In Season 13, Episode 6 of Chicago Fire, titled “Birds of Prey,” viewers were treated to high-stakes drama and fast-paced action, but the episode also brought attention to a lingering issue at Firehouse 51. While the team’s response to a fire at an abandoned storage facility showcased their quick decision-making skills, it also underscored a growing problem within the firehouse: the underutilization and frequent absence of key characters.
Tensions Rise at Firehouse 51
The episode kicks off with a call to extinguish a blaze at an empty storage unit. Truck 81 is dispatched to handle the situation, leading to rising tensions between Sam Carver and the rest of his squad. The friction between Carver and his team has been building throughout the season, and “Birds of Prey” highlights the widening rift, making it a central focus of the storyline.
In a surprising twist, Severide’s investigation at the storage facility uncovers a box of 3D-printed guns, tying the fire to an ongoing police case. This discovery leads to an unexpected partnership between Severide and Chief Dom Pascal, bringing a fresh dynamic to the episode. Meanwhile, fan-favorite Mouch takes on a lighter subplot, dealing with a finicky dove that finds its way into the firehouse.
Although the episode delivers strong character moments and moves the plot forward, it also sheds light on a recurring issue — the absence of certain key team members from Engine 51.
Missing Faces: Where Are Herrmann and Kylie?
One of the most glaring issues in Episode 6 is the noticeable absence of Christopher Herrmann and Kylie Estevez, both integral members of Engine 51. Herrmann has been a staple of Chicago Fire since its inception, while Kylie has become a more regular presence in recent seasons after joining Firehouse 51 as a replacement for Damon earlier this season. Despite their importance, neither character appears in “Birds of Prey,” leaving fans puzzled.
Traditionally, Firehouse 51 responds to emergencies as a united front, including Engine 51, Truck 81, and Squad 3. However, in this episode, only Truck 81 is involved in the response to the fire, with no mention of Engine 51. This unexplained absence raises questions about why Herrmann and Kylie were sidelined, especially given their significant roles within the firehouse.
Engine 51’s Underutilization: A Persistent Issue
The absence of Herrmann and Kylie in this episode highlights a larger issue that has persisted throughout the series: Engine 51’s underutilization. Despite being the primary firefighting vehicle at Firehouse 51, Engine 51 and its crew often receive far less screen time and character development compared to the members of Truck 81 and Squad 3.
While Christopher Herrmann has had some compelling storylines in recent seasons — including dealing with family health scares — these arcs have often felt secondary to the main plotlines involving characters like Kelly Severide and Stella Kidd. Similarly, Kylie’s character, though introduced with promise, has yet to receive the depth and focus given to other newer additions to the cast.
It’s clear that the writers have an opportunity to better integrate Engine 51 into the main narrative and give its members the spotlight they deserve. Fans have long hoped to see more of Herrmann’s leadership in action and Kylie’s growth within the team. Moving forward, it will be interesting to see if Chicago Fire addresses this imbalance and gives Engine 51 a more prominent role.
What’s Next for Firehouse 51?
The absence of Engine 51’s key players in Episode 6 may be setting up a larger storyline or simply a scheduling decision for the episode. Either way, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing issue of uneven character focus within the series. With several episodes left in the season, there’s still time for Chicago Fire to bring Herrmann, Kylie, and the rest of Engine 51 back into the action.
As the season progresses, viewers will be watching closely to see if the show can strike a better balance and give all members of Firehouse 51 their moment to shine.
