Fans of Chicago Fire were thrilled — and a little surprised — when Dermot Mulroney made his long-awaited return in the November 6, 2025 episode, “Broken Things.” After an unexpected absence, the Hollywood veteran is back as Chief Dominick “Dom” Pascal, the disciplined but deeply conflicted leader of Firehouse 51.

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Dermot Mulroney’s Character: Chief Dom Pascal

Mulroney joined Chicago Fire in Season 13, stepping into the leadership role after Chief Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker) was promoted to Deputy Commissioner. As Battalion 25’s new chief, Pascal immediately brought a different kind of energy to the firehouse — one defined by structure, emotional restraint, and high standards.

Unlike Boden, who led with empathy and warmth, Dom is more formal and methodical. His Miami background, where he led a firehouse for a decade, shaped him into a no-nonsense professional who values order over chaos. But beneath the calm exterior lies a man haunted by grief and guilt.

After the tragic death of his wife, Monica, Pascal began taking dangerous risks on the job, hinting at a man barely keeping his pain in check.

“He’s so hard to read sometimes,” showrunner Andrea Newman told TV Insider. “But at his wife’s funeral, when the team showed up and Mouch said, ‘That’s why we’re here, chief,’ that was the moment Pascal finally understood he belonged.”

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Pascal’s Turbulent Journey and Return in Season 14

When Mulroney’s Chief Pascal returned in Season 14, Episode 6, “Broken Things,” it marked a turning point. After his mysterious absence, Pascal appeared renewed — more reflective and compassionate, but still bearing the emotional scars of Monica’s death.

In this episode, Pascal focuses on mentoring his crew, helping younger firefighters navigate trauma and pressure. Yet, the show teases that his past in Miami — including rumors of arson, corruption, and a failed investigation — will soon resurface, threatening his hard-earned redemption.

His bond with Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) has also deepened, forming one of the show’s most compelling mentor-mentee dynamics since Boden’s tenure. Still, fans can sense Pascal’s balance is fragile — and that his return might ignite more personal chaos than peace.

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Who Is Dermot Mulroney?

Born October 31, 1963, in Alexandria, Virginia, Dermot Mulroney has been a steady presence in Hollywood for nearly four decades. A graduate of Northwestern University, he was discovered during college and quickly built a diverse acting career spanning film, television, and music.

He’s best known for his roles in romantic classics like:

• My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997) opposite Julia Roberts

• The Wedding Date (2005) with Debra Messing

• About Schmidt (2002)

• Insidious: Chapter 3 (2015)

Beyond acting, Mulroney is also a classically trained cellist, having played with orchestras on soundtracks for composers James Newton Howard and Michael Giacchino. His musical background gives him a quiet depth that often comes through in his performances — especially in emotionally charged roles like Chief Pascal.

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What’s Next for Chief Pascal?

Mulroney’s return signals that Chicago Fire is far from done exploring Pascal’s backstory. The upcoming episodes are set to dive into the chief’s internal conflict — torn between leadership and personal redemption.

Can Pascal keep his demons buried while keeping his crew safe? Or will his unresolved grief and guilt finally consume him?

Whatever happens, one thing’s clear: Dermot Mulroney’s return has reignited Firehouse 51’s spark — and fans are here for the heat.