that happen. Because he did earn the trust of the team, by being the monster referred to in the title. Since his first call, one that involved an intense fire and some explosions, showcased how the man is basically made of steel nerves. Because he walked into that scene without blinking and his fast thinking saved a lot of lives. But mystery surrounded the chief beyond that. Since he spoke little about the man behind the rank, and this team needs that. Not to mention we learned, there may be some darkness surrounding the guy. Since his arrival from Miami was clouded in mystery and those closing moments with his wife were uncomfortable for all.
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But what matters more, is that this story explored its central theme in a magnificent manner. Since we really got to see the hard impact of having Boden step up and step out after spending years impacting lives and being there for people through and through. Which made for a powerful and human tale. One that truly opened a new chapter for Station 51, while still providing us with the stuff we love. Since Violet and Novak spent some time saving innocent children from a psychologically broken and dangerous father, and Severide bonded with Damon and explored the power of having a half-brother and well, all this does, is leave us eager and ready for more of this amazing series. Since new challenges are on the horizon for 51, and there are mysteries for the team to uncover about their new chief and about themselves. Since change also requires a little bit of self-work and growth, to find comfort within its power. Until next time.

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