Max Thieriot Discusses Showrunner Departure and Time Jump in Fire Country Season 5
Max Thieriot opened up about the changes coming in season 5 of Fire Country, following a shakeup in showrunners, a potential time jump, and more.
The season 4 finale, which aired on Friday, May 22, wrapped up on a surprisingly positive note with everyone enjoying Jake’s (Jordan Calloway) wedding, devoid of any last-minute tragedies or emergencies in Edgewater.
“At the start of the year, we weren’t sure if we wanted to leave some elements unresolved or conclude with a hopeful, joyful ending,” Thieriot, 37, shared exclusively with Us Weekly. “We aimed to conclude in a manner that feels like a new chapter will unfold next season, exploring the lives of all these characters.”
Thieriot regarded it as the “strongest decision.”
“We want to leave room for growth while allowing us to delve deeper into character evolution. There’s real development ahead for them,” he hinted. “After the loss of Vince [played by Billy Burke] at the start of the year, a wedding signifies new beginnings.”
He added, “We intend to kick off next season with novel storylines and introduce new characters, enhancing each character’s journey. It’s an invigorating and refreshing way to wrap things up and set the stage for the next season.”
Looking towards season 5, Thieriot teased some surprises, stating, “We want viewers to stay engaged, so we will likely pick up shortly thereafter. This allows us to explore these characters in the next phase of their lives, setting the foundation for new stories this season.”
Stay tuned as Thieriot delves into name drops, the showrunner transition, and more:
Will There Be a Time Jump?
Thieriot mentioned that while season 5 wouldn’t be a “direct pickup”, not much time will elapse, adding, “It’s a new season, presenting new challenges and faces — we’re not cutting ties with previous characters but allowing the show to evolve and discover fresh elements.”
How Will a New Showrunner Evolve the Voice of the Show?
With Tia Napolitano departing, Fire Country is welcoming Eric Guggenheim as its new showrunner for season 5.
“Having produced many episodes, I hold tremendous respect for Tia. Her contributions have been critical in reaching this point. Eric is new to me and to many of us; he brings in his own ideas and a collaborative spirit,” Thieriot shared with Us. “New voices are exciting because they bring fresh ideas and perspectives, allowing us to step back and gain new viewpoints.”
Thieriot promised “new possibilities” for the show.
“Eric comes with a wealth of experience from his previous projects. He understands the essence of what the show is and respects what has been established,” he added. “He’s not looking to completely overhaul it; instead, he’s infusing it with fresh insights that explore new paths for our characters.”
How Will the Show Keep Honoring the Characters Who Left?
“Vince and Gabs were integral to the show and will always be part of its fabric. Their absence shouldn’t mean they simply vanish,” he remarked regarding the departures of Billy Burke and Stephanie Arcila. “They will continue to influence the choices other characters make moving forward.”
Thieriot highlighted Gabriela’s name being mentioned in the finale.
“Keeping their memory alive while they aren’t around proved more challenging than expected as we began season 4. They were crucial characters, and their absence alters dynamics. It changes how we perceive certain scenes,” he pointed out. “This created its unique set of challenges in the writing process, and throughout the season, we started to navigate this.”
The actor also emphasized the inclusion of new characters, stating, “Introducing new faces will help create fresh stories. It’s not just the same characters interacting. I’m eager to see who we’ll bring in and how they’ll impact our characters and the series overall.”
What About Bode’s Love Life?
Alongside Gabriela, Bode also bid farewell to girlfriend Audrey (Leven Rambin) in season 4. Now, the main character has formed a new romance with Chloe (Alona Tal), who is expected to stay on for season 5.
“Their relationship is more mature in many respects than previous ones,” Thieriot shared. “Chloe’s perspective on life and her experiences lend a more mature outlook. It’s been a stabilizing presence for him.”
Could Gabriela Return?
“We strive to keep as many doors open as possible,” Thieriot noted. “Just because they are no longer together doesn’t mean we won’t see her again.”
When asked if the upcoming medical spinoff might bring Gabriela back, Thieriot teased, “We’re actively developing those stories, and what we’re creating is truly exciting and feels distinctly Edgewater, while offering a unique take within the medical TV landscape.”
