In the latest twist for CBS's hit drama Fire Country, the show has hinted at a potential third cast departure following a dramatic breakup between key characters. The November 7 episode featured Bode Leone, played by Max Thieriot, facing scrutiny over hidden pills, which ultimately led to his split from Audrey, portrayed by Leven Rambin. This development has sparked speculation about Rambin's future on the series, as her character accepts a position at another fire station.
The episode, aired on Friday at 9 p.m. ET, centered on Audrey and Manny Perez, played by Kevin Alejandro, discovering Bode's concealed medication. According to the storyline, Bode underwent a mandated drug test and tested negative, allowing him to demonstrate his trustworthiness. Manny stepped up to take accountability for Bode, which paved the way for Manny's promotion to Cal Fire Battalion Chief.
However, the incident prompted Audrey to reassess her relationship with Bode. She decided to step back, encouraging him to prioritize his recovery over their romance. In a pivotal move, Audrey chose to transfer to a different fire station, raising questions about whether Rambin, 34, will continue in her role. This comes amid a season already marked by significant cast changes.
Earlier this year, Fire Country's third season concluded with a cliffhanger in April, leaving the fates of Vince Leone (Billy Burke), Sharon Leone (Diane Farr), and Walter Leone (Jeff Fahey) uncertain. Hours after the finale, reports emerged that budget cuts had led to the exits of Burke, 58, and Stephanie Arcila, who played Gabriela Perez. Burke has not publicly commented on his departure, while Arcila shared her perspective in an exclusive interview.
"I had no idea ever. But at the same time, I know that this is the nature of the industry that I’m in, and I have accepted the flow of release and acceptance throughout my journey and knowing that when one door closes, another one always opens," Arcila, 35, told Us Weekly in April. She added, "We have this beautiful eternal door of revolving desires in what we love in life. I believe that if we put resistance towards that, sometimes it stops us from fulfilling other things that we love."
Showrunner Tia Napolitano addressed the cast shake-ups in an October interview, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the series. "It’s a fire show. Anyone can go at any time," she said. Napolitano also highlighted upcoming additions to the cast, noting, "But in terms of losing people, we’re also adding some really fun guest cast. It’s a revolving door of people from Sharon’s past and new faces that are exciting to bring conflict and secrets and twists and turns."
The show aims to balance honoring departed characters with forward momentum. Napolitano explained the approach to Vince's storyline, saying, "What we’ve done is really thread the needle of honoring — especially Vince — because Gabriella is gone, but she’s gone to a happy and successful life. She’s still out there. But we really walk this line of honoring Vince while also finding hope rather quickly." She continued, "Looking forward, the theme of the season is rising from the ashes and recovery. How do you recover from something like this? And we’re really going to see everybody rise to the occasion, in celebration of Vince, of his life and in honoring the sacrifice that he made."
Prior to the recent episode, Napolitano had teased the trajectory of Bode and Audrey's relationship. "She’s back. They will be a couple that we really root for. We throw some obstacles at them right off the bat. You see Bode grab for those pills in the premiere and that’s going to be an issue for him," she said. Napolitano described Audrey's role, adding, "She’s going to be someone that he’s really able to lean on and who’s really going to encourage him to choose good over evil and to be the person he’s worked to be for all these seasons that we’ve seen him."
Fan reactions to Bode's pairing with Audrey have been mixed, particularly among those hoping for a reunion with Gabriela. Addressing the backlash, Napolitano stated, "We love for an audience to have strong opinions. I love a slow burn romance. I love longing. I love rooting for two people to get together. That’s a show that’s in it for the long run — with a long romantic arc. I think getting [Bode and Gabriela] together would have felt like the less exciting version. I want the audience to want for them to be together."
Fire Country, which premiered in 2022, follows Bode Leone, a convict who joins a firefighting program in his Northern California hometown to shorten his prison sentence. The series has garnered praise for its blend of high-stakes action and personal drama, drawing an average of over 7 million viewers per episode in its third season, according to Nielsen ratings. Set in the fictional town of Edgewater, the show draws inspiration from creator Max Thieriot's own experiences growing up in fire-prone areas.
The potential exit of Rambin would mark the third major cast change this season, following Burke and Arcila. While Burke's character Vince was central to the family dynamics, his departure stems from reported budget constraints at CBS. Arcila's Gabriela, Bode's former love interest, left for a new opportunity, aligning with the show's theme of moving forward.
Napolitano has indicated that the series will continue to evolve, with plans to "really spice it up" while maintaining a "fine line" in tributing losses. New guest stars are expected to introduce fresh conflicts, including figures from Sharon's past. The showrunner’s vision emphasizes recovery and resilience, mirroring the real-world challenges faced by firefighters.
As Fire Country progresses through its fourth season, episodes air weekly on CBS Fridays at 9 p.m. ET, with next-day streaming on Paramount+. The November 7 episode's developments have left fans speculating on social media, with many expressing disappointment over the Bode-Audrey split but intrigue about future plot twists.
Looking ahead, the series is poised to explore themes of redemption and rebuilding. With Bode's recovery arc at the forefront, and potential new romances or challenges on the horizon, Fire Country continues to captivate audiences. Whether Rambin's departure becomes permanent remains unconfirmed, but the show's history suggests more surprises are in store.
The broader implications for the series include maintaining viewer engagement amid cast turnover. Industry experts note that such changes are common in long-running procedurals, often driven by creative decisions or financial considerations. As one of CBS's top-rated shows, Fire Country has already spawned a spin-off, Sheriff Country, starring Morena Baccarin, set to premiere in 2025, indicating the franchise's expanding universe.