Michael Bradway’s sudden exit from Chicago Fire, budget cuts and the story of new firefighters
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Severide’s half-brother will not return for Season 14
A big surprise for fans of NBC’s hit firefighter drama. Michael Bradway, who played Jack Damon for two seasons, will not be returning for the upcoming 14th season.
The actor has landed a role in Prime Video’s “Every Summer After” adaptation, though sources say the door is open for his return depending on schedule.
The Benny Severide connection
Bradway’s character caused a stir when he revealed himself as Kelly Severide’s half-brother in the Season 12 finale.
After a rough start at Firehouse 51, Damon eventually found his place among the crew, with his relationship with Severide and Stella improving significantly over time.
A near-death experience changed everything
Remember when we thought Damon might die in that fire trap in Episode 15? While he survived (unlike Chief Pascal’s wife Monica), the incident caused drama at his firehouse when he accused another firefighter of abandoning him.
This eventually led to him returning to 51, where he finally gelled with the team.
Budget cuts looming at 51
The timing of Broadway’s departure fits perfectly with the storyline set up in the Season 13 finale, where an auditor warned:
“CFD will soon be announcing major cuts, including layoffs and forced retirements. Probationary and older firefighters will be the first to go.”
Damon isn’t the only one to go
Damon isn’t the only familiar face missing next season. Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter) and Jake Lockett (Sam Carver) are also stepping back to series regular roles.
Meanwhile, Brandon Larracuente is joining the cast as a new regular, presumably to fill one of the vacant spots at 51.
Showrunner promises big changes
“Nobody is safe in this chaos,” showrunner Andrea Newman told TV Insider.
“Next season will be about how the situation gets shaken up when that order comes in and how things get shaken up and how our team can stay united as a family while all this craziness is happening around them.”
What will happen to Lizzy?
Damon had a budding romance with paramedic Lizzy Novak, but since it never developed into anything serious, her departure shouldn’t affect his storyline much.
The writers will likely use the budget cuts storyline to explain Damon’s transfer to another firehouse, leaving open the possibility for guest appearances, perhaps to visit Severide and a potentially pregnant Kidd, or during a crossover emergency call.
Catch the new season of Chicago Fire this fall, Wednesday nights at 9/8c on NBC.