Fire Countryseason 3 left viewers with very little hope Vince Leone (Billy Burke) would make it to the next season alive, but the disappointing loss could pave the way for a much-needed resetmoving forward.Fire Countryseason 4, which will see exits from Burke and Stephanie Arcila, who plays Gabriela Perez, will look different upon its return to CBS.
While the seriestypically follows Vince’s son Bode Leone(Max Thieriot) and the rest of the Cal Fire’s team in fictional Edgewater, California, where wildfires are a near-constant commonplace,the show may want to shift gears as it moves ahead. ThroughoutFire Country’srun, the show has changed its scope more than once, focusing less on firefighting year after year.
Though most first responder procedurals have to continue to up the ante when it comes to disasters each season,Fire Countryhas shifted from a showthat highlights some of the more common disasters viewers may see in an area like Edgewater to a show that focuses on melodrama. While losing Vince feels wrong, itcould open the show back up to its roots.
Vince’s familial drama, which continually pushed his relationship with Bode and his wife, Cal Fire chief Sharon Leone (Diane Farr), has long been a focus of the series, and while it’s not expected thatBode or Sharon’s stories will endonFire Countryseason 4, things may change. With the show unexpectedly losing characters fans enjoyed,Fire Countryhas the opportunity to reset.
Fire Country Season 4 Will Likely Begin With Vince Leone’s Death
The Show May Spare Him, But Burke Is Leaving
WhileFire Country’sbeen known for its devastating plots throughout its three-season run, the show hadn’t grappled with losing main characters until the most recent season finale. With Vince, Sharon, and Vince’s father Walter Leone (Jeff Fahey) trapped in a burning care facility at the end ofFire Countryseason 3’s finale, it’s certain their fate is hanging in the balance.
WithVince the most likely Leone not to make it out of the fire alive, though this has yet to be confirmed by the show’s creative team, his passing would be the most difficult to swallow. Viewers have enjoyedwatching Vince and Sharon through the seasons, andFire Country has been giving Burke compelling stories that have changed the character throughout.
While it’s possible Vince could survive the Buena Vista fire,it seems unlikely that he’ll return toFire Countryat all with Burke’s departurehaving been announced publicly. This means that if Vince does survive, it’s likely that viewers will be told, not shown when it comes to his fate. Vince’s character no longer being part of theFire Countryuniverse is a tough blow.
Thoughlosing Vince isn’t ideal forFire Countryfans, viewers have been able to watch as he’s grown in his relationships with his family over the years. While there could easily be more to share about his story,his unfortunate potential passing leaves the door open forFire Countryto make a massive, much-needed change.
The Edgewater Tragedy Gives Fire Country Room To Reset
Fire Country Could Be Less About The Leone Family
Fire Country’sEdgewater may be used to tragedy, but it isn’t as used to change as other shows. With Burke and Arcila leavingFire Countryahead of its next season,it’s likely that things are going to have to change on the show. This, however, could be a great thing for the series, which has been struggling to connect with viewers.
Fire Countryseason 4 could welcome in a whole new class of probies, and while it’s done that in the past, could take a new approach to telling their stories. Rather than baking the probies storylines into the larger story of Bode and his fellow Cal Fire firefighters,Fire Countrycould switch the show’s perspective. Following new cast members,Fire Countrywould usher in change.
While adding additional cast members and delving into brand-new stories may not be what viewers are anticipating, it could be the best bet forFire Countryviewers as the show moves forward. Refreshing the perspectives that the show revolves around couldcreate new conflicts within Cal Fire, andcould renew interest in characters that viewers have grown tired of watching.
Fire Country Should Welcome New Probies & Focus On Their Journey
Although viewers have always shown some interest in watching Bode’s storylines, many havegrown tired of seeing the same melodrama rolling throughFire Countryseason after season. Shifting gears and changing perspectives could changethe way viewers perceiveFire Country, making it a more positive viewing experience. The show could easily move forward with a new main core cast, keeping previous cast members as well.
While it may not be the easiest choice,Fire Countrychoosing to move forward with a new corecould create a whole new sense of drama on the series. Veering away from its typical melodrama and reinvesting in new firefighters who are learning what it means to be a part of Cal Fire, especially in Edgewater, could reinvigorate the show.
Despite there having to be a shift in the narrative with this style of change, it seems like adecent way forFire Countryto move forwardafter taking some hard hits. Losing Vince is tough on the show, andknowing that Bode’s perception hasn’t been positivemakes it tougher for the show to rely on his stories as the focal point.
Rather than struggling withFire Countryseason 4 finding its footing with the old characters being the main focus,the series should opt to take a look at a new angle. Bringing in fresh perspectives with new probies puts the old characters in positions of authority, and reignitesFire Country’sability to connect with its fans.
