The upcoming third seasonofFire Countrywill bring some changes this fall, including new challenges and some new cast members. Now that Bode Leone (Max Thieriot) has been released from prison,he seeks to pursue a new career as a legitimate firefighter. The problem is that his criminal past might make that dream incredibly difficult. Among the new cast members isSupernaturalalum,Jared Padalecki, portraying Camden,a SoCal firefighterwho recognizes Bode’s raw talent and could serve as a new friend, ally, and mentor for the ex-convict. Another curious new addition to the cast isTrue DetectiveandGrey’s Anatomyveteran,Leven Rambin, who portrays a character named Audrey James in a recurring guest star role. There aren’t many new details yet about what fans can expect from Audrey in Season 3, buther presence suggests she could become Bode’s new love interest, effectively closing the book on the Bode and Gabriela romance.
It’s Time for Bode to Move on From Gabriela
Throughout Season 2, Bode was continually drawn back to Gabriela Perez (Stephanie Arcila), despite rejecting her when he was sent back to prison. Gabriela was looking to move on and accepted the marriage proposal from a fellow fire medic, Diego Moreno (Rafael de la Fuente). Suddenly, Gabriela’s newfound happiness is interrupted by the arrival of a man for whom she still harbors romantic feelings when Bode returns to Three Rock.
Bode’s return sparkeda season-long love triangle with Gabriela and Diego. Gabriela and Diego even kissed shortly before the wedding in the episode, “No Future, No Consequences.” The love triangle was difficult to watch, mainly because Diego is such a likable character. He’s an absolute gentleman who treats Gabriela with love and respect, and Bode and Gabriela’s shared kiss displays an emotional betrayal of Diego. The writers ofFire Countrydid too good of a job of making Diegoa preferable partner for Gabrielathan Bode, so seeing Bode and Gabriela kiss while she’s in a relationship with Diego felt wrong. Unfortunately, Gabriela faced a difficult choice between the logical and safe Diego and the more volatile bad boy, Bode. Ultimately,Bode made the right decision in the Season 2 finale, “I Do,” choosing not to interrupt Gabriela and Diego’s wedding ceremony. Instead, Bode left the church after Manny Perez (Kevin Alejandro) walked Gabriela down the aisle, seeking out his uncle Luke Leone (Michael Trucco) to plead his case for becoming a firefighter.

For Bode to truly move on and start a new chapter in his life,he must let go of Gabriela. He rejected Gabriela when he returned to prison, and he refused to respond to her letters, which deeply hurt her. Bode’s actions are understandable, but he must live with that decision and not look back. His choosing not to make a scene and interrupt the wedding in the Season 2 finale was probablythe smartest decision Bode made all season. Bode needs to get out and start dating other people, and Audrey could bethe rebound relationshipthat Bode needs to get his mind off of losing Gabriela through his voluntary actions.
Audrey James Is a Former Fire Camp Inmate
Only a few details have been revealed about Audrey James forFire CountrySeason 3.TV Linereports that Audrey exhibits the “soulful spirit of a gifted musician and empath.” However, she’s also a woman of grit and tenacity. It’s obvious she’s lived a hard life, and considering she’s an ex-convict and a former fire camp inmate,Audrey could serve as a kindred spirit to Bode. While a romance isn’t confirmed for Audrey and Bode, it appears they come from similar worlds. They both served prison time and took part in fire camps. Audrey and Bode seek new beginnings and want to put their harsh pasts behind them.It won’t be surprising if sparks fly between Audrey and Bode, and we’re not talking about the ones that ignite forest fires.
‘Fire Country’ Season 3 Will Bring “Levity and Joy” to Bode
According toFire CountryshowrunnerTia Napolitano, Season 3 of the drama series is about having “fun” and bringing “some levity and joy to Bode.” Speaking toTV Line, the creator said on Season 3, “We finally get to see Bode out [of Three Rock], after wanting it since the pilot. … Our goal is to have a lot of fun with him next season and … bring some levity and joy to Bode.” What better way to bring some “levity and joy” into Bode’s life than the joy of newfound romance? Bode certainly faced some demons in his past, but he deserves some happiness, and Audrey could fill the void in his heart. A new love for Bode in Season 3 could sparka new beginning for the characteras he starts the next chapter in his life.
Season 3 should work like a clean slate for Bodein his pursuit of happiness. That requires overcoming his inner demons and failed relationships, including forgetting about Gabriela. It’s honorable that Bode felt obligated to serve as a strong father figure for Genevieve Maisonette (Alix West Lefler). However, Bode has no obligation to her becausehe is not her biological father. Bode’s main motivation for getting out of prison in Season 2 stemmed from his belief that Genevieve was his daughter. Bode needs to let go of defining his life through the lives of others, whether it’s Genevieve, Gabriela, or his late former girlfriend, Cara Maisonette (Sabina Gadecki). Besides, Genevievealready has a strong surrogate father figure in Jake Crawford(Jordan Calloway), who acts as Genevieve’s new guardian and caretaker in the aftermath of Cara’s tragic passing in the episode, “This Storm Will Pass.” Obviously, Bode can still help Jake raise Genevieve, but it would be even betterif he becomes a strong role model for the girl during this crucial time in her life.

‘Fire Country’ Season 3 Can Give Bode a New Direction
A new season of fun, levity, and a potential new romanceare great ideas forFire CountrySeason 3. It would certainly be a refreshing change fromthe sometimes melancholy moments throughout Season 2. Season 3 should showcase new beginnings for Bode, and if that means a nail in the coffin to the Bode and Gabriela relationship, so be it. Either way, we’re looking forward to a fun, adventure-filled, action-packed, and exciting third season.
Fire Countryreturns for its third season on October 18. Season 1 and 2 are streaming now on Paramount+ in the U.S.

Fire Country
A young convict joins a firefighting program looking for redemption and a shortened prison sentence. He and other inmates work alongside elite firefighters to extinguish massive blazes across the region.
WATCH ON PARAMOUNT+

