NBC’s Chicago Fire has fans buzzing with the release of its latest promo, even though the new episode is still weeks away. Following the November 20 fall finale, the show entered its winter hiatus, with fresh episodes not slated to air until January 8, 2025. Despite the break, the teaser footage for Season 13, Episode 9 has sparked speculation, potentially hinting at significant developments within Firehouse 51.
A Closer Look at the Promo
The brief promo for Chicago Fire’s winter premiere leaves much to the imagination, as is typical for the One Chicago franchise. However, eagle-eyed fans have spotted a detail that might hint at an upcoming shakeup in the firehouse dynamic.
Around the five-second mark, viewers can catch a glimpse of Truck 81 leaving the station. What’s particularly intriguing is the figure seated in the lieutenant’s chair. Could it be Randall “Mouch” McHolland (Christian Stolte)?
Mouch recently took the lieutenant’s test, hoping to secure a promotion before his eventual retirement. If the promo is indeed showing him in the coveted seat, it could signal that his promotion is confirmed—a development that would mark a significant milestone for the veteran firefighter.
What About Stella Kidd?
If Mouch is sitting in the lieutenant’s seat, it raises questions about Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo), who typically leads Truck 81. Kidd is briefly shown in the teaser footage, but her role in the episode remains unclear.
Could she be temporarily stepping away from Truck 81? One possibility is that she’s dedicating time to her mentorship program, Girls on Fire, which has been a recurring subplot. Alternatively, the promo scene could simply be a misdirect, a tactic often used by One Chicago to keep fans guessing.
The Return of Kelly Severide
Another highlight of the promo is the potential return of Taylor Kinney as Kelly Severide. Severide’s absence during the fall finale left fans eager for his comeback, and the teaser has only fueled anticipation. While details about his storyline remain scarce, his reappearance promises to bring excitement and possibly a new challenge for Firehouse 51.
A Look Ahead at the One Chicago Universe
As Chicago Fire gears up for its winter premiere, fans are also looking forward to broader developments across the One Chicago franchise.
- Where’s Herrmann? Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg) was notably missing from several episodes this fall, a mystery that ties into the character’s storyline and scheduling logistics. His absence, however, has not gone unnoticed by fans.
- Fan Frustrations Over Hiatus: Fans of Chicago Med, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Fire have taken to social media to express their impatience with the extended break. Cliffhangers from the fall finales have left audiences clamoring for answers.
- Upcoming Crossover Event: A major crossover involving Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago P.D. is in the works. This special episode will unite characters from all three shows in an interconnected storyline, promising an unforgettable evening of drama.
Where to Watch
If the wait feels too long, fans can revisit earlier episodes of Chicago Fire on Peacock, where the series is available for streaming. This is a great opportunity to catch up on any missed episodes or relive key moments before the winter premiere.
