Things are not going to be easy for Chief Pascal in Chicago Fire season 14, and there’s a newcomer who is going to make things a lot tougher.
No, we’re not talking about On Call’s Brandon Larracuente. Instead, there’s a recurring character who is going to cause a problem for Pascal and the rest of the firehouse.
Of course, this isn’t anything new. We’re used to seeing how outsiders create issues for Firehouse 51, but it’s not your usual issue. Instead, the mentioned budget cuts at the end of Chicago Fire season 13 are going to cause stress for many, and Pascal may need to make some tough decisions.
Chief Pascal will need to charm a chief of staff in Chicago Fire season 14
Annabeth Gish will guest star in Chicago Fire season 14, according to TV Insider. She’ll take on the role of Annette Davis, the mayor’s chief of staff, in a multi-episode arc. Her first appearance is in the premiere on Wednesday, Oct. 1, and it hints that the show is immediately going to get started on the stress of budget cuts.
These budget cuts were mentioned at the end of season 13. Mouch made it clear that there was no need to worry about him and Herrmann, although then Herrmann chose to demote himself so that Mouch could get a chance at being lieutenant and not have to leave the firehouse. Could this have been a bad decision for his career, as he is forced into retirement? Maybe, but we’ll need to see.
It’s not clear if Pascal is going to be tasked with cutting the firehouse team, but that could be her initial goal. Alternatively, Davis could be there to help save Firehouse 51, as too many cuts will put too many strains on the firefighters and paramedics.
Violet will feel the strain in Chicago Fire
There are a few issues with the budget cuts. As more firehouses close, the jurisdiction of other firehouses expands. That means more calls back-to-back, and it will also mean that other team members will need to pitch in via other areas.
In fact, Capp will be stepping in to help Violet with some of the ambo calls since he is also a medic. Novak will also still be by Violet’s side, likely also feeling the stress that comes from the extra calls.
This is a storyline that mimics real life, and it’s not surprising. In fact, we need to see what all these budget cuts are doing to the people on the ground, giving an honest look at why it’s so hard to attend all the calls in a timely manner.
Chicago Fire season 14 premieres on Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 9/8c on NBC.