We were fully expecting heads to roll in Chicago Fire’s latest episode, “Post Mortem.” An accident occurred on the job, and Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker) returned to determine who was at fault. It was a tense affair, and one that ultimately led to Firehouse 51 being cleared of any misconduct. The aforementioned accident did, however, bolster a rivalry we’ve gradually seen more of in season 13.

Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) has been repeatedly questioned and challenged by Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg), and it feels as though this conflict came to a head in “Post Mortem.” It was Pascal who ordered an evacuation after a house fire spiraled out of control. It was later revealed that Jack Damon (Michael Bradway) was left behind, and nearly died as a result of his injuries.

Herrmann openly questioned Chief Pascal’s orders

Herrmann was irate over this decision in retrospect. Both men were questioned by Boden in the 51 investigation, but Herrmann openly questioned Pascal’s decision, and implied that he may be the one responsible for what happened to Damon. It was a serious accusation, and one that could have cost Pascal his job had Boden ran with it. Understandably, Pascal fired back, and accused Boden and his old friend Herrmann of trying to push him out so that Herrmann could take over as Chief.

This tension has informed Pascal and Herrmann’s relationship throughout most of season 13. There is a mutual respect when it comes to experience and skill set, but Herrmann has repeatedly ignored or questioned Pascal’s orders in the field. He did so during the One Chicago crossover, and he even floated the idea of ​​going against Pascal when the latter was acting erratically after his wife’s death.

It would make sense, as Pascal mentioned, for Herrmann to pick at him if Herrmann is coveting the role of 51 Chief. Never mind the fact that Pascal has done his best to mentor Herrmann and show him the ropes. But as Boden was quick to point out in “Post Mortem,” it doesn’t seem like Herrmann wants to take on the responsibility that comes with the promotion.

Boden defends Pascal’s field decisions

Boden actually defended Pascal’s decision, and told Herrmann that he will have a better appreciation for tough calls when he’s the one making them. “You’ll think of calls differently when you’re Chief,” he asserted. “You’ll see — if that’s still what you want.” Herrmann doesn’t know what he wants, and thus Pascal’s presence as a steadying hand is more crucial than ever.

The tension between Pascal and Herrmann doesn’t get resolved in “Post Mortem,” but it does seem as though Boden’s input did provide Herrmann with a better appreciation of what Pascal has to deal with on a regular basis. Especially given his recent loss. We don’t anticipate these two men will be best friends at any point, but we hope they learn to co-exist more smoothly under the 51 roof.