'Fire Country' Is Taking Audrey in a Bold New Direction After That Shocking Season 3 Cliffhanger

There's no denying that Audrey James has been Fire Country's best addition this season. Even after Jared Padalecki's Camden Casey, Katie Findlay's Francine, and Nesta Cooper's Violet, it's Audrey who has captured the hearts of many viewers.

Truth be told, her relationship with Bode (Max Thieriot) is far more complex, interesting, and healthy than anything the Fire Country lead had with Gabriela. It's been a joy to watch her grow this season. From her cadet status to becoming a full-blown firefighter with Cal Fire, there have been many personal achievements to celebrate with the character. Even if you're still rooting for Bode and Gabriela, Audrey's presence has been a breath of fresh air, and if anyone deserves to be promoted to a series regular after Stephanie Arcila's departure, it's certainly Leven Rambin.

Is 'Fire Country' Setting Up a New Fire Camp Arc with Audrey at the Center?

If this is the case, we could be introduced to a whole new Audrey, one who is forced to fight for her freedom once more. It would certainly feel like an uphill battle, but one that the character could undoubtedly weather given her previous life challenges. On the other hand, Fire Country may be prepping the character for something big given Gabriela’s newly announced Season 4 departure. It’s impossible to tell how Gabriela will respond to these events. It may drive her to leave Edgewater for some time or even forever. If this is the case, Audrey will be left to work through that night all on her own. If Finn somehow dies as a result of his injuries, Audrey would have to live with the guilt of killing someone, which could be quite crushing. We've seen stories like this before with Bode and Jake when it came to Riley Leone's (Jade Pettyjohn) death, but this would be the first time that a character was so actively responsible for the death of another. It would certainly make for some meaty drama.

It Seems That Audrey Will Play a Big Part In 'Fire Country' Season 4

Considering that Audrey has become a quick fan-favorite, it's unlikely that she will go the way of Freddy (W. Tré Davis) and disappear altogether. Rather, incorporating this fallout into the main narrative and emphasizing the unique challenges that ex-cons face on the other side of fire camp is a compelling way to keep her on the show. Here's hoping that, however Audrey factors into Season 4, Fire Country can tell a complete and engaging story with her and avoid any unnecessary drama simply for drama's sake.

Fire Country is available for streaming on Paramount+.