Chicago Fire turns up the heat: Is Chief Pascal really “The Bad Guy”?

   

Chief Pascal faces criminal allegations in Chicago Fire season 13. Is he really guilty, or being framed? Dive into the latest twist shaking Firehouse 51.

Chief Dom Pascal is in deep waters again, and this time, he might not make it out unscathed. After a tragic season that already saw him grappling with the devastating loss of his wife Monica, the new promo for Chicago Fire‘s episode titled “The Bad Guy” throws Pascal back into the spotlight—this time as a suspect in a shocking criminal act. As the drama unfolds, fans are left wondering: is Chief Pascal really capable of attempted murder, or is he being set up?

Dermot Mulroney‘s portrayal of the troubled chief has consistently balanced authority and vulnerability, making Pascal one of the more complex figures introduced in season 13. But as the latest promo teases a scandalous twist involving a sabotaged car and a CFD-marked tool, the storyline suggests a darker turn for the once-respected firehouse leader.

Pascal’s downward spiral: from grief to rage

The turning point for Chief Dom Pascal came with the sudden death of his wife Monica (played by KaDee Strickland). What began as a tragic accident spiraled into an emotional collapse that saw Pascal making erratic decisions and endangering both himself and his crew. According to One Chicago Center, the chief blamed another driver for the crash that killed Monica, pursuing justice to the point of obsession.

In episode “In the Rubble,” viewers saw Pascal push for a criminal investigation despite a lack of evidence, even going so far as to publicly confront the accused. His emotional outbursts and unorthodox methods raised eyebrows within the department and among fans alike. While some saw it as the grief of a broken man, others began to question whether his judgment was permanently compromised.

Now, with the promo for “The Bad Guy” hinting at foul play involving Chicago Fire Department tools, the implications are severe. If true, it marks a complete fall from grace for Pascal, once considered a disciplined and principled leader.

A possible setup? Doubts and inconsistencies emerge

Despite the damning evidence—a tampered fuel line and a CFD tool found at the scene—there’s reason to question Pascal’s guilt. For one, the promo’s timing and framing raise suspicions. Just a few episodes ago, in “Post Mortem,” Pascal demonstrated composure and courage, risking his own job to protect Severide and Herrmann. His leadership was praised not only by his peers but also by Wallace Boden, whose respect isn’t earned lightly.

Given this recent arc of redemption, it’s hard to reconcile the idea that Pascal would risk everything on an impulsive act of revenge. Moreover, as a seasoned professional, would he really be so careless as to leave behind such obvious evidence? The narrative feels too conveniently damning.

Some fans speculate that Pascal is being framed, possibly by someone with a vendetta or ulterior motive. If that’s the case, the real question becomes: who would go to such lengths to destroy him, and why now?

What’s next for Chief Pascal—and Chicago Fire?

Whether Pascal is guilty or the victim of a calculated setup, the fallout from this episode will be significant. The integrity of the Chicago Fire Department, the loyalty of Firehouse 51, and the fate of a grieving chief all hang in the balance. As the May 14 episode looms, the showrunners are clearly aiming to keep viewers on edge.

This dramatic pivot also raises broader questions about Chicago Fire‘s direction as it nears the end of its thirteenth season. Is this storyline a way to write off Pascal’s character before a cast shake-up? Or is it part of a deeper arc that will carry into season 14? Regardless, the stakes have never been higher.

Fans will be watching closely to see how this plays out—and whether the show’s writers can stick the landing on one of the most intense plotlines in recent memory.