Season 13 of Chicago Fire has been packed with high-stakes drama, heart-pounding rescues, and emotional moments. However, not every storyline has hit the mark. At times, the show has introduced subplots or character decisions that leave viewers scratching their heads. While Chicago Fire remains one of television’s most gripping dramas, some of the choices made this season have been downright baffling. Let’s break down the four most perplexing moments so far.
1. Jack Damon’s Abrupt Exit
Jack Damon (Michael Bradway) was introduced as Kelly Severide’s (Taylor Kinney) estranged half-brother, a twist that added an intriguing layer to Severide’s storyline. His arrival at Firehouse 51 in Season 12 set up a potentially rich dynamic between the brothers, exploring their relationship and the legacy of their late father.
However, Season 13 squandered this setup almost immediately. Damon disobeyed orders, caused conflict within the firehouse, and was quickly dismissed from 51. His departure happened so fast it left viewers wondering why so much time was spent establishing his character last season. This rushed resolution undermined what could have been a compelling story arc, leaving fans disappointed.
2. Chief Pascal and Lyla Novak’s Flirtation
Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) and Lyla Novak (Jocelyn Hudon) are two of the newest members of Firehouse 51, and their individual introductions have been relatively well-received. Novak’s friendship with Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith), in particular, has been a highlight.
The confusion comes from the subtle hints of a potential romantic subplot between Pascal and Novak. While the two have shared a few touching moments, the idea of a romance between a superior officer and a subordinate feels like a messy and unnecessary direction. With so many other strong storylines to explore, this potential relationship feels out of place and overly complicated.
3. Sam Carver’s Professional Struggles
Sam Carver (Jake Lockett) has evolved into a fan-favorite character, stepping into the role of the daring and occasionally reckless firefighter once held by Severide. His charisma and complex personal life have made him an intriguing addition to Firehouse 51.
However, Season 13 has taken his struggles too far. In the episode “Birds of Prey,” Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) sends Carver home mid-shift due to his distracted and absentminded behavior. This sudden downturn feels out of character for someone who has consistently proven himself in high-pressure situations. While it’s understandable to explore Carver’s vulnerabilities, making him appear incompetent on the job risks undermining the qualities that made him such a compelling character in the first place.
4. Severide and Kidd’s Relationship Drama
Kelly Severide and Stella Kidd, affectionately dubbed “Stellaride” by fans, have had their fair share of ups and downs. Their wedding was a high point in the series, but their marriage has been marked by constant tension.
Much of their conflict revolves around Severide’s desire to pursue arson investigation cases and Kidd’s career ambitions as Firehouse 51’s lieutenant. Additionally, their differing views on having children have created yet another source of friction. While drama is essential to keeping a show engaging, the repetitive disagreements between Severide and Kidd have left fans frustrated. Many are eager to see the couple find common ground and rediscover the strong partnership that made them a fan-favorite duo.
Wrapping Up
Season 13 of Chicago Fire continues to deliver thrilling moments and emotional depth, but these perplexing decisions have left some viewers questioning the direction of certain storylines. Whether it’s rushing through character arcs, forcing unnecessary romantic subplots, or leaning too heavily on familiar conflicts, these missteps highlight the challenges of keeping a long-running series fresh.
With plenty of episodes still ahead, there’s hope that Chicago Fire can course-correct and deliver resolutions that satisfy its dedicated fanbase.
