Firehouse 51’s Seismic Shift: Dissecting the Major Exits, Surprise Pregnancy, and Leadership Shake-Up in the ‘Chicago Fire’ Season 13 Finale
The Chicago Fire Season 13 finale, “It Had to End This Way,” lived up to its title by ushering in an era of significant change for Firehouse 51. The episode delivered a whirlwind of emotional goodbyes, a completely unexpected and joyous twist for the show’s beloved power couple, and a selfless act that redefined leadership within the ranks. As the dust settles, fans are left to process the seismic shifts that will undoubtedly shape the future of the iconic firehouse in Season 14.
This finale was packed with pivotal moments, serving as both a culmination of season-long arcs and a launching pad for entirely new storylines. From strategic departures that leave critical gaps to a development that will forever alter a central relationship, and a heartwarming promotion, Firehouse 51 is poised for a dynamic new chapter.
Two Major (Ambiguous) Exits: Carver and Ritter
Ahead of the finale, it was widely reported that two series regulars, Jake Lockett (Sam Carver) and Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter), would be exiting Chicago Fire after Season 13. The finale addressed these departures, though with varying degrees of finality, leaving room for future possibilities, as showrunner Andrea Newman confirmed.
Sam Carver’s Complex Farewell: Carver’s departure was the most emotionally charged. Driven by his commitment to maintaining sobriety, Carver informed Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) that he was transferring to the Denver Fire Department, believing a fresh start away from Chicago was necessary for his healing. This revelation hit Violet hard, especially after she finally decided to open up about her feelings for him in a heartfelt letter. However, in a last-minute twist, Carver reappeared, sharing a passionate kiss with Violet and declaring, “I love you, Violet.” She reciprocated, leaving their future incredibly ambiguous.
While Jake Lockett is indeed stepping down as a regular, this cliffhanger ensures his storyline with Violet is far from over. As Newman explained, their situation is “much messier” than previous long-distance relationships on the show, tied as it is to Carver’s critical sobriety journey. This means fans might see Carver in a recurring or guest role in Season 14 as they navigate whether their love can survive the demands of his recovery and the geographical distance.
Darren Ritter’s Quiet Transition: Ritter’s exit was much more understated. While he was present in the finale, his departure wasn’t explicitly addressed with a dramatic goodbye scene or a definitive career change. This subtle handling aligns with Newman’s comments about leaving “room for future returns.” It suggests that Ritter’s absence in Season 14 might be explained with a simple narrative device, but the door is clearly open for Daniel Kyri to make guest appearances down the line. His absence will undoubtedly be felt on Engine 51, especially given his close bond with Herrmann and Mouch.
A Surprise Pregnancy: Stellaride’s Joyous Twist
After a season that saw Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) embark on an emotional journey to start a family, including a heartbreaking near-adoption, the finale delivered a truly unexpected and joyous twist: Stella is pregnant!
This monumental revelation came as a delightful shock, especially for fans who had been following their adoption struggles. The couple had explored various avenues to become parents, with Stella initially harboring some fears about pregnancy due to her demanding career and her own childhood experiences. However, a season of growth, including a deeply emotional arc where they almost adopted a baby, strengthened their bond and Stella’s confidence.
The finale saw Stella reveal the positive pregnancy test to a stunned and overjoyed Severide. This moment is not just a personal victory for the couple but also a massive narrative shift for the show. Executive Producer Andrea Newman indicated that this was a deliberate choice, reflecting Stella’s evolution and her newfound belief in her ability to handle anything.
The impending arrival of a #Stellaride baby in Season 14 promises to bring a whole new dimension of stakes and emotional depth. As Newman teased, the dangers of their jobs as first responders will be heightened when they consider leaving a child behind, a fear rooted in Stella’s own past. This storyline is poised to be a central focus, exploring how parenthood impacts their careers and their unwavering love.
A Big Promotion Shake-Up: Herrmann’s Sacrifice for Mouch
Another significant development came from the ranks of Engine 51, leading to a heartwarming and surprising leadership change. Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg), who had been contemplating taking the Chief’s test, ultimately made a selfless decision. He chose to step down from his Lieutenant position, allowing his best friend, Randy “Mouch” McHolland (Christian Stolte), to finally take on the role of Lieutenant.
This was a profound moment of friendship and personal sacrifice. Herrmann, after much internal debate, realized that his true passion lay in being a “boots-on-the-ground firefighter” rather than sitting behind a desk. His decision was also driven by his desire to see Mouch, who had long aspired to a leadership role, finally get his chance.
The promotion of Mouch is a testament to his growth and dedication. Fans have watched Mouch evolve from a slightly cynical, laid-back firefighter to a respected and capable leader. This shift will undoubtedly change the dynamics within Engine 51, presenting new challenges and opportunities for both characters. Herrmann will now navigate being a regular firefighter under his best friend’s command, a scenario ripe for both comedic and touching moments. Meanwhile, Mouch will have to step up and embrace the responsibilities of his new rank, a journey that promises to highlight his capabilities.
Other Key Developments
Beyond these major shifts, the finale also brought resolution to the ongoing mystery surrounding Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney). Thanks to Severide’s relentless investigation, Pascal was cleared of attempted murder, with the real culprit revealed to be Lieutenant Vale, who was obsessed with Pascal’s late wife. This not only provided a satisfying conclusion to Pascal’s arc but also solidified his bond with Severide, potentially setting up a continued mentorship.
Additionally, the nascent romance between paramedic Lizzie Novak (Jocelyn Hudon) and Jack Damon (Michael Bradway), Severide’s half-brother, saw a casual hookup, hinting at a potential new romantic pairing within Firehouse 51.
Conclusion: A Transformed Firehouse for Season 14
The Chicago Fire Season 13 finale was nothing short of an emotional rollercoaster, effectively closing out several major arcs while simultaneously opening compelling new chapters. The ambiguous departures of Carver and Ritter add intrigue, leaving fans hopeful for their potential returns. The surprise #Stellaride pregnancy is a game-changer, promising heartfelt and high-stakes storylines for the couple. And Herrmann’s selfless demotion for Mouch’s promotion marks a significant shift in Firehouse 51’s leadership, cementing the enduring bonds of friendship that define the series. As the crew prepares for Season 14, it’s clear that Firehouse 51 will be a transformed place, facing new challenges and celebrating new joys, all while continuing to serve the city of Chicago with unwavering dedication.
