Pascal’s Hypocrisy: The Warning to Severide in Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 9

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Season 13, Episode 9 of Chicago Fire.

Hypocrisy in Leadership: Pascal’s Contradictory Stance

In the latest installment of Chicago Fire, viewers were taken aback by Chief Dom Pascal’s apparent hypocrisy regarding his views on teamwork and communication. Season 13 has delved deep into the complexities of the professional dynamics between critical characters like Kelly Severide and Pascal, especially after their collaboration in combating a corrupt officer connected to ghost guns. However, in a pivotal moment during Episode 9, Captain Tom Van Meter’s choice to approach Severide for a substitute teaching role in the Office of Fire Investigation (OFI) ignited Pascal’s discontent, as he felt sidelined in this decision.

Severide’s Dual Responsibilities

Kelly Severide, a multifaceted firefighter at Firehouse 51, adeptly juggles both active firefighting duties and investigative responsibilities within the OFI, where he excels at solving arson cases. Previously, Severide’s engagement in OFI activities received the endorsement of former Firehouse Chief Boden. However, since Pascal took the reins, he has expressed a desire to be more informed about Severide’s extracurricular commitments, issuing a cautionary note about Severide potentially overextending himself.

Pascal Monitors Severide’s Commitment

Severide and Pascal Investigating a Case in Chicago Fire

As Pascal acclimates to his role, he meticulously observes the team’s workload, especially Severide’s preparations for his OFI teaching responsibilities. Concerned that teaching may detract from Severide’s crucial obligations at Firehouse 51, Pascal appears to struggle between adhering to his predecessors’ less rigid leadership style and his more controlling approach. This tension is reminiscent of Pascal’s initial introduction, where he asserted, “I’m not Chief Boden,”signaling his intent to lead with a different methodology.

Contradictions in Leadership Style

Pascal’s Controlling Nature Raises Questions

Dermot Mulroney as Dom Pascal Standing in Front of a White Board in Chicago Fire

Despite voicing admiration for Severide’s prowess in arson investigation earlier this season, Pascal’s recent warnings about Severide’s overcommitment contradict his previous praise. This raises concerns about whether Pascal genuinely trusts Severide’s dedication to Firehouse 51, especially considering Severide’s sporadic absences for OFI duties.

Pascal’s controlling demeanor may hint at a tumultuous past in his previous firefighting role in Miami, where he may have had to enforce strict guidelines to ensure accountability among firefighters. This authoritative approach could be shaping his leadership style at Firehouse 51, which might impede his ability to forge trust-based relationships with crew members, further complicating his position within the firehouse community.

The Importance of Relationship Building

Trust: The Cornerstone of Leadership

Chicago Fire Pascal Crossing the Street in Fire Gear

Recognizing his outsider status, Pascal is acutely aware that earning the firefighters’ trust is imperative for his success. Gaining Severide’s confidence is particularly crucial; if Severide supports him, it is likely that the rest of the team at Firehouse 51 will follow suit. Their previous successful collaborations on complex fire cases suggest that a strong partnership could enhance not only their joint capabilities but also the overall efficiency of the firehouse.

Moreover, with potential changes in the hierarchy—such as Herrmann and Mouch’s advancements to captain and lieutenant respectively—Pascal is under pressure to establish himself as a competent leader. Should the opportunity arise for him to transition the captaincy to Herrmann, he may remain at Firehouse 51, continuing to work alongside Severide on arson cases. Ultimately, Pascal’s ability to align with Severide is crucial for fostering an environment of cooperation within the firehouse.

New episodes of Chicago Fire Season 13 are broadcast every Wednesday at 9 PM on NBC.

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