A Rollercoaster of Emotions: Stellaride’s Near-Parenthood Experience in Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 20
The journey towards parenthood is rarely a smooth one, and for Chicago Fire‘s beloved couple, Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney), the path has been particularly fraught with anticipation and emotional vulnerability. Season 13, Episode 20, titled “The Bad Guy,” initially offered a glimmer of hope as Stellaride finally connected with a prospective birth mother. However, the episode quickly morphed into an emotional rollercoaster, leaving viewers questioning whether their dreams of starting a family would come to fruition, at least in the way they had hoped.
The episode’s central premise revolved around Stella and Severide meeting Jade, a young woman in labor who had chosen them to adopt her baby boy. The initial interactions were filled with a mixture of nervous excitement and genuine connection, as Stellaride began to envision their lives as parents. They prepared their home, sought advice from Herrmann (David Eigenberg) on the realities of parenthood, and allowed themselves to embrace the possibility of this life-altering change. However, as the episode unfolded, a series of unexpected and heartbreaking twists threw their carefully laid plans into disarray.
A Mother’s Change of Heart: The Unpredictable Nature of Adoption
The first significant hurdle in Stellaride’s adoption journey came with the arrival of Jade’s estranged father. Following the birth of her son via emergency C-section, Jade had a moment of connection with her baby, a powerful maternal instinct that led her to reconsider her decision about adoption. Despite having previously chosen Stella and Severide from adoption booklets, the reality of holding her child sparked a change of heart.
This development, while emotionally wrenching for Stellaride, highlighted the unpredictable and deeply personal nature of the adoption process. The episode sensitively portrayed Jade’s internal conflict and her ultimate decision to have her father take guardianship of the baby while she sought help for her struggles, including opioid use.
A Glimmer of Hope Amidst Heartbreak: The Promise of Future Parenthood
Despite the immediate disappointment of not taking baby Matthew home, the episode offered a nuanced perspective on Stellaride’s journey. Stella, in a heartfelt conversation with Jade, shared her own difficult upbringing and the importance of giving a child a stable and loving home. While this conversation may have played a part in Jade’s initial connection with Stellaride, her bond with her own child ultimately took precedence.
However, the episode concluded with a poignant moment. Jade left a note for Stella and Severide, expressing her gratitude for Stella’s support during the difficult labor and hinting that their connection might not be entirely over. Furthermore, Cruz (Joe Minoso) offered a practical suggestion: storing the baby supplies they had already acquired, a subtle yet hopeful indication that their dream of parenthood is not necessarily over, just delayed.
The Lingering Question: Will Stellaride’s Adoption Journey Continue?
The emotional fallout from this near-adoption experience was palpable for Stella and Severide. The episode poignantly captured their disappointment and the difficult process of adjusting to a reality that differed drastically from their expectations. The carefully prepared nursery, the heartfelt conversations – all served as reminders of what could have been.
However, the lingering questions remain: Will Jade eventually feel ready to proceed with the adoption? Will Stellaride pursue another adoption opportunity? The episode deliberately left these threads unresolved, suggesting that their path to parenthood will likely continue to be a significant storyline in the remaining episodes of Season 13 and potentially beyond.
Herrmann’s Wisdom: The Unpreparedness of Parenthood
Throughout the episode, Herrmann provided moments of levity and grounded advice regarding parenthood. His humorous anecdotes about the chaotic and often unprepared reality of raising children served as a counterpoint to Stellaride’s meticulous planning. Herrmann’s wisdom underscored the idea that while preparation is helpful, the true essence of parenthood lies in love, adaptability, and unwavering commitment – qualities that Stella and Severide have consistently demonstrated throughout their relationship.
Conclusion: A Setback, Not a Full Stop, for Stellaride’s Parenthood Dreams
Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 20 delivered a powerful and emotionally resonant storyline for Stella and Severide as they navigated the complexities of adoption. While their hopes of immediately becoming parents were dashed by unforeseen circumstances and a birth mother’s change of heart, the episode offered a glimmer of hope that their journey is not yet over. The raw emotions, the unpredictable nature of the adoption process, and the unwavering support between Stella and Severide highlighted their strength as a couple and their enduring desire to build a family. While baby Matthew may not have come home with them, the episode left the door open for future possibilities, ensuring that the question of Stellaride becoming parents remains a central and compelling narrative thread as the season progresses. The path may be winding, but the destination of parenthood for Stella and Severide still feels like a distinct possibility in the Chicago Fire universe.
