Sumith Prasad
Since its inception to the first half of season 10, the driving force of NBC’s action series ‘Chicago Fire’ is Jesse Spencer’s Matthew Casey. The resolution and determination Casey display in the line of duty and to protect his subordinates is one of the superior attractions of the show. However, Casey’s journey comes to an end in the 200th episode of the show, in the tenth season.
Even though the crew members of Firehouse 51 overcome Casey’s sudden departure, the station always remains the house he built. Casey returns to Chicago in the tenth season finale to attend the wedding of Kelly Severide and Stella Kidd and the eighteenth episode of season 11 to meet Kidd regarding a Department of Homeland Security task force. After the two guest appearances, the admirers of the character must be wondering whether Spencer will return once again. Well, here’s what we can share about the same!
Matthew Casey is Returning to Chicago Fire
Yes, Matthew Casey is returning to ‘Chicago Fire.’ When Andy’s son Griffin visits Casey to explain their family situation in Portland, the Captain resigns from the firehouse and joins Griffin and Ben Darden. He considers the safety and security of the Darden brothers his responsibility and resigns from 51 to find a new footing in Portland. Casey then reappears in Chicago to attend Severide and Kidd’s wedding but his stay only lasts an episode. After the wedding, he unexpectedly shows up at Firehouse 51 in the eighteenth episode of season 11 to brief Kidd about a potential domestic terror attack that may happen in cities across the country, including Chicago.
Although Casey goes back to Portland in the same episode, Jesse Spencer is returning again to the show in the eleventh season finale. In the episode, “Kidd finds a new lead on the Homeland Security case,” which may lead her to team up with Casey to investigate the same. The duo will likely make significant progress in the investigation and may even save the city of Chicago from a tragedy. We can also expect Casey to reveal whether he will return to Firehouse 51 for good, especially after expressing his wish to Chief Boden during the last visit. Casey may also meet Sylvie to talk about their feelings for one another.
Neither NBC nor Spencer has revealed whether the actor’s return is to stay in the show for good. Spencer had previously revealed that he would be open to the same. “The potential to come back would be awesome. I’m always open to that but you know, the ball isn’t really in my court. I always told [series co-creator] Derek Haas that if there were episodes that he thought would be appropriate for me to come back, then I’m totally open to that because I want to see the old gang and I love working there,” Spencer told Deadline. “But in terms of me coming back full-time or something, I have no idea,” he added.
Jesse Spencer Left Seeking New Opportunities
Jesse Spencer left ‘Chicago Fire’ to pursue other opportunities and take care of his family. The actor proposed his wish to leave the show to showrunner Derek Haas and the storyline of Casey moving to Portland was subsequently conceived. In the 200th episode, Casey reveals his decision to his colleagues and asks Brett to join him. Even though she informs him that she can’t move, the couple decides to continue their relationship remotely.
“I think this year is my 18th year on television because I went straight from ‘House’ to ‘Chicago Fire.’ We were coming up on the 200th episode and I called Derek to break the news that it was time for me to leave the show. He agreed we should at least get Casey to the 200th episode. It was a difficult decision because I’ve loved the show from the start but there are other things I’d like to do in the future,” Jesse said.
He added in the press conference, “There’s family I need to take care of, and 18 years is a long time.” Even though Jesse’s potential return is expected to be a guest appearance, it will be a delight to see Casey back in 51 and with Brett. We can also hope that Severide and Stella will clear the smoke that looms over their relationship for Casey to step into their wedding as the best man.
Read More: Is Kara Killmer’s Sylvie Brett Leaving Chicago Fire? Update
