Firehouse 51 Left in the Lurch: Dissecting the 10 Biggest Unanswered Questions & Mysteries After the ‘Chicago Fire’ Season 13 Finale
The Chicago Fire Season 13 finale, “It Had to End This Way,” delivered a whirlwind of emotional revelations, surprising twists, and significant character shifts. While it provided some resolutions, particularly around Chief Pascal’s innocence and the long-awaited Stellaride baby news, it also left a substantial number of burning questions and unresolved mysteries that will undoubtedly fuel fan speculation until Season 14 premieres. Firehouse 51 finds itself in a state of flux, with major character decisions, potential departures, and unforeseen challenges on the horizon.
As the smoke clears from the intense finale, viewers are left to ponder the fates of beloved characters and the future dynamics of the iconic firehouse. From unexpected promotions to ambiguous goodbyes, here are the 10 biggest unanswered questions and mysteries from the Chicago Fire Season 13 finale:
1. What’s Next for Violet and Carver’s Relationship After Their “I Love You” Confession?
This is perhaps the biggest cliffhanger that directly clashes with pre-finale news. Sam Carver (Jake Lockett) told Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) he was transferring to the Denver Fire Department for his sobriety, seemingly marking his exit as a series regular. However, the finale ended with a passionate kiss and an “I love you” exchange between them. Given Lockett’s confirmed departure as a regular, where does this leave their declared love? Will they attempt a long-distance relationship? Will Carver briefly appear in Season 14 to properly wrap up their story? The emotional payoff of their confession makes a clean break difficult to imagine.
2. How Will Severide and Kidd Handle Their Unexpected Pregnancy?
After a season-long journey of exploring adoption, including a heartbreaking setback, Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) delivered the biggest shocker: she’s pregnant! This is monumental for Stella and Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney), who have longed to start a family. However, Stella initially had reservations about pregnancy due to her career and her own childhood. How will this unexpected news impact their demanding jobs as firefighters? Will Stella take time off? How will Severide, known for his intense focus on arson investigation, balance his career with impending fatherhood? This brings a whole new level of stakes to their already high-stakes lives.
3. What Does Herrmann’s Demotion Mean for Mouch and Engine 51?
In a truly surprising and selfless move, Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg) chose to step down as Lieutenant, allowing Mouch (Christian Stolte) to finally take the role. While it was a beautiful moment of friendship, it raises several questions. How will Herrmann adapt to being a regular firefighter again, especially after pursuing the chief’s test? Will he truly be content with the pay cut and reduced responsibility, or will resentment simmer? And for Mouch, how will he handle the pressures of being Engine 51’s lieutenant? This shift dramatically changes the dynamics within the engine company and could lead to both heartwarming and challenging moments.
4. What is Chief Pascal’s Future at Firehouse 51?
Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) spent much of the finale under suspicion for attempted murder. Thanks to Severide’s investigation, it was revealed that Lieutenant Vale, obsessed with Pascal’s late wife Monica, was the true culprit. Pascal was cleared and seemingly free to return to his post. But the question remains: Does Pascal want to stay at Firehouse 51? He’s been through a traumatic ordeal, and his past struggles with Monica’s death were reignited. Will he view Firehouse 51 as a place of healing and belonging, or will he seek a fresh start away from the memories? His leadership style has been a significant change from Boden, and his ultimate decision will shape the firehouse’s command structure.
5. How Will Ritter Be Written Out, or Will He Still Appear?
While Jake Lockett (Carver) had an emotional semi-farewell, the confirmed exit of Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter) was less explicitly addressed in the finale. Ritter is still a member of Firehouse 51 by the episode’s end. How will his departure be explained in Season 14? Will he get a proper send-off, or will his absence simply be noted? Given the showrunner’s comments about leaving room for future returns for both Carver and Ritter, could we see Ritter back for guest appearances, even if not as a regular?
6. Where Do Novak and Damon Stand After Their Hookup?
Paramedic Lizzie Novak (Jocelyn Hudon) and Jack Damon (Michael Bradway), Severide’s half-brother, shared a casual hookup in the finale. Their chemistry has been building, but it’s unclear if this is purely physical or if there’s potential for a more serious romantic relationship. With Severide and Kidd expecting a baby, and Pascal’s future uncertain (who Novak was also shown to have a subtle connection with earlier in the season), will Novak and Damon’s casual fling develop into something more meaningful?
7. What Are the Ramifications of Severide’s Actions in Clearing Pascal’s Name?
Severide went to great lengths, potentially putting his own career at risk, to clear Chief Pascal’s name. He kept information from Van Meter and conducted his own investigation. While it ultimately led to the truth, Van Meter was visibly upset by Severide’s withholding of information. Will there be any professional repercussions for Severide in Season 14, or will his heroic actions be overlooked due to the positive outcome? This could test his relationship with internal affairs and potentially lead to further friction.
8. Will Carver’s Sobriety Hold, Especially Given His Complex Love Life?
Carver’s decision to move to Denver was driven by his commitment to sobriety. His declaration of love for Violet, however, adds a layer of complexity. Will he truly move, or will he attempt to stay in Chicago for Violet? If he does stay, how will he manage his sobriety while navigating a demanding job and a new, intense relationship? The show runner admitted this is a “messier” situation than previous romantic exits, leaving a big question mark over his continued recovery.
9. How Will the Firehouse Dynamics Change with the New Leadership and Departures?
With Herrmann stepping down and Mouch stepping up, and the potential absence of Carver and Ritter, Firehouse 51’s internal dynamics are set for a shake-up. How will the team adjust to Mouch as Lieutenant? Will the absence of Ritter and Carver create noticeable gaps in their working relationships? The firehouse is a family, and these changes, even if for positive reasons, will undoubtedly impact morale and team cohesion.
10. Will the Show Continue to Explore the Broader CFD Politics and Leadership?
Chief Pascal’s tumultuous entry and near-downfall highlighted the political complexities within the Chicago Fire Department, especially with Wallace Boden’s (Eamonn Walker) elevation to Deputy Commissioner. With Pascal’s innocence confirmed, will the focus shift back to the broader CFD landscape, or will the internal workings of Firehouse 51 remain the primary focus? How will Boden continue to navigate his new role and its potential impact on his former firehouse?
Conclusion: A Fiery Start to Season 14
The Chicago Fire Season 13 finale delivered on drama, emotional intensity, and major character developments, but it also intentionally left viewers hanging with a multitude of unanswered questions and tantalizing mysteries. From the uncertain future of Violet and Carver’s passionate relationship to the groundbreaking news for Stellaride, and the significant leadership changes within Firehouse 51, Season 14 promises to be a pivotal chapter for the beloved procedural. Fans will be eagerly anticipating the premiere, hoping for satisfying answers and continued compelling storytelling as Firehouse 51 faces its next set of challenges.
