Chicago Fire Season 14 Will Not See 1 Son of Benny Severide Return
The upcoming 14th season of Dick Wolf’s Chicago Fire is poised to be one of its most transformative yet. Firehouse 51 is facing a series of major cast shake-ups, with fan-favorite characters leaving and a new recruit arriving to fill the void. While the confirmed departures of Darren Ritter and Sam Carver have already sent shockwaves through the fandom, a more recent, and perhaps more emotionally resonant, piece of news has emerged: one of Benny Severide’s sons will not be returning for the new season.
This isn’t a simple casting change; it’s a profound narrative shift. The departure of a member of the Severide family tree, a branch that was only recently discovered, closes a chapter on a storyline that promised to explore the complex legacy of the late Benny Severide. The confirmed exit of this character has significant implications for our beloved Squad 3 Lieutenant, Kelly Severide, and the entire Firehouse 51 family.
The Severide Family Legacy and the New Addition
For years, the character of Kelly Severide was defined by his complicated relationship with his father, the legendary but flawed firefighter Benny Severide. Their dynamic was a central emotional anchor for the show, with Benny’s death in Season 7 serving as one of the most heart-wrenching moments in the series. Just when fans thought the Severide family drama was a thing of the past, the show threw a major curveball.
In the Season 12 finale, a new firefighter named Jack Damon was introduced, who dropped a bombshell revelation: he was the son of Benny Severide, making him Kelly’s half-brother. This twist opened up a fascinating new chapter, allowing the show to revisit Benny’s complicated past and provide Kelly with a new family member to connect with. Jack’s presence was a powerful way to keep Benny’s legacy alive and explore the emotional weight of a family built on secrets and unexpected connections.
His character was immediately compelling. He was a capable firefighter, but his struggles with authority and his complicated past mirrored his father’s. His relationship with Kelly was a source of great intrigue, as the two men navigated the choppy waters of becoming brothers while working in the same firehouse.
The Departure: Who and Why
The news that a son of Benny Severide will not be returning is now confirmed. The character in question is Jack Damon, played by actor Michael Bradway. The reason for his departure is not a creative choice to write the character out, but a real-world decision stemming from a scheduling conflict. Michael Bradway has reportedly landed a new series regular role on another show, making it impossible for him to continue his role on Chicago Fire in a full-time capacity.
This is a crucial distinction. Unlike the exits of Sam Carver (Jake Lockett) and Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri), which were reportedly due to budget cuts and creative decisions, Jack Damon’s exit is a result of an outside opportunity for the actor. While the showrunners have expressed a desire to have him back if his schedule allows, his official departure as a series regular means his complex story arc will likely remain unresolved, at least for the foreseeable future.
For fans who were invested in seeing the Severide brothers’ relationship develop, this news is a profound disappointment. It leaves a gaping hole in a storyline that had so much potential, a narrative thread that could have lasted for seasons.
The Unresolved Sibling Dynamic and the Impact on Kelly
Jack Damon’s departure has a direct and significant impact on Kelly Severide. Their on-screen relationship was one of the most compelling parts of the show’s most recent season. Kelly, who has always been protective of his family, was just starting to open up to the idea of having a half-brother. The two men shared a connection that was both professional and deeply personal, and fans were eager to see where their relationship would go.
Now, that journey has been cut short. Jack’s absence will force Kelly to once again grapple with the legacy of his father, but this time with a new layer of sadness. The potential for a real, meaningful relationship with his half-brother has been taken away, leaving Kelly to deal with the loss of a family member he never knew he had.
This emotional vacuum will create new opportunities for Kelly’s character. He will have to process this loss, and it may bring him even closer to his wife, Stella Kidd, and the rest of his family at Firehouse 51. The show has a long history of using personal tragedy to deepen its characters, and Jack’s departure will no doubt be a catalyst for new emotional arcs for Kelly, who will have to come to terms with yet another unfinished chapter in his father’s life.
A Firehouse in Flux
The departure of Jack Damon, alongside the exits of Carver and Ritter, signals a larger creative shift at Firehouse 51. The show is deliberately shaking up its cast to introduce new blood and new storylines. While the loss of these beloved characters is a blow, the introduction of the new recruit, Sal Vasquez (Brandon Larracuente), is a sign that the show is committed to its long-term health. Vasquez’s arrival will fill the void left by these departures, and his challenging personality will create new conflicts and alliances.
The producers of Chicago Fire have a difficult balancing act to pull off: honoring the show’s history while keeping the narrative fresh and compelling. The decision to write out Jack Damon, while perhaps out of their control, is a testament to the show’s ability to adapt. His short but impactful run on the show will always be a reminder of the complex and surprising legacy of Benny Severide. While his story may have been cut short, his impact on Kelly’s life is undeniable, and his absence will be a source of future drama.
In the end, while fans will surely mourn the loss of Jack Damon and his potential, the decision sets the stage for a new era at Firehouse 51. It’s a sad and emotional change, but it’s one that reinforces the show’s commitment to telling raw and realistic stories about the unpredictable lives of its heroes. The countdown to Season 14 has begun, and one thing is for sure: it will be a season filled with unexpected twists, new faces, and an emotional weight that will be felt by all.
