Summary

• Another cast member bids Firehouse 51 goodbye in Chicago Fire season 12, as Rome Flynn exits as Derrick Gibson.
• Flynn's potential as a new character was cut short, leaving a gap that could have evolved him and Carver into a new duo on the show.
• Chicago Fire now faces the challenge of finding another replacement firefighter this late into season 12's run.

Chicago Fire season 11 finale, Sylvie Brett tying the knot with Matt Casey paved the way for her move to Portland, Oregon. Now, the first-responder procedural is going through another round of goodbyes.

Taking it to his official Instagram, Rome Flynn confirms the end of his stint as Derrick Gibson in Chicago Fire season 12. Check out his post below:

Flynn just ed Firehouse 51 in Chicago Fire season 12 as Stella Kidd attempted to fill the vacant spot that Gallo left. He was previously in the house working with Kylie Estevez. His exit comes after he realizes that there are some personal matters that he needs to sort out first. Still, his departure from the show is unexpected, especially since he was just starting to assimilate himself into Firehouse 51.

What Chicago Fire Season 12 Loses With Gibson's Exit

Flynn's Gibson Had So Much potential When Introduced In Chicago Fire Season 12

As with the majority of newcomers, Gibson struggled to get comfortable at Firehouse 51. He wasn't comfortable with the team's dynamic, especially since Chief Boden's unit is extremely tight-knit. Thanks to the help of Sam Carver, who took it upon himself to reach out, Gibson eventually started to settle in. Unfortunately, before he is able to fully find his place at Firehouse 51, he decides to leave the squad to work on his initial issues. This also means that Chicago Fire won't be able to fully take advantage of Gibson's potential as a member of Firehouse 51.

One of the biggest possibilities coming from his arrival is the idea of Gibson and Carver becoming the new Matt Casey and Kelly Severide. With Jesse Spencer now gone, and Taylor Kinney plagued with rumors of leaving One Chicago, the new duo could have assumed their spot as the next-generation poster boys of Chicago Fire. After diffusing their initial conflict, Carver and Gibson's vulnerable conversation offered an insight into a burgeoning friendship that could carry the show into its next chapter. Sadly, with Flynn leaving, that can no longer fully come to fruition.

Aside from that, Chicago Fire now has to find another replacement firefighter for Firehouse 51, essentially putting them back to square one in of the process. Flynn was fitting in nicely with the cast and Gibson was unique enough to warrant enough interest from viewers. It would have been great to see what more he could have contributed to the show.

Can Flynn Still Return To Chicago Fire?

Flynn's Exit Keeps The Door Open For His Firehouse 51 Return

Throughout its more than a decade on the air, Chicago Fire has seen all manners of send-offs for its characters. Some of them get their happy swan songs, such as Casey and Brett, while others bid their farewells in the most tragic way possible, as Otis did. It's an understatement to say that Firehouse 51's job comes with massive risks. Despite this, there is no doubt that all of them are committed to their calling, including Gibson. Knowing how demanding being a firefighter is, however, he took it upon himself to walk away after realizing that he hasn't fully dealt with some of his personal issues from the past.

At the very least, the way Gibson leaves Firehouse 51 keeps the door open for his eventual return. In his brief period under Chief Boden's team, he showed immense skills that could help save lives in the future. Unfortunately, Chicago Fire and One Chicago as a whole barely bring back characters as series regulars. They can appear as guests, which was the case for Casey's multiple comebacks before his wedding, but none reclaimed their spot as a core cast member. Unless things are different this time, then it's safe to say that that's it for Gibson with Firehouse 51.

Why Flynn's Sudden Chicago Fire Season 12 Departure Is So Odd

Flynn Has Only Been In Chicago Fire Season 12 For 6 Episodes

One Chicago has a habit of refreshing its roster to keep things interesting. As beloved as the team's long-term roster is, it can only do so much in of their personal growth before things start to be repetitive. Bringing in new players is a great way to keep Chicago Fire storytelling unique and intriguing, and that was exactly what Flynn brought to the table when he was introduced in season 12. While there are characters who are just placeholders for future players, it didn't give any indication that his stint was going to be temporary.

Neither NBC nor Flynn has given a reason for Gibson's seemingly abrupt exit from Chicago Fire. Unless this has always been the plan, getting rid of a character in the middle of a shortened season while it's also approaching the tail end of its year is peculiar. They could have kept him until the end of its run and written him out either in the finale or during the summer break. In any case, Chicago Fire is already confirmed to return for season 13. There's no narrative point forcing Firehouse 51 to operate undermanned, considering what's left of season 12.

Chicago Fire season 12 airs new episodes every Wednesday, 9pm ET on NBC.

Source: Rome Flynn/Instagram