Ever since Bode Leone (Max Thieriot) graced our screens on the first episode of Fire Country, we’ve watched the fictional character go on an emotional journey from prison inmate to civilian. Now, the actor who plays him is talking about his character and how it’ll shape the rest of season 3.

In the CBS drama’s season 3 episode “False Alarm” (which aired on December 6) viewers learned Bode would graduate from the firefighting training program and become a member of Cal Fire Station 42. But it didn’t come without its hiccups, as his training captain Camden Casey (Jared Padalecki) didn’t allow it due to Bode’s personal ties to his family and loved ones. Luckily, Bode was able to win him over after showcasing his bravery and courage in an almost catastrophic rescue.

Looking back on the episode events, Max told Parade that this was the right call for the character after all he’s been through on the show.

“I think this to everybody felt like the right spot,” he told the outlet. “We believe we have a lot of really good stuff to mine from here going forward.”

So, how will Bode embrace this new stage of life now that he’s a full-fledged firefighter? Max went on to share how the character’s world isn’t just about danger and proving himself worthy of his life dream. As he explained, his character has the world open to him — in both his professional and personal life.

“Now that [Bode]’s at 42, we feel like the sky’s the limit,” Max added.”It’s the conversations that he has with all these people around him. It’s the time outside of the firehouse. It’s going to Smokey’s and all these places that we just kind of couldn’t really bring him to naturally. We’re super excited about that. Obviously, the graduation is sort of the jump-off point.”

Even though it will be some time before we get to see how Bode fares as a true member of Cal Fire, we can’t wait to see what else is in store for him this season! And if you ask us, he’s definitely in need of some love in his life, which may happen with none other than his training partner, Audrey James (Leven Rambin).

“[Audrey] adds such a different presence in the fire station and in Bode’s life,” he remarked. “She and Bode have lived so many of the same life experiences that most people don’t go through, and their ability to relate to one another and really see each other is unique and special.”

Well, given how Bode’s on-off relationship with Gabriela Perez (Stephanie Arcila) is on the rocks right now, this may be the direction he’s been destined to all along. And trust us — we’ll be sure to tune in so we can see how Bode’s new future plays out.