Chicago Fire Season 13 Episode 16 recap: Pascal's grief pushes him to the edge

The popular NBC drama Chicago Fire continues to delve into the personal and professional lives of firefighters, paramedics, and rescue personnel at Firehouse 51 in the Chicago Fire Department. The show isn't just about intense and life-threatening situations but also about how they rely on each other like a tight-knit family.

Chicago Fire Season 13 came out in September 2024 and picks up one month after the events of Season 12’s finale. From new leadership to relationship challenges, the ongoing season covers them all.

In Chicago Fire Season 13, Chief Wallace Boden was replaced by a new fire chief, Dom Pascal, who took over the lead at Firehouse 51. When Pascal isn't around, Herrmann steps into the role as the shift in the leadership dynamics is one of the key elements in the show.

As for Stellaride: Severide and Kidd, the couple has been eager to expand their family through adoption. Other characters like Sam are seen struggling with alcohol, while Cruz faces an enemy from his past.

In the recent episodes, things have been quite difficult, especially for Pascal, who has lost his beloved wife. In Episode 13, Pascal's pain turns into obsession as he struggles to accept what has happened.

Keep reading to learn everything about the latest Chicago Fire Season 13 episode.

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Chicago Fire Season 13 Episode 16 recap: Chief Pascal's grief turns into obsession

Chicago Fire Season 13 Episode 16, "In the Rubble," opens with a line in Violet's letter that perfectly captures the state of Firehouse 51:

"Devastating— It's a word they use a lot to describe fires, and to describe loss."

Monica's untimely departure has left Pascal heartbroken, which is quite evident in the latest episode. The Chief refuses to let many people attend Monica's funeral as he only wants close family members to show up.

As seen in Episode 16, Pascal fixates on blaming the other driver for the tragedy and pushes for an investigation. He wants charges to be filed against the responsible individual, but the reality is complicated.

It turns out that the multiple accidents in the previous episode were a result of a traffic light malfunction. This way, it becomes impossible to hold anyone accountable, yet Pascal refuses to accept the truth and sticks to his belief.

Also Read: How Chicago Med beat Chicago Fire to become NBC's top drama show, explained

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Dangerous actions and rising concerns in Chicago Fire Season 13 Episode 16

Pascal's inability to cope with Monica's death soon starts affecting his work. Not only does he put his life in danger, but he also raises concerns among his teammates.

Usually, he's never late for work, but considering his current situation, it's understandable for the firefighters and paramedics at the firehouse. As the Chief makes it to work, Cruz wishes him a good morning and regrets what he just said.

Soon, an emergency occurs, and everyone leaves the fire station to save a life. Chief Pascal also accompanies his team, and his grief-driven recklessness is evident as he climbs a scissor ladder to save a man stuck 100 feet in the air.

The entire team is startled by Pascal's actions, and Severide joins him to ensure his safety. The Chief put his life at risk and was about to fall from the top, but fortunately, he held his grip. The two then help the man get away from the situation safely while the firefighters still cannot forget about Pascal's move.

At the same time, in the Chicago Fire episode, Violet is trying to write a heartfelt letter to Carver, whom she once pushed away after her boyfriend’s death. Learning about the letter, Lyla mentions that the past is not Violet's fault, but she's still dealing with the grief.

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A funeral brings everyone together in Chicago Fire Season 13

Pascal tries to focus on work, but his obsession leads him to stalk the driver. As previously mentioned, he believes Monica died because of the other driver, but that's actually not true.

He even asks his team to revisit the accident spot, where Severide warns him to stay in control. As the Chicago Fire Season 13 episode reaches its end, Chief Pascal realizes that his actions won't bring Monica back.

He even approves Damon's return to the firehouse, a decision that marks a small but significant shift in his mindset. Meanwhile, Violet completes her letter but eventually decides not to send it for now.

The Firehouse 51 team then leaves to attend Monica's funeral, even though Pascal doesn't wish to invite them. But being a family, everyone shows up and ensures he's not alone.

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