Pascal’s Reputation Flipped Upside Down

Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 21, “The Bad Guy,” pulls one of the show’s boldest twists yet. For weeks, viewers suspected Battalion Chief Dom Pascal was headed down a dark path. His temper, grief, and questionable choices all painted him as the man to watch. But in true Chicago Fire fashion, the story flips the script.

Instead of condemning Pascal, the episode reframes him as a victim in desperate need of redemption. Firehouse 51 rallies around him, and fans who once doubted him suddenly find themselves rooting for his survival. It’s a gamble that could reshape how audiences view one of the show’s most divisive characters.

A Car Accident and a Shocking Twist

The episode begins with a car accident that nearly kills Robert Franklin, the man tied to Monica Pascal’s death earlier in the season. Suspicion immediately lands on Pascal. His grief and past outbursts make him the prime suspect.

But Severide refuses to jump to conclusions. Known for his investigative instincts, he digs deeper. His sleuthing reveals that Bishop, not Pascal, may have orchestrated the setup. This revelation flips the narrative, proving once again that Severide’s instincts are as sharp as ever — and that Pascal may not be the villain after all.

Chief Pascal even admits to Herrmann that his days could be numbered: “There’s a chance you’re taking over the big office sooner than we expected. This house is going to need you.” That line hints at both his vulnerability and the looming uncertainty about his future.

Violet’s Subplot Falls Flat

While Pascal’s redemption arc shines, Violet Mikami draws the short straw. Her subplot with Flynn revisits old ground — the tired debate between paramedics and doctors. Violet calls Flynn out for not understanding her passion: “I can’t be with someone who doesn’t get me. Who doesn’t get what being a paramedic means to me.”

The fight feels forced, as though it only exists to break them up. Violet then abruptly reveals she’s in love with someone else, clearly referring to Sam Carver. Fans of the Violet-Carver pairing may cheer, but the transition feels rushed and tacked on.

It echoes what happened to Derrick Gibson: a promising storyline condensed into a few quick beats, leaving the character development uneven. Violet has grown significantly since her early days sparring with Blake Gallo, and she deserves better writing than a recycled romance twist.

Severide Steals the Spotlight

Once again, Kelly Severide anchors the episode. Taylor Kinney’s performance proves why the show cannot replace him. His determination to clear Pascal’s name gives the story real weight. Every scene with Severide feels vital, from his quiet suspicions to his heated confrontation with Bishop.

Yet the stakes feel lower compared to classic Chicago Fire finales. Past seasons left viewers breathless with cliffhangers — characters trapped in burning buildings, near-death rescues, and shocking exits. By contrast, clearing Pascal’s name doesn’t feel like the same life-or-death gamble. It’s quieter, more character-driven.

Still, Kinney elevates the material. His presence alone makes “The Bad Guy” worth watching. Without him, the storyline would risk falling flat.

What This Means for Season 14

“The Bad Guy” sets the stage for a finale where Severide risks his career to defend Pascal. The question isn’t just whether Pascal gets justice. It’s whether Severide’s loyalty to his chief will cost him everything.

At the same time, Violet’s love life remains unresolved, though the Carver connection hints at big shifts ahead. Fans can expect more complications for her in Season 14, but they’ll be hoping for stronger storytelling than what she was given here.

In the end, Episode 21 proves two things: Pascal isn’t the villain fans assumed, and Severide is the glue that holds Chicago Fire together. Without him, the firehouse wouldn’t burn nearly as bright.