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Published Oct 22, 2026, 12:06 AM EDT
Lloyd 'Happy Trails' Farley: the man, the myth, the legend. What can be said about this amazing - and humble - man that hasn't been said before? Or, more accurately, what can be said in public? Born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Lloyd is a master of puns and a humorist, who has authored one pun book to date - Pun and Grimeish Mint - and is working on a second. His time with Collider has allowed Lloyd's passion for writing to explode, with nearly 1,000 articles to his name that have been published on the site, with his favorite articles being the ones that allow for his sense of humor to shine. Lloyd also holds fast to the belief that all of life's problems can be answered by The Simpsons, Star Wars, and/or The Lion King. You can read more about Lloyd on his website, or follow his Facebook page and join the Llama Llegion. Happy trails!
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The big brother of One Chicago, Chicago Fire, is quickly approaching its 300th episode, a significant milestone in the history of the franchise. According to Hanako Greensmith, who plays Violet, the creative team is crafting an unforgettable, massive episode, filled with moments that are "haunting and exciting and thrilling." Greensmith also made mention that the episode will include characters not seen on the show in a little while, which she believes will "invite a lot of heartwarming material." The why of their return is easy to ascertain, given how the episode will serve as the last for original cast member Joe Miñoso, and his beloved character Joe Cruz by extension. The who, however, is wide open for debate, and while any former member of Firehouse 51 would be a welcome sight, one fan favorite character in particular needs to be there: CFD Deputy Commissioner (and former 51 chief) Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker).
Boden Would Bring a Full Circle Moment to 'Chicago Fire's 300th Episode
Walker's last episode as Boden was a one-off guest star appearance in Season 13's "Post-Mortem," while his proper send-off as a series regular came with the Chicago Fire Season 12 finale "Never Say Goodbye," in which he accepts the promotion to Deputy Commissioner. Yet it's not so much when he left, but rather when he started: the very first episode in the very first season way back in 2012. That roster included Severide (Taylor Kinney), Herrmann (David Eigenberg), Mouch (Christian Stolte), and, yes, Joe Cruz.
Boden was there throughout Cruz's ascension from hot-headed rookie driver to respected veteran leader at 51. He's the one who had Cruz's suspension reduced following an accident that saw the truck Cruz was driving T-bone a truck from another firehouse. He was there along with the rest of 51 to celebrate the birth of Cruz's son in the 200th episode of the series. And Boden took the time to translate Otis' (Yurly Sardarov) Russian dying words for Cruz – "Brat, ya budu s toboy, vsegda" ("Brother, I will be with you always") – knowing how much it would mean to the hurting Cruz to hear them.
Long story short, Boden has a long history with Cruz that borders on a father/son dynamic, which Cruz himself alludes to in his words to Boden in "Never Say Goodbye": “You made 51 a family, Chief, and this firehouse a home.” It simply wouldn't feel right for someone with such a history with Cruz not to be there when he leaves, with that deep, sonorous voice doling out words of encouragement and love. It would also be fitting for Boden to appear now that Severide is the chief of Firehouse 51, a legitimate passing of the torch and bringing a full-circle moment to the series at the perfect time.
One Odds-On Favorite To Appear in 'Chicago Fire's 300th Episode Could Be Tricky
Of course, Boden isn't the only face we haven't seen around Firehouse 51 in some time, and truthfully, it would be great to catch up with the likes of Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer), Sylvie Casey (née Brett) (Kara Killmer), or Gabby Dawson (Monica Raymund). But the odds-on favorite to appear is the decidedly deceased Otis, after a stand-in casting call was put out for a character named "Otis," with a description akin to that of actor Yurly Sardarov. How that happens, however, could be tricky.
There are three ways it could happen: a flashback to an unknown moment between them; Otis showing up in a dream; or with Cruz on death's door, with Otis waiting to walk his friend past the pearly gates. Actor Brandon Larracuente, aka Vasquez, says that, "the writers of our show did a wonderful sendoff for Joe Miñoso," which suggests that it likely isn't the last option. It also could mean, God willing, that it's something far more original than the last two trite options, both of which have been done to, well, death. At least a flashback has a chance to add something new, and plausible, to the story with someone old.
With a couple of episodes left between now and November 4, when episode 300 hits the air, a number of scenarios could play out that would justify however Cruz's exit is approached. That would include justifying who it is that shows up for the momentous occasion, although a surprise appearance would definitely be far more enjoyable for long-time fans. An appearance from Boden, though, would be easy to explain and, more importantly, would fulfill what is needed for Cruz as he enters a new, unknown future outside the CFD: a reassuring voice from a respected father figure, Boden, reminding him that he isn't alone.
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