Chicago Fire Finally Explains Mouch’s Name, Ending 12-Year-Old Mystery In Surprising Way

Warning! Spoilers ahead for Chicago Fire season 12, episode 2.

Unexpectedly, Chicago Fire offers the origins of Mouch’s name. As one of the most veteran members of Firehouse 51, Senior Firefighter Randall “Mouch” McHolland has already been an established firefighter in Chicago when One Chicago premiered in 2012. On top of being a member of Truck 81, Mouch also serves as Chief Boden’s go-to guy for anything that involves legal matters. While he doesn’t hold any leadership ranks in Firehouse 51, Mouch is not only beloved by his peers, but he is also well-respected, even by people who outrank him.

Having been in the force for so many years, Mouch has a wealth of stories to tell about his earlier days as a firefighter. He would often share anecdotes about his history, although Chicago Fire has admittedly not taken advantage of the endless narrative opportunities that are provided by his past. Instead, Mouch’s story has always been focused on his future, which tends to be in danger of being cut short. One particular thing about him that Chicago Fire has never explained is the meaning of his name, which it finally does.

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Chicago Fire Season 12 Reveals What Mouch Means

Mouch survives the near-death experience that he had on the job in the Chicago Fire season 11 finale, but it wasn’t an easy road coming back. As repeatedly discussed in season 12, he had to be in rehab for the last six months to ensure that he was fit to step back into Firehouse 51 and reclaim his job. Almost dying also sends Mouch into a renewed outlook on life. He wants to change certain habits that he has gotten used to over the years, including being particular about his spot on the couch in front of the TV.

This paves the way for Mouch to finally reveal the real meaning behind his moniker in the Chicago Fire season 12, episode 2, “Call Me McHolland.” Apparently, McHolland’s nickname is portmanteau of “man” and “couch,” hence the name, Mouch. No longer thrilled with it because of his desire to revitalize not just his lifestyle but also his image. So, for a while, he forces everyone to stop calling him Mouch, and instead, address him as his real last name. After a heart-to-heart talk with Chief Boden, however, he realizes that people love him for who he is.

How Much Longer Can Mouch Stay At Firehouse 51?

There have been several instances in which Mouch contemplated retiring. Every time, however, he backs out of it, realizing that he can still contribute to Firehouse 51. While it’s likely that he won’t be staying for much longer in the force, considering his age, it’s safe to say that it won’t be this year. For starters, Chicago Fire cannot afford to lose any more characters after One Chicago suffers several cast exits. Secondly, it would have been such a waste for him to walk away from the job after all the work he’s done to get back to it.