It’s hard to imagine Chicago Fire without the enduring love story of Kelly Severide and Stella Kidd, but season 12 suggests it may be time to reevaluate their future together. Unlike Law & Order, which thrives on its procedural focus, One Chicago draws viewers in by blending professional and personal storylines. For fans like me, the long-running relationships in Chicago Fire have always been its heart. But for Severide and Kidd, love seems to be as tumultuous as the emergencies they face.
A Marriage Plagued by Crisis
Severide and Kidd, affectionately called Stellaride, fought hard to be together, and their chemistry is undeniable. Yet, since their season 10 wedding, their relationship has been marked by chaos rather than stability. From a violent attack during their honeymoon to Kidd’s near-death experience, Severide’s abrupt departures, and ongoing trust issues, the couple can’t seem to catch a break.
In episode 11 of season 12, “Inside Man,” Severide disappears again—another instance of his inconsiderate behavior. While he returns for Matt Casey and Sylvie Brett’s wedding, it’s hard to ignore how often Severide prioritizes his own desires over Kidd’s well-being. This pattern leaves fans like me questioning if their relationship is doing more harm than good.
Living in Chaos: A Toxic Dynamic
While overcoming challenges often strengthens couples, it’s troubling that chaos seems to be the only constant in Stellaride’s marriage. Kidd’s attempt to assert control over Severide after his OFI disappearance was a desperate move, and his resistance to her efforts further strained their bond. Their dynamic suggests a troubling cycle: they thrive only when fighting to survive.
Season 12’s finale underscores their issues in a pivotal scene. As Kidd reflects on her priorities, Severide casually mentions wanting children—despite their rocky marriage. While he acknowledges that having kids would require a bigger sacrifice from Kidd, his timing reveals his lack of awareness and sensitivity. This moment crystallizes a recurring theme: Severide’s inconsiderate tendencies toward his wife.
Kidd Deserves Better
It’s not surprising that Kidd seems hesitant about starting a family. Her ambitions, including her work with Girls on Fire, would likely be sidelined, and her trust in Severide has been repeatedly tested. While she’s also made mistakes in the past, they happened before their marriage. Severide’s actions, on the other hand, suggest a deeper disregard for the commitment they share.
Love requires more than passion—it demands mutual respect, trust, and consideration. Unfortunately, Severide’s behavior continues to highlight his inability to consistently prioritize Kidd’s needs and their relationship.
Is There Hope for Severide and Kidd?
Despite their issues, it’s not impossible for Severide and Kidd to find their way back to each other. However, showrunner Andrea Newman has hinted that the couple’s struggles will persist in season 13. At this point, it’s exhausting to watch them endure one crisis after another. Perhaps a temporary separation is what they need to rebuild trust and gain perspective.
If Chicago Fire’s writers can’t find a way to let Stellaride flourish without constant drama, it might be better to let them take a break. The show has demonstrated with Sylvie and Matt Casey that a separation doesn’t have to mean the end of the story. For now, though, it may be time to let Severide and Kidd go their separate ways—for their sake and for ours.
