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The CBS drama “Fire Country” centers on Bode Donovan, portrayed by Max Thieriot, a former convict who emerges from prison and joins a brigade of courageous individuals with complex histories, all battling the fierce blazes in California. As the series gears up for its fourth season, it’s set to bid farewell to two main cast members, a move the creators say is meant to enhance the show’s authenticity. “Season 3, leaning into the authenticity of the real-life heroes that our characters are playing, people die, they leave,” said showrunner Tia Napolitano in an interview with Deadline. She emphasized that the decision to write off these characters was not due to story mishaps but to reflect the real dangers these heroes face.
CBS
This decision sees actors Billy Burke, who played Cal Fire chief and Bode’s father, Vince, and Stephanie Arcila, who portrayed Bode’s partner, firefighter Gabriela Perez, exiting at the end of Season 3. Arcila’s character left the show in a dramatic twist, surprising many fans, although a permanent departure isn’t certain. “We love Stephanie, and we are committed to saying that the Bode-Gabriela story does not end here, it goes on,” stated co-creator and executive producer Tony Phelan. “We’re hoping that we can bring that character back, because we think that they have such great chemistry, and the audience is really invested in the two of them.” Indeed, Bode and Gabi are fan favorites within the “Fire Country” narrative.
Season 3 concluded with a gripping two-part finale. The first episode, “A Change in the Wild,” hinted at significant changes on the horizon. The storyline unfolded with several of Bode’s family members caught in a fire raging through a memory care facility housing Bode’s grandfather, Walter, played by Jeff Fahey. Trapped with him are his son Vince and daughter-in-law Sharon, portrayed by Diane Farr. As the roof collapses, the fate of these characters hangs in the balance.
Although the finale initially aimed to keep viewers in suspense about who would survive, leaks soon revealed Billy Burke’s departure from the series. Trailers for Season 4 have since confirmed that Vince perished in the fire, promising a challenging journey ahead for Bode. Vince’s absence marks a significant loss for both the show’s characters and its audience, yet fans remain optimistic about Gabi’s potential return.
Fire Country Season 3’s finale left lives hanging in the balance
CBS
Stephanie Arcila has expressed an openness to reprise her role as Gabi, a character she cherishes deeply. “I never say never,” she remarked in an interview with Deadline. “Life takes us through so many avenues, and Gabriela is such a gift to me in my career, personally and professionally. I’m so grateful to have played a Latina on a show and a Latina where they were able to include part of my culture as well, part of my Colombian background. It was really exciting.”
The initial plan for the finale seems to have been to keep it a secret as to who will live and who will die, but word quickly leaked out that Billy Burke would be leaving the series. “Fire Country” Season 4 trailers have since confirmed that Vince didn’t survive the fire, so things are going to be even rougher than they already were for Bode in Season 4. The loss of Vince is a huge blow for both the characters in the show and its viewers, but fans can at least hold onto the hope that Gabi will return to the fray before too long.
Crucially, Stephanie Arcila hasn’t ruled out reprising the role of Gabi, one that brought her great joy. “I never say never,” she told Deadline. “Life takes us through so many avenues, and Gabriela is such a gift to me in my career, personally and professionally. I’m so grateful to have played a Latina on a show and a Latina where they were able to include part of my culture as well, part of my Colombian background. It was really exciting.”
