Reasons Chief Boden Was Absent from the 2025 One Chicago Crossover Event

Warning! Spoilers ahead for the 2025 One Chicago crossover. Despite the tragic events depicted in the recent 2025 One Chicago crossover, Chief Wallace Boden was notably absent. Eammon Walker, who has portrayed Firehouse 51’s esteemed leader—having been the first cast member of Chicago Fire—has been synonymous with the NBC and Wolf Entertainment franchise for over a decade. However, following a series of significant departures, the conclusion of Chicago Fire’s season 12 saw Chief Boden step up to a promotion as the deputy fire commissioner of the Chicago Fire Department. Nevertheless, given his strong connections to Firehouse 51, his return to the series remains a possibility.

In the gripping 2025 One Chicago crossover, Firehouse 51, Gaffney Medical, and Intelligence united to tackle a substantial disaster in downtown Chicago. Chief Dom Pascal took the helm during what was initially perceived as a standard fire response and rescue operation. Yet, as the depth of the crisis unfolded, additional medical and law enforcement personnel arrived to provide critical support. Thanks to their collective efforts, the situation was ultimately handled with minimal loss among their ranks, leading to a sense of accomplishment, although many fans expressed disappointment over Boden’s absence.

A Missed Opportunity: The Perfect Moment for Chief Boden’s Return

Boden’s Promotion Could Have Justified His Presence

Eammon Walker as Boden glancing to the side in Chicago Fire

The 2025 One Chicago crossover presented an ideal moment for Walker to reprise his role for several compelling reasons. Firstly, the incident serving as the trigger for the crossover not only unfolded in a bustling area of the city but also took place within a government building.As the newly appointed deputy fire commissioner, Boden would likely have felt compelled to assess the situation, despite Firehouse 51’s non-involvement. Secondly, this crossover marks the first occurrence of this type in six years, meaning Walker’s cameo would not only evoke nostalgia but enrich the fans’ viewing experience.

Assessing the Impact of Chief Boden’s Absence on the Crossover’s Narrative Goals

A Look Towards One Chicago’s Future

Despite the reasons stated above, one significant factor impacted Boden’s absence during the 2025 One Chicago crossover: the franchise’s focus on its evolution. The crossover event is not only a revival of NBC and Wolf Entertainment’s tradition but also a strategic move to usher the franchise into a new era. With numerous prominent characters and actors having departed in recent seasons, Boden’s presence could have served as a reminder of those losses, detracting from the celebration of the revitalized ensemble of characters.

This situation holds particularly true for Chicago Fire, which faced the highest turnover in 2024. While the exits of characters like Sylvie Brett and Blake Gallo were heart-wrenching, Boden’s departure was especially impactful. Although Dermot Mulroney has stepped in effectively as Pascal, it is crucial for the audience to witness his leadership attributes fully. Building relationships with existing characters, such as Hank Voight, was a central theme of the crossover, reinforcing the emphasis on new beginnings in the One Chicago universe.

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