Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) has been a standout character in Chicago Fire for years. Known for her spunk, confidence, and ability to handle high-pressure situations, she’s also one-half of one of the show’s most beloved couples with Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney). However, as Season 13 unfolds, Kidd’s character has been reduced to a shadow of her former self, largely due to Severide’s frequent absences.
While Kidd is a strong and capable character in her own right, her reliance on storylines tied to her husband is beginning to dull her once-vibrant spark.
A Season of Missed Opportunities
Season 13 has been a challenging one for Stella Kidd. Despite being present in most episodes, her involvement in major storylines has been minimal. One of her more significant moments came in the episode “All Kinds of Crazy,” when she fired Jack Damon (Michael Bradway) after his misconduct.
However, even this storyline wasn’t truly about her. The emotional weight of the episode revolved around Severide and his complicated relationship with Damon, who is his half-brother. Kidd’s role in the plot felt like an afterthought—a functional necessity rather than a character-defining moment.
This lack of engagement in meaningful arcs has made Kidd feel stagnant. Her character, once brimming with fire and self-assurance, seems stuck in a loop where her most memorable moments are tied to Severide’s presence—or absence.
Too Much Dependence on Severide
The heart of the issue lies in how intertwined Stella Kidd’s storylines have become with Severide. While their relationship has been a highlight of the series, it has also pigeonholed Kidd into a supporting role in her own narrative.
Severide’s intermittent absences have only exacerbated this problem. Without her husband around, Kidd often appears adrift, with little to do or say beyond reacting to his actions or absence. The chemistry between the two remains undeniable, but relying so heavily on their dynamic has stripped Kidd of the individuality that once made her compelling.
Kidd’s Past Independence and Potential Future
What makes this decline even more frustrating is that Stella Kidd was once one of the most distinct and independent characters in Chicago Fire. Her early arcs explored her struggles with self-doubt, her fierce loyalty to her crew, and her journey toward becoming a respected lieutenant.
Even when Severide was part of her life, Kidd’s storylines had their own agency—like her dynamic with Sam Carver (Jake Lockett) in Season 11, which provided her with a narrative that didn’t revolve entirely around her husband. This balance allowed Kidd to grow as a character and remain an integral part of the Chicago Fire ensemble.
The Path Forward for Stella Kidd
Stella Kidd isn’t a lost cause. Her character still has the potential to reclaim her independence and regain the layers that made her a fan favorite. The second half of Season 13 is an opportunity for the show to reestablish Kidd as a fully realized character—whether it’s through leadership challenges, personal growth, or fresh storylines that explore her relationships outside of Severide.
The key lies in giving Kidd agency over her own stories. Whether or not Severide is present, Kidd should be leading the charge, making decisions, and facing conflicts that reflect her unique strengths and vulnerabilities.
