The Road to Parenthood: Stellaride’s Adoption Story Takes an Unexpected Turn in “Cut Me Open”
Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 20, titled “Cut Me Open,” delivered a powerful and emotionally charged installment, particularly for the beloved couple Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney). After opening the season with their decision to explore adoption, this episode brought their journey to potentially becoming parents to a thrilling and ultimately heartbreaking head. While the episode also featured a comedic and heartwarming subplot for Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg) and a challenging audit for Firehouse 51, it was Stellaride’s tumultuous path to parenthood that truly captured the audience’s attention, reminding us that in the world of One Chicago, happy endings are rarely straightforward.
The episode began with an air of excitement and nervous anticipation as Stella and Severide discussed their adoption plans with their Firehouse 51 colleagues. Herrmann, ever the experienced father of five, offered encouraging words, setting a hopeful tone for what was to come. However, as is often the case on Chicago Fire, the path to personal happiness for our heroes is fraught with unexpected complications.
The Sudden Call: A Baby in Need
Stella and Severide had been informed that the expectant mother, Jade, who had chosen them, was still weeks away from her due date, and the adoption process was far from complete. This gave them a false sense of security and time to prepare. However, Mother Nature, as Dr. Asher from Chicago Med later put it, had other plans. Stella and Severide received an urgent call: Jade was in labor and needed to be rushed to Chicago Med.
Upon arrival, the situation quickly escalated. Dr. Asher revealed that Jade was going through opioid withdrawals, having last used two days prior. This immediately raised serious concerns about the baby’s health and the implications for the adoption. Stella, ever the compassionate one, was quick to express her desire to care for the baby, regardless of the challenges. Severide, however, showed a moment of hesitation, his practical side weighing the potential difficulties. This subtle difference highlighted their individual processing of the overwhelming situation, but ultimately, they reaffirmed their commitment to each other and their decision to adopt.
Complications and Confrontations: The Birth and its Aftermath
The birth itself was dramatic. Jade experienced a placental abruption, requiring an emergency C-section. Thankfully, the baby boy was delivered safely. However, the joy was short-lived as the complications continued. The baby tested positive for opioids, leading hospital staff to take him away for further tests and observation.
Adding another layer of complexity was the arrival of Jade’s father, who was surprised but not entirely shocked by the news of his daughter’s pregnancy and her decision to give up the baby. He revealed his struggles to help Jade with her drug addiction, adding a somber tone to the situation.
In a pivotal conversation, Stella opened up to Jade about her own past struggles with addiction and recovery, hoping to connect and offer support. This raw vulnerability from Stella was a poignant moment, showcasing her empathy and the depth of her own journey. It seemed to solidify Jade’s trust in Stellaride. However, the emotional landscape shifted again when Jade’s father made it clear he intended to take guardianship of the baby while Jade went to rehab.
A Heartbreaking Reversal: The Adoption Falls Through
In a crushing blow for Stellaride, Jade ultimately changed her mind about the adoption. After holding her baby, and perhaps influenced by her father’s presence and Stella’s honest sharing, she decided that her father would take guardianship, and she would go to rehab with the goal of raising the baby herself in the future.
Stella’s reaction was one of anger and deep disappointment, a natural response to having her hopes so suddenly dashed. She voiced her concern that Jade’s father might have coerced her into changing her mind, a valid worry given the circumstances. However, Dr. Asher confirmed that it was Jade’s own decision in the end. Jade left a note for Stella and Severide, thanking Stella for holding her hand, which offered a small comfort amidst the heartache.
The sudden reversal of the adoption, especially after Stellaride had started making preparations, was a tough pill to swallow. The scene where Cruz (Joe Miñoso) offered to store all the baby items in his storage unit, hoping Stellaride would still get their baby in the future, was a touching moment of camaraderie and hope, albeit tinged with sadness. This outcome, while heartbreaking for Stellaride, also served as a realistic portrayal of the complexities and uncertainties inherent in the adoption process, especially when involving vulnerable birth parents.
Herrmann’s Audit and the Quest for Baby Gear: A Lighter Side
Amidst the heavy drama of Stellaride’s storyline, the episode offered a lighter, yet still significant, subplot involving Christopher Herrmann and Firehouse 51. Herrmann found himself stretched thin, dealing with both an understaffed firehouse and a challenging audit from a performance efficiency expert. This auditor was focused on finding ways to save money, even at the expense of firehouse resources, as evidenced by his success in getting one of Firehouse 28’s trucks decommissioned.
Herrmann’s frustration was palpable, but in true Herrmann fashion, he found a way to inject some levity and heart into the situation. With the Stellaride baby news, Herrmann enlisted the help of his wife, Cindy (Robyn Coffin), to find baby items, tapping into their vast collection of children’s belongings. In a humorous scene, Herrmann even faked an issue with Engine’s engine during a run to pull over and help the rest of the crew pick up a car seat for Stellaride.
Ultimately, Firehouse 51 passed the audit, thanks in part to the auditor’s unexpected assistance after being rescued by the team during an emergency. However, the audit revealed that the CFD would be making cuts, putting Herrmann and Mouch’s (Christian Stolte) positions at risk due to their age. This subplot added another layer of real-world challenges to the firehouse, hinting at potential future struggles for some of the beloved veterans.
Conclusion: A Season of Highs, Lows, and Unanswered Questions
Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 20, “Cut Me Open,” was a prime example of the show’s ability to balance intense personal drama with the everyday challenges of firefighting. Stellaride’s journey to parenthood, while ending in heartbreak for this episode, underscored the complexities of adoption and the emotional resilience of the characters. Their disappointment was palpable, but the unwavering support from their Firehouse 51 family, particularly Cruz’s gesture, provided a glimmer of hope for their future as parents.
Meanwhile, Herrmann’s struggles with the audit, combined with his heartwarming efforts to help Stellaride, showcased his enduring spirit and the strong bonds within the firehouse. As Season 13 draws to a close, this episode leaves several questions hanging: What will be the next step for Stellaride in their pursuit of parenthood? And how will the CFD’s looming cuts impact Herrmann, Mouch, and Firehouse 51 as a whole? “Cut Me Open” was a masterclass in emotional storytelling, setting the stage for what promises to be an explosive season finale.
