Chief Dom Pascal Faces Grief in Upcoming ‘Chicago Fire’ Episode

CHICAGO, IL — Dermot Mulroney returns as Chief Dom Pascal in the highly anticipated episode of ‘Chicago Fire‘ airing March 26, 2025. Titled ‘In the Rubble,’ this episode addresses the profound grief following the death of his wife, Monica, portrayed by KaDee Strickland.

In an interview, Mulroney articulated the emotional challenges his character faces after the tragic loss. “He tries,” he says, referring to Pascal’s struggle to cope with his grief while continuing his professional duties. The storyline promises to provide viewers a poignant look at the impact of trauma on both personal and professional fronts.

Upon joining the series, Mulroney requested a challenging role from the producers. “Please challenge me, make it really hard,” he recalled. This request reflects his commitment to capturing the character’s depth and complexity, ensuring that audiences connect with Pascal’s journey.

The episode will also see the return of Eamonn Walker as Chief Boden, adding a layer of tension and support within the team. Boden serves as a stabilizing force amidst the chaos Pascal faces, navigating the delicate balance between leadership and compassion during a crisis.

Viewers can expect to see the intricate interplay of personal tragedy and professional responsibilities. Mulroney hinted at the difficulties Pascal experiences as he attempts to move forward in his work life. “He winds up making some bad decisions and needs to kind of be reined in by his crew,” Mulroney explained, emphasizing the realistic portrayal of handling traumatic grief.

With each incident during the episode, Pascal’s inability to maintain composure under pressure showcases the raw reality firefighters experience in high-stakes situations. “Firefighters deal with people in trauma every day,” Mulroney said, noting how this connects to his character’s internal struggles.

Throughout the series, themes of resilience and teamwork are celebrated. In the face of his personal struggles, Pascal must rely on his team, who will be depicted as stepping in to support him when he needs it the most. “These guys are really moved to intervene to keep him safe,” Mulroney said, indicating a turning point in the dynamics among the characters.

Mulroney’s portrayal of grief, compounded with the challenges of leading a team under duress, promises a realistic and emotional narrative. As relationships evolve, viewers will witness how Pascal’s fixation on work provides a refuge amid his turmoil. “I feel like he’s verging on that, that it’s a better fit than he thought it was going to be at the start of the season,” he noted.

As excitement builds for ‘In the Rubble,’ fans are encouraged to tune in to see how Chief Dom Pascal navigates his grief and military-style command. With the unique blend of heart and action, the episode is positioned to be a significant chapter in the series narrative.

Mark your calendars for March 26, as ‘Chicago Fire’ continues to deliver compelling, human-centered storytelling amidst the backdrop of firefighting, further solidifying its place as a staple in television drama.