After being missing in action for two episodes, Dermot Mulroney is officially back in Chicago Fire Season 14, Episode 6 — and his return couldn’t come at a better time for Firehouse 51.

Where Has Chief Pascal Been?

The last few episodes of Chicago Fire have been intense, to say the least.

• Episode 4 saw Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg) and his family lose their home in a devastating fire.

• Episode 5 focused on Herrmann’s struggle to rebuild with help from his 51 family.

• Meanwhile, Severide (Taylor Kinney) and Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) continued adapting to life as foster parents, while the mystery surrounding Sal Vasquez (Carlos Miranda) deepened.

But amid all the chaos, one key character was notably absent — Chief Dom Pascal, played by Dermot Mulroney.

It was explained within the show that Pascal had been assigned to assist other firehouses due to a wave of budget cuts that led to the firing of six battalion chiefs across the CFD. While it made narrative sense, fans couldn’t help but wonder whether this signaled a temporary hiatus for Mulroney.

Thankfully, it looks like Chief Pascal is back — and stepping into an even more important role.

Chief Pascal Returns in Episode 6, “Broken Things”

Mulroney’s comeback has been confirmed through both official NBC photos and the episode synopsis for Chicago Fire Season 14, Episode 6, titled “Broken Things.”

When the episode airs Wednesday, November 5, Pascal will take Kelly Severide under his wing for a day of mentoring. The storyline will see Severide shadowing Pascal as the two review plans related to the CFD — a task that will also involve Mayor Benning’s Chief of Staff, Annette Davis, suggesting a citywide policy or departmental shakeup may be on the horizon.

New production stills show Pascal and Severide working side by side, their growing professional respect on full display. It’s a far cry from the tension that marked Pascal’s introduction to Firehouse 51 earlier this season.

A Dynamic Built on Mutual Respect

What’s been most surprising — and satisfying — to fans this season is how quickly Severide and Pascal’s relationship has evolved.

When Pascal first arrived, he clashed with Severide’s hands-on, instinct-driven leadership style. But in recent episodes, their bond has developed into one of mentorship and mutual admiration, reflecting two very different men who ultimately share the same goal: protecting the CFD and the firefighters who risk their lives every day.

With Pascal back in command and taking Severide under his wing, Chicago Fire Season 14 is setting up one of the most intriguing mentor-mentee relationships the show has explored in years.