The Season 13 finale of Chicago Fire was a masterclass in emotional whiplash. It was an episode of contradictions, offering a perfect, heartwarming resolution for one of the show’s central couples, while simultaneously delivering a series of quiet, unceremonious goodbyes that left a deep, lingering sense of dread. The finale’s duality—the joyous anticipation for Stellaride’s future contrasted with the painful, delayed heartbreak for the rest of Firehouse 51—perfectly encapsulates the current state of the show: a series that is both finding its footing and, in some ways, losing its way.
The finale was a microcosm of the show’s biggest strengths and most frustrating weaknesses. It showed us that Chicago Fire is capable of moving mountains for its main characters, but it also proved that some of its most beloved secondary players are, sadly, expendable.
The Triumph of Stellaride: A Difficult Future Worth Dreading
For seasons, the relationship between Kelly Severide and Stella Kidd has been the emotional backbone of Chicago Fire. Their journey from casual hookups to a committed marriage has been a roller coaster of a ride, and the Season 13 finale provided them with a new and exciting arc. The episode confirmed that Stella is pregnant! This surprise twist, coming after their heartfelt decision to pursue adoption, was the kind of emotional gut punch that makes for great television.
But what makes this so exciting is not the “happily ever after” of it all. It’s the promise of a difficult, challenging, and deeply realistic future. As showrunners have hinted, having a baby will “go through the roof” and challenge the couple in ways they’ve never been tested. They are both incredibly driven, independent leaders. How will they navigate the demands of a dangerous, 24/7 career with the responsibilities of a new baby? What happens when both parents are on a dangerous call, knowing they could both die, leaving their child an orphan?
This is the kind of high-stakes, character-driven storytelling that the show has sometimes been missing. It provides a new layer of conflict that is both personal and professional. It will force Stella and Severide to confront their deepest fears, confront their differing approaches to life and work, and potentially open up old wounds, such as Severide’s abandonment issues from his own father. This new arc won’t be easy, but that’s what makes it so compelling. We’re not just excited for the baby; we’re excited to watch this couple face new challenges head-on and, hopefully, emerge stronger than ever.
The Pain of Delayed Heartbreak: Firehouse 51’s Quiet Exits
While Stellaride’s future is a source of joy, the abrupt and unresolved departures of several key characters were a source of profound dread. The “delayed heartbreak” refers to the fact that fans were not given a proper goodbye, leaving a sense of lingering sadness that will undoubtedly be felt when Season 14 premieres.
The most jarring exits were those of Sam Carver and Darren Ritter. For a show that has a history of giving emotional, tear-jerking send-offs (like Otis and Shay), the absence of a proper farewell for these two characters was a major narrative misstep.
- Sam Carver’s departure was particularly frustrating. The finale ended on a high note for him and Violet Mikami, with a passionate kiss and a heartfelt declaration of love. However, the subsequent news that Jake Lockett was leaving the show rendered this beautiful moment bittersweet. Fans were not given a chance to process the end of their relationship. The full weight of their goodbye will only be felt when Violet is seen in the next season without her new love interest. It’s a cruel narrative choice that disrespects the character’s journey and leaves a major romantic storyline unresolved.
- Darren Ritter’s exit was even more understated. A beloved member of the firehouse since Season 7, Ritter was a loyal friend and a fan favorite. His departure was a quiet whisper rather than a proper farewell. He simply wasn’t in the finale much, and his exit was confirmed after the episode aired. This kind of unceremonious goodbye robs both the character and the fans of a proper send-off. The other characters will have to process his absence off-screen, and viewers will have to deal with the heartbreak of knowing he’s gone without ever getting a chance to say goodbye.
The writers of Chicago Fire have a responsibility to their characters and their audience. When a character leaves, it should be an event. It should be a moment of closure, not a quiet dismissal. The show’s failure to do so with Carver and Ritter has created a palpable sense of loss that will cast a dark shadow over the show’s future. It signals to fans that while some characters are essential, others are merely expendable, a dangerous precedent for a show built on the foundation of a found family.
The Duality of the Finale: A Masterpiece and a Misstep
The Chicago Fire Season 13 finale was, in a strange way, a perfect representation of the show’s current identity. It proved that the writers are still capable of creating powerful, high-stakes, and emotionally resonant storylines for its core characters. The resolution of Severide and Kidd’s arc was a long-awaited triumph that will provide new life for the show.
But in the same breath, the finale showed a callous disregard for its secondary characters. The quiet exits of Carver and Ritter were a disappointment, a sign that the show is still struggling to maintain a cohesive narrative for its entire ensemble.
The future of Chicago Fire is now a study in contrasts. We are excited to see Stellaride embark on their new journey into parenthood, navigating the challenges of their careers and a family. But we are also dreading the start of Season 14, knowing that we will have to witness the aftermath of the heartbreaking, unceremonious departures of beloved characters. The finale was a testament to the show’s ability to create great television, but it also served as a painful reminder that the show’s family isn’t as safe as we once thought.
