The fourth season of Fire Country has profoundly impacted the Edgewater firefighters, particularly following the devastating Zabel Ridge fire and the subsequent loss of Vince Leone (Billy Burke). His absence has left an indelible mark on the team, and especially on his wife, Sharon Leone (Diane Farr). The introduction of Brett Richards as a temporary battalion chief caused initial unease, and while he's departed, naming Kevin Alejandro's Manny as Vince's replacement has not brought a sense of stability. The latest episode, "Happy First Day, Manny," immediately plunged Manny into the arduous realities of leadership, putting him at odds with Sharon.

Sharon's journey this season has been one of immense struggle, grappling with the profound grief of losing her husband. Her path to equilibrium has been anything but smooth. In Season 4, Episode 5, viewers witness her initial difficulty accepting Manny in Vince's former role. A significant plot twist unfolds when Bode (Max Thieriot) reveals that a note found in Vince's guitar case was not from a scorned lover, as speculated, but from Sharon's own mother. Diane Farr, the actress portraying Sharon, shed light on these developments and offered insights into Sharon's future trajectory.

Farr expressed that navigating Sharon's story without Billy Burke has been a "different" and initially "sad, afraid" experience. She likened losing Vince to losing "half of Sharon," appreciating the rare opportunity to portray a couple in the middle of a relationship, including its complexities, fights, disappointments, and struggles for control. Farr lauded the writers for providing "beautiful things to explore," particularly the theme of grief, which she felt the show was addressing with depth and realism—showcasing its prolonged nature, the outward appearance of coping, and moments of private sorrow. She noted the shift in her acting partnerships, finding joy in working closely with Kevin Alejandro.

The relationship between Sharon and Manny is poised for significant turmoil. Farr teased that the "roughness" seen in Episode 5, centered on control and the discomfort of a new leader, will intensify and evolve. Sharon's character will become "very flawed," displaying immaturity and leaning on or lashing out at Manny in "incorrect ways" within a professional setting. Farr found this character arc immensely enjoyable to play, deliberately embracing the complexities and imperfections of Sharon, a stark contrast to actors who might instinctively protect their characters from wrongdoing. She highlighted an upcoming episode where Sharon commits a "ridiculous thing," further showcasing her flawed nature. Crucially, both actors aimed to establish a "fraternal" dynamic between Sharon and Manny, ensuring there was no perceived sexual energy, making their clashes akin to sibling arguments rather than professional insubordination.

Beyond Edgewater, Farr's character, Sharon, will also make multiple appearances in Sheriff Country, the spin-off series. Having already filmed three episodes, with a potential fourth on the horizon, Farr enjoys portraying Sharon as a "foil" to Mickey (Morena Baccarin), her sister and the protagonist of Sheriff Country. This dynamic allows Sharon to reveal aspects of Mickey's leadership that other characters might not. Farr expressed her enthusiasm for these appearances, especially with her children grown, allowing her more freedom to travel for filming. However, the logistical challenges of these crossovers are substantial, with Fire Country filming in Vancouver and Sheriff Country in Toronto—a distance of 2,000 miles. The impending major crossover, where entire casts will travel between locations during the "dead of winter in Canada," is anticipated to be a grueling experience, particularly during November, which Farr identified as the most exhausting month for long-term series production.

The revelation about Vince's note and the introduction of Sharon's mother, portrayed by the acclaimed Christine Lahti, will have significant fallout. Lahti, an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Emmy winner, brings immense talent to the show. Farr praised Lahti and Jeff Fahey (who plays Vince's father, Walter) for their sharp professionalism and willingness to experiment with their characters. Working with these veteran actors has been a profound learning experience for Farr. Within the narrative, Sharon's mother will push Sharon to "ugly sides" of herself, instigating aggression and causing Sharon to lose patience and bandwidth for others. This external pressure from her mother explains some of Sharon's redirected anger towards Manny.

Finally, the relationship between Sharon and Vince's father, Walter, is far from over. Jeff Fahey will return for a dedicated episode focusing on their unresolved tensions. Despite Walter's attempts to reconcile, their relationship will not find a "clean network ending," a narrative choice Farr deeply appreciates from the producers. This ensures the portrayal of complex, ongoing family dynamics that reflect real-life challenges.

New episodes of Fire Country continue to premiere every Friday on CBS, with streaming available the next day on Paramount+ in the U.S. The season promises continued emotional depth, character development, and intricate relationship dynamics for Sharon Leone and the Edgewater team.