After a nearly two-month break, Chicago Fire Season 13 returned with its midseason premiere, Episode 9, “A Favor.” However, fans were quick to notice a significant absence—Stella Kidd, played by Miranda Rae Mayo, was nowhere to be seen. Since joining Firehouse 51 in Season 4, Stella has become a core character, serving as Truck 81’s lieutenant in recent seasons. So why was she missing, and when will she return?
Where Is Stella Kidd?
Stella’s absence is explained early in the episode during the morning briefing. Chief Pascal informs the team that Stella is in Baltimore, Maryland, working on her Girls on Fire program. To fill the gap, Mouch temporarily steps in as Truck 81’s lieutenant, while a floater firefighter, Chippy, joins the team. Although Stella remains off-screen throughout the episode, her presence is acknowledged multiple times, including a moment when Severide (Taylor Kinney) shows Captain Van Meter pictures of the new Girls on Fire camp that Stella sent him.
Stella’s Absence in Context
Stella’s temporary departure mirrors that of her husband, Severide, who was missing during the fall finale of Season 13. The storyline shows how the couple’s professional commitments often pull them in different directions, creating moments of separation. Despite this, Stella’s work with Girls on Fire continues to be a pivotal part of her character’s development and commitment to mentoring the next generation of firefighters.
When Will Stella Kidd Return?
Fans won’t have to wait long for Stella’s comeback. Miranda Rae Mayo is confirmed to return in Episode 10, titled “Chaos Theory.” According to the official episode synopsis, Stella will play a key role as she helps a teacher dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic incident. Additionally, Season 13 is set to explore more of Stella’s backstory, which suggests her return will kick off a meaningful new arc.
Behind the Scenes: Why Was Stella Missing?
NBC has not officially commented on the reason for Stella’s absence in the winter premiere. However, industry trends suggest a plausible explanation. Many network TV shows, including Chicago Fire, have adopted cast rotation policies to manage budgets. According to Deadline, several shows, including FBI and FBI: Most Wanted, have reduced the minimum number of guaranteed episodes for their main cast members. This allows actors to take brief breaks while keeping production costs in check.
This strategy has already been evident in Chicago Fire Season 13. Herrmann (David Eigenberg) missed a few episodes earlier in the season, and Severide was absent during the fall finale. Stella’s turn to step back aligns with this approach, and fans can likely expect similar absences for other main characters as the season progresses.
What Else Happened in the Midseason Premiere?
Even without Stella, Episode 9 was packed with drama and surprises. Cruz found himself blackmailed by Junior, the cousin of Flaco, a gang leader Cruz encountered in Season 1. Meanwhile, Herrmann and Mouch celebrated passing their CFD exams, marking a significant milestone in their careers. Elsewhere, Novak’s scheming led to a reconciliation between Violet and Carver, easing tensions within the firehouse.
Looking Ahead
Stella’s absence may have left fans wondering, but her upcoming return promises to bring compelling new storylines. As Chicago Fire continues to navigate themes of mentorship, family, and professional growth, Stella’s role will remain central to the team’s dynamic.
Don’t miss Stella’s return in Episode 10, “Chaos Theory,” airing Wednesday, January 15, on NBC. Stream past episodes on Peacock to catch up before the next chapter unfolds.
