A Chief’s Devotion: Boden’s Choice in Chicago Fire Season 12

Change has been swirling around Firehouse 51 like smoke in a raging inferno throughout Season 12 of Chicago Fire. Fans have said goodbye to some beloved characters, leaving them on edge and wondering who might be next. Could the ever-reliable Chief Wallace Boden, the rock of 51, be the next to leave?

It’s a thought that sends shivers down the spines of “Chi-Hards,” who can’t imagine the firehouse without Boden’s steady hand at the helm.

But Season 12 has thrown some curveballs his way, both professionally and personally.

A Chance for Advancement and a Family in Need

On the career front, Boden finds himself shortlisted for Deputy Fire Commissioner, a prestigious position that would have him overseeing the entire CFD. While a remarkable opportunity, it could mean leaving his beloved Firehouse 51.

As if this wasn’t enough, Boden’s personal life takes a dramatic turn when his ex-wife lands in federal prison, leaving their son, James, reeling.  A chasm of worry and responsibility opens up for Boden as he steps up to guide James through the tumultuous aftermath.

A Son’s Struggle and a Father’s Unwavering Support

Episode 9, “Something About Her,” throws James’s struggles into sharp relief. Boden, ever the caring father figure, offers James a job at 51 to help him make ends meet.

However, James is clearly burning the candle at both ends, juggling multiple jobs to stay afloat financially. He tries to mask his exhaustion, but Boden sees through the façade.

The weight of James’s situation becomes clear when he confides in Kylie Estevez, a friend from 51. He’s on the verge of losing his mother’s house in Michigan due to unpaid rent and looming foreclosure.

Kylie, sensing the depth of his desperation, urges him to seek help from Boden.

Later that day, a frantic Boden can’t find James. He soon learns that James, overwhelmed by the impending foreclosure, has taken off for Michigan to try and salvage the situation alone.

Boden, however, refuses to let James face this crisis on his own. He makes a decisive choice, informing Herrmann that he’ll be gone for a few shifts, then sets off on a long drive to Michigan.

A Two-Man Job: Facing the Crisis Head-On

Arriving at the dilapidated house, Boden finds James overwhelmed and drowning in a sea of problems. James, shocked and guilt-ridden, apologizes for not asking for help. Boden, filled with fatherly concern, assures James that he’s there for him. “This looks like a two-man job, to say the least,” he says, his words carrying the weight of experience and unwavering support.

Finally, James breaks down, confessing the extent of his financial distress. “I got [the renters] to leave, but I’m behind three months on the mortgage,” he confesses, panic edging into his voice. “The bank’s threatening to foreclose, and I don’t even know where to start with this mess…”

Boden, with a calming hand on James’s shoulder, reassures him.

“Hey, hey, hey,” he says, his voice firm but gentle. “You just start.”

The episode ends with Boden ready to tackle the challenge alongside James, leaving viewers uncertain about how long he’ll be away from 51. One thing, however, is crystal clear: Chief Boden, a man of unwavering loyalty and love, will always prioritize family. He might be the rock of Firehouse 51, but his heart belongs to his loved ones, and he won’t hesitate to step away when they need him most.