Even six years after his death, Benny Severide’s presence still lingers in Kelly Severide’s life, stirring up drama at Firehouse 51. This time, it’s through Kelly’s newly discovered half-brother, Jack Damon, whose arrival has created chaos. What initially appeared as an exciting family revelation has quickly devolved into a source of tension, as Damon’s behavior threatens to destabilize Kelly’s life and relationships.
The Return of Benny’s Influence Through Damon
Benny Severide, played by Treat Williams, passed away in Season 7 of Chicago Fire, but the show has continued to explore the impact of his tumultuous relationship with his son, Kelly Severide. Benny’s legacy has resurfaced in an unexpected way with Damon, Benny’s son and Kelly’s half-brother, whom Kelly never knew existed until the end of Season 12. Although Kelly hoped that Damon could become an ally, their dynamic has proven challenging in Season 13. Damon’s reckless tendencies and need for approval complicate Kelly’s efforts to develop a bond with him.
In Season 13, Episode 2, “Ride the Blade,” Damon joins Truck 81, where Stella Kidd, Kelly’s wife, is his supervisor. When Damon disobeys Stella’s direct orders during a fire rescue, it puts Kelly in a tough spot. Though Damon lies to excuse his behavior, Kelly knows the truth but finds himself torn between loyalty to his brother and honesty with his wife. This situation forces Kelly to navigate complex family dynamics, as he tries to balance his responsibilities and his relationships.
Damon’s Troubled Past: A Product of Benny’s Influence
Damon’s impulsive behavior can be traced back to his difficult childhood with Benny. Raised in an unstable environment, Damon reveals that Benny was abusive. Growing up, Damon idolized his older brother Kelly, despite not knowing him personally, which created unrealistic expectations. Now working together, Damon is determined to prove himself to Kelly, often to the detriment of their relationship and his safety. His desperation to earn his brother’s approval leads him to act recklessly, undermining Stella’s authority and straining Kelly’s marriage.
Kelly wants to help Damon but finds himself constantly covering for him, even hiding their familial connection from Chief Dom Pascal, who has made it clear that family members should not work together. The strained situation intensifies when Kelly finally admits to Stella that he lied to protect Damon, sparking a confrontation that forces Kelly to reconsider their working arrangement.
A Brotherly Bond or a Barrier?
Despite Kelly’s efforts to guide him, Damon’s behavior threatens to compromise their relationship and the stability of Firehouse 51. Recognizing the strain on both his marriage and his job, Kelly ultimately decides that he and Damon cannot continue to work together. With Chief Pascal hinting at upcoming personnel changes, Damon’s future at Firehouse 51 looks uncertain. Although Damon is a new addition to the show, his storyline already points toward a potentially brief tenure, as Kelly seems poised to prioritize his responsibilities over familial ties.
As Season 13 unfolds, Kelly’s attempts to protect his half-brother may end in Damon’s departure from the firehouse. The strain of constantly navigating between his wife and his brother has pushed Kelly to the edge. The upcoming episodes will likely reveal whether Damon can remain a part of the Firehouse 51 family or if Benny’s influence will lead to his exit.
Chicago Fire continues to explore the complexity of family relationships within the high-stakes environment of firefighting, and Kelly Severide’s journey in Season 13 reflects the ongoing challenges of reconciling the past with the present. With Damon and Kelly’s bond strained by their father’s legacy, it seems one of them may soon have to make a significant sacrifice for the sake of the team and Kelly’s future.
