'Fire Country' Is Taking Audrey in a Bold New Direction After That Shocking Season 3 Cliffhanger

After that intense two-part Fire Country finale, it's almost a surprise that we didn't witness any (confirmed) deaths on-screen. With the news that the show will be short two cast members going into the highly anticipated Season 4, it's clear that some of the supporting cast are going to have to help carry the load. That certainly includes Leven Rambin's Audrey James, who takes center stage in the second half of the finale, "I'd Do It Again," when it's revealed that she was the one who shot Gabriela's (Stephanie Arcila) stalker Finn (Blake Lee) in the penultimate episode. From what we can tell, it seems like Fire Country is doing something exciting with Audrey. We just aren't entirely sure what that entails.

Audrey Has Been 'Fire Country's Breakout Newcommer

There's no denying that Audrey James has been Fire Country's best addition this season. Even after Jared Padalecki's Camden Casey, Katie Findlay's Francine, and Nesta Cooper's Violet, it's Audrey who has captured the hearts of many viewers. Truth be told, her relationship with Bode (Max Thieriot) is far more complex, interesting, and healthy than anything the Fire Country lead had with Gabriela. It's been a joy to watch her grow this season. From her cadet status to becoming a full-blown firefighter with Cal Fire, there have been many personal achievements to celebrate with the character. Even if you're still rooting for Bode and Gabriela, Audrey's presence has been a breath of fresh air, and if anyone deserves to be promoted to a series regular after Stephanie Arcila's departure, it's certainly Leven Rambin.

That said, when Finn returned to take revenge on Gabriela (hoping to steal her away from Edgewater), Audrey stepped in and shot the stalker, who nearly died as a result. It was an interesting choice for Audrey to make, especially in light of her criminal record, but it is a clear-cut case of self-defense (right?) that should be fairly easy to prove. Still, perhaps one of the most interesting developments in the finale is Audrey's struggle to come to terms with saving Finn's life. After she shoots him, Gabriela and Manny (Kevin Alejandro) go to work on the injured villain, believing that his life still matters, despite his actions. Audrey struggles with this concept, and though she ultimately chooses to help Gabriela stabilize the patient, it's not without a serious moral debate within herself if that is even appropriate. In the end, she does the right thing by helping save Finn's life, and then does so again by admitting her actions to the cops on scene.

Is 'Fire Country' Setting Up a New Fire Camp Arc with Audrey at the Center?

However Audrey’s story continues into Season 4, it’s clear that "I'd Do It Again" is more than just an apt episode title. Sure, it's a direct reference to Audrey's line about her actions in shooting Finn, but it also doubles as a statement that Fire Country is taking Audrey in a brave new direction. On the one hand, it’s possible that the show may be using Audrey as a conduit for a new fire camp plotline. With the sudden and shocking destruction of the Three Rock Conservation Camp, it seems on the surface as if the inmate fire program has been cancelled in Fire Country. Of course, this is likely only a setback, as the identity of this series is so rooted in the fire camp rehabilitation program that to remove it entirely from the narrative would feel like too stark a betrayal on the show's part. That said, if Audrey does get in legal trouble for her actions, she could always end up back in a new fire camp given her exemplary record (and the testimony of those present).

If this is the case, we could be introduced to a whole new Audrey, one who is forced to fight for her freedom once more. It would certainly feel like an uphill battle, but one that the character could undoubtedly weather given her previous life challenges. On the other hand, Fire Country may be prepping the character for something big given Gabriela’s newly announced Season 4 departure. It’s impossible to tell how Gabriela will respond to these events. It may drive her to leave Edgewater for some time or even forever. If this is the case, Audrey will be left to work through that night all on her own. If Finn somehow dies as a result of his injuries, Audrey would have to live with the guilt of killing someone, which could be quite crushing. We've seen stories like this before with Bode and Jake when it came to Riley Leone's (Jade Pettyjohn) death, but this would be the first time that a character was so actively responsible for the death of another. It would certainly make for some meaty drama.

It Seems That Audrey Will Play a Big Part In 'Fire Country' Season 4

No matter what direction Fire Country takes with its fourth season, it's clear that Audrey James will remain a bit part of it. Her actions in the Season 3 finale will certainly come with consequences. "She finds herself in a really interesting dilemma," co-creator Tony Phelan told Deadline after the episode aired. "We reveal that she’s the person who ended up shooting the stalker, but she’s also a convicted felon who has just now gotten her freedom. Finding out what’s going to happen to her and how Bode and she are going to negotiate that is the meat of early next season as well." If Bode loses his father, Gabriela, and Audrey in one fell swoop (not to mention the theory that Jake may take over Vince's position as well), this whole thing could push the Fire Country lead over the edge.

Considering that Audrey has become a quick fan-favorite, it's unlikely that she will go the way of Freddy (W. Tré Davis) and disappear altogether. Rather, incorporating this fallout into the main narrative and emphasizing the unique challenges that ex-cons face on the other side of fire camp is a compelling way to keep her on the show. Here's hoping that, however Audrey factors into Season 4, Fire Country can tell a complete and engaging story with her and avoid any unnecessary drama simply for drama's sake.