In Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 6, titled “Birds of Prey,” Firehouse 51 faced an urgent call to extinguish a blaze at an abandoned storage facility. While the episode delivered on the drama and tension fans expect, it also exposed a significant issue within the show: the underutilization of certain key characters and teams.
Firehouse 51 Responds Quickly, But Problems Linger
The episode opens with the team sending Truck 81 to handle the storage facility fire. As Severide investigates the scene, he uncovers a box of 3D-printed guns, tying the incident to a broader police investigation. This discovery brings him into an unexpected alliance with Chief Dom Pascal, highlighting the ongoing collaborative storyline between the two.
Meanwhile, Mouch, one of the fan-favorite characters, deals with a humorous side plot involving a sensitive dove at the firehouse. Despite the engaging moments and compelling reveals, viewers couldn’t help but notice who wasn’t there — and it’s starting to become a recurring issue.
The Notable Absence of Herrmann and Kylie
Episode 6 conspicuously lacked the presence of two significant characters: Christopher Herrmann and Kylie Estevez. Herrmann, a veteran of the series since Season 1, and Kylie, who became a regular more recently, are both part of Engine 51. Their absence from such a critical scene was surprising, given their integral roles in Firehouse 51.
Kylie, initially introduced in Season 8’s “Girls on Fire” program led by Kidd, has grown into her role at Firehouse 51, especially since joining as a replacement for Damon in early Season 13. Herrmann, who leads Engine 51, has been a central figure with numerous personal story arcs, particularly involving his family and health challenges. Yet, their characters were nowhere to be seen during the major fire response.
Why Was Engine 51 Left Out of the Action?
Typically, a fire call like the one in “Birds of Prey” would involve all the major teams: Engine 51, Truck 81, and Squad 3. However, this time, Engine 51 was absent from the response scene without any explanation. It’s possible the team was dealing with another emergency off-screen, but the show provided no clarity on this, leaving fans wondering about the decision.
This isn’t the first time Chicago Fire has sidelined Engine 51. Over the seasons, the team has often been overlooked in favor of focusing on Squad 3 (Severide’s team) or Truck 81 (Kidd’s team). While Herrmann’s character has received some attention, especially with personal storylines involving his wife Cindy, the firehouse’s main engine team consistently receives less screen time and development.
The Underutilization of Engine 51
Despite being the main firefighting vehicle of Firehouse 51, Engine 51 has seen the least exposure among the various teams. It’s puzzling why the show doesn’t give this core team more focus, considering their essential role in firefighting operations. Even though characters like Severide and Kidd often dominate the spotlight, there’s a missed opportunity in sidelining Herrmann, Kylie, and the rest of Engine 51’s crew.
The lack of attention given to Engine 51 becomes more glaring when compared to the arcs dedicated to Truck 81 and Squad 3. While the show has invested in personal narratives for Herrmann, including his battles with family and health issues, these moments still pale in comparison to the depth of storylines other characters receive. The episode “Birds of Prey” serves as a reminder that there’s more potential for the Engine 51 team if the writers choose to explore it.
Will Engine 51 Finally Get the Spotlight It Deserves?
As Chicago Fire continues into its 13th season, it’s time for the show to address the imbalance in character development. The absence of Herrmann and Kylie in such a crucial episode could be a sign that Engine 51 is once again being sidelined. However, this could also be an opportunity for the series to correct course and give this vital team the recognition it deserves.
Fans hope to see more of Engine 51’s crew in future episodes, with deeper story arcs that showcase their skills and camaraderie. Until then, the lack of focus on this essential team remains one of Firehouse 51’s biggest problems.
