The end of Fire Country season 3 left us in turmoil. Not only did we end up with a major cliffhanger that put lives on the line, but we also got word immediately that two of the OG cast members wouldn’t be back for Fire Country season 4.
Both Billy Burke and Stephanie Arcila will leave the series, and we’re certainly not happy about that. The biggest loss is going to be Burke’s character, and it does look like there’s hope for him to return. However, Arcila’s exit may not be a permanent one, especially based on the title for the Fire Country season 4 premiere.
Fire Country season 4 is titled ‘Goodbye for Now’
The title hints that someone will be back. After all, “Goodbye for Now” is a clear indication that someone’s exit isn’t going to be a permanent one.
Based on comments and interviews after Fire Country season 4, it looks like the plan is to write Arcila’s Gabriela out in a way that allows her to come back. According to an interview with Deadline, Arcila shared that when she got the news of her exit, it was described as a “kind of break for Bode and Gabriela,” as Bode was now seeing someone else.
Arcila is also happy to come back to the show if the writing and schedules allow, which indicates that she’s not being written out via a death. Burke hasn’t spoken out about his exit, hinting that it’s more permanent and he’s not happy about it (and we don’t blame him).
Station 42 will face ‘internal turmoil’ in Fire Country
The synopsis itself tells us that the Zabel Ridge fire is going to lead to some “internal turmoil” for Station 42. They will need to rally together if they want to see the firehouse succeed, and this hints that there is still a death to come. Burke’s character, Vince, was stuck in the fire.
While it makes sense to kill off important characters now and then to highlight the real dangers of a situation, Vince isn’t the right one to kill off. He is the heart and soul of the series. Sure, there are connections to many outside of just his wife and son, but that’s not the only reason to kill off a character. It needs to further the story, and this one is likely to diminish it.
That being said, maybe we’re just looking at this from a dark spot. Is there a chance that Vince is going to be the temporary exit in Fire Country season 4?
Take a look at the full synopsis for the episode:
“In the aftermath of the Zabel Ridge fire, Station 42 faces internal turmoil but must rally together for a high-stakes rescue that tests their strength, loyalty and the future of the firehouse.”
Fire Country season 4 premieres on Friday, Oct. 17 at 8/7c on CBS before moving to the 9/8c timeslot the week after.