The Season 13 fall finale of Chicago Fire was packed with emotional highs and gripping storylines, but one glaring absence left fans puzzled: Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney). A cornerstone of the show since its inception, Severide’s sudden disappearance from Episode 8, titled “Quicksand,” has raised questions about his future on the series. Let’s dive into why he was missing and whether fans should worry about his return.
Where Was Kelly Severide in the Fall Finale?
Episode 8 aired on November 20, 2024, wrapping up the fall season before the show’s hiatus until January 8, 2025. The episode revolved around Herrmann and Mouch preparing for their officer exams, Cruz facing an unsettling omen, and Carver rescuing a dog after its owner was injured. However, there was no mention of Severide in any key plotlines.
His absence was casually addressed in a brief exchange between Cruz, Tony, and Capp. According to Cruz, Severide was away on a “fire inspection boondoggle in Michigan.” While this explanation was simple enough, it left fans wondering if this was a sign of something bigger.
Is Severide Gone for Good?
The good news is that Severide isn’t going anywhere—for now. The promo for the midseason return on January 8, 2025, confirms his presence in Episode 9. Furthermore, Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) reassures Violet in a conversation during the promo, saying that Severide is doing well in Michigan but has decided to come back early.
This suggests that his absence was temporary and tied to production or storyline logistics rather than an indication of another long-term departure.
Why Was Kelly Severide Missing?
Severide’s absence is likely tied to a mix of behind-the-scenes factors. Taylor Kinney, who took a leave of absence from the series during Season 11 before returning in Season 12, has occasionally stepped away from episodes for cost-cutting reasons—a common practice for long-running primetime shows.
This season, other characters have also been notably absent. For instance:
- In Episode 6, “Birds of Prey,” Cruz and Herrmann were both missing.
- Herrmann was again absent in Episode 7, despite Cruz’s return.
Budget constraints often lead to cast members rotating out of episodes to reduce overall production costs.
Additionally, real-life circumstances can contribute to absences. David Eigenberg, who plays Herrmann, missed several episodes after snapping his Achilles tendon. He revealed in a November 2024 interview with CinemaBlend: “I was out for a couple [episodes]. I snapped my Achilles tendon, so I got knocked out for a bit. It’s been weird.”
Fan Reactions to Severide’s Absence
Severide’s absence sparked discussion among fans on social media and Reddit. Some expressed frustration, questioning how such a pivotal character could be left out of the midseason finale.
“How could they leave a core character like Kelly Severide out of the mid-finale? Make it make sense!” one fan posted.
Others speculated that the decision was purely practical, with one Reddit user pointing out, “They found a window of the season where they didn’t need the Severide character since he didn’t really have any current storylines going on anymore.”
Another fan added, “There were so many storylines this episode, I don’t know what they would have done with him.”
The Road Ahead for Severide
While his absence in the fall finale was noticeable, fans can rest easy knowing Kelly Severide is set to return in January 2025. With no significant storylines sidelining him permanently, Severide’s return promises to bring the charisma and leadership fans have come to love.
As Chicago Fire continues to navigate the challenges of a large ensemble cast and budget constraints, moments like this may become more common. But if history is any indication, Severide will continue to play a key role in the heart-pounding drama that defines the series.
