Chicago Fire Season 13 has delivered plenty of drama, and Episode 9, “A Favor,” brought back a character whose return is as divisive as it is intriguing. Jack Damon’s reappearance reignites storylines involving Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney), highlighting the missteps NBC made in prematurely cutting short one of the show’s most promising relationships.
A Fresh Start for Firehouse 51 and a Surprising Reunion
The episode kicks off the new year with some uplifting news for Firehouse 51: Christopher Herrmann and Mouch McHolland pass their exams, marking career milestones for both. Meanwhile, Stella Kidd’s temporary absence puts Mouch in charge of Truck 81. Elsewhere, Joe Cruz’s troubles worsen, with his storyline leaving viewers on edge about his fate.
Amidst these developments, Severide takes on a new role as a substitute instructor at the Office of Fire Investigation (OFI). This fresh storyline sets the stage for an unexpected reunion with his estranged half-brother, Jack Damon.
Jack Damon’s Return: A Second Chance for Redemption
Jack Damon was introduced in Season 12 as the secret son of Kelly’s late father, Benny Severide. Although the two brothers initially bonded, Damon’s insubordination under Stella Kidd led to his dismissal by Chief Dom Pascal, abruptly ending their on-screen relationship. Damon’s sudden departure disappointed fans, especially as his character arc had untapped potential.
In Episode 9, the Severide brothers cross paths again when Damon unexpectedly joins the class Severide is teaching at OFI. While their relationship appears amicable, the reunion reminds viewers of what could have been had Damon’s exit not been so abrupt.
The Missed Potential of Jack Damon’s Storyline
Damon’s initial storyline showed promise as it explored themes of family, loyalty, and second chances. However, the decision to abruptly derail his character by portraying him as defiant and unruly felt rushed and unnecessary. Severide and Damon’s dynamic could have been a rich source of drama and emotional depth, particularly as they navigated their shared connection to Benny.
By removing Damon from Firehouse 51, Chicago Fire lost a unique opportunity to deepen Severide’s character. While Severide’s marriage to Stella Kidd remains a cornerstone of the show, his relationships with other characters have grown sparse following the departures of Matt Casey and Chief Boden. Damon’s presence could have filled this void, giving Severide a meaningful connection outside of work and marriage.
How Damon’s Return Could Revive the Show’s Family Dynamic
Damon’s return in Season 13 offers a chance to explore the brothers’ relationship further, albeit in a new setting. With Damon now working at a different firehouse, the dynamic at OFI provides a less pressured environment for them to reconnect. This separation of professional and personal spheres could allow their bond to develop in ways that weren’t possible at Firehouse 51.
The episode also teases Damon’s potential return to Firehouse 51 down the line. His amicable interactions with former colleagues, including Chief Pascal, suggest that bridges haven’t been burned entirely. His reunion with Severide at Molly’s during Herrmann and Mouch’s celebration adds a hopeful note, leaving fans eager to see where this storyline leads.
Severide’s Best Relationship in Years?
The return of Jack Damon is a reminder of what Chicago Fire excels at: heartfelt, character-driven storytelling. If handled properly, Damon’s reappearance could restore some of the show’s emotional resonance, giving Severide a compelling family arc to complement his professional and marital storylines.
