In this week’s episode of Chicago Fire, Michael Bradway‘s character Jack Damon had a dramatic turn of events as hostilities between him and the Firehouse 51 crew grew. Severide had made it plain last week that one of them, Damon or himself, had to leave the firehouse, and this episode just made that decision more pressing, sealing Damon’s doom.
Stella and Damon’s Conflicts
Stella admits to Severide (Taylor Kinney)that although Damon isn’t a horrible child at heart —his presence at Firehouse 51 has grown too complicated. Stella is aware that she and Damon have baggage even if new chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) hasn’t heard any reports of problems. There is a history of mistrust between them. In the end, she chooses to discuss returning Damon to the floater pool with Chief Pascal.
Pascal, though, makes a good point: is Stella’s leadership at fault, or is Damon the issue? Stella’s own position as lieutenant is called into question by this exchange. Pascal assures her that moving Damon might cause greater staff turnover, but he will assess all the information and make the ultimate decision.
The Real Colors of Damon
Damon tries to place the blame elsewhere during his talk with Chief Pascal, saying that Stella’s instructions were confusing and made it hard for him to follow protocol. This information puts Damon in a negative light because it reveals that he is prepared to discredit his lieutenant in order to continue working at Firehouse 51.
Meanwhile, Pascal teases Mouch about the possibility of a lieutenant post opening up soon — casting doubt on Stella’s future. Never one to back down, Mouch is always there to lend a helping hand. He pays Pascal a visit at home and presents turnover figures and Stella’s spotless record to demonstrate that Damon’s problems aren’t a reflection of her leadership.
Severide’s Broken Bond with Damon
Pascal decides to move Damon back to the floater pool, as was to be expected. Damon’s lieutenant has irreversibly lost Damon’s trust, and it is no longer practical to keep him at Firehouse 51. Feeling betrayed, Damon snaps at Severide, accusing him of abandoning him just when Damon most needed him. In their final, sour confrontation — Damon compares Severide to his father, who is now separated, with the heartbreaking comment, “You are Benny.”
Is Damon Leaving Firehouse 51?
Yes, Damon will be departing from Firehouse 51. He leaves the team with his transfer back to the floater pool, which was a necessary action following his breach of the trust that kept the firehouse intact. Firehouse 51 may now proceed as a result of Damon’s departure but it’s obvious that his departure will have a lasting emotional impact, especially on Severide.
The Future of Stella
Stella’s leadership is still being questioned. She has been given permission by Chief Pascal to select the next floater, with the specific instruction to make sure “this one lasts.” Despite Damon’s departure, Stella’s role as lieutenant is still unclear as she struggles to guide her team through the turmoil.
Chicago Fire airs on NBC every Wednesday at 9 p.m. and streams on Peacock.
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