“People will come and go.”
Words spoken by Chief Wallace Boden at the beginning of Chicago Fire’s twelfth season. Viewers didn’t know it then, but those words became prophetic as Firehouse 51 faced one of its biggest changes yet—the departure of their protective and respected leader. Chief Boden (Eamonn Walker, Cadillac Records) was promoted to Deputy Commissioner and for the first time in over a decade, 51 had to carry on without him.
Season 13 marked the beginning of a new era, ushering in new leadership with Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney, Shameless), whose presence immediately shook up the firehouse dynamic. With a seismic shift in tone, the season tackled themes of tragedy and grief, teamwork and chosen family, parenthood and legacy.
While there were many highs—Herrmann’s promotion to Captain, Mouch passing the lieutenant’s exam, Stella and Kelly were approved to become adoptive parents—this season was also marked by devastating lows. One of the most heartbreaking came with the death of Monica Pascal, Chief Pascal’s wife. While enroute to meet Pascal for their anniversary dinner, Monica was involved in a car accident. Firehouse 51 arrived on the scene and found her unresponsive. Despite their best efforts, Monica succumbed to her injuries. Mouch had to call Pascal as he was awaiting Monica’s arrival at the restaurant. Upon his arrival at the hospital, Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) was the one who had to deliver the devastating news. With just one look, he knew he’d lost the love of his life. Violet, of all people, knew exactly what Chief Pascal was going through in that moment—she too had to stand by helplessly as her team fought to save the person she loved, only to be told he didn’t make it. But no one at Firehouse 51 is a stranger to loss. They’ve each lost someone dear to them at one point or another, but one thing is certain—they never grieve alone. And they made sure Pascal didn’t either. 51 showed up for him not just as colleagues, but as a family. Because that’s what 51 is—no matter who’s wearing the badge of leadership.
One of the beating hearts of this show is the relationship between Lieutenant Kelly Severide and his wife, Lieutenant Stella Kidd—affectionately known by fans as Stellaride. Though they officially became a couple in Season 6, some viewers would argue their story started as far back as Season 4. Since then, they’ve had ups and downs, breakups, makeups, gotten engaged, married, and grown as both individuals and as a couple. This season gave fans a deeper insight into Stella’s upbringing, revealing that while she wanted to start a family with Kelly, she was hesitant to become pregnant after witnessing the devastating impact postpartum depression had on her aunt and her own childhood. Instead, she proposed adoption—and Kelly agreed. While Chicago Fire has explored adoption storylines before, notably with former paramedic and firefighter Gabriela Dawson and Captain Matt Casey and again with paramedic Sylvie Brett and Matt Casey, Stella and Kelly’s journey still felt uniquely their own. One thing their arc had in common with Gabby and Casey’s adoption arc was that it, too, ended in heartbreak. After finding out they were approved for adoptive parents and being told a woman wanted to give them her baby, Stella and Kelly rushed to the hospital, only to be told the devastating news that the birth mother decided to keep her baby. It was a crushing moment—but what stood out was not just the loss, but the quiet strength they showed in the aftermath. Even in their lowest moment, their strength lies in leaning on each other. As Kelly took Stella’s hand and the two walked out of the hospital together, heads held high, it was clear this wouldn’t break them—it would make them stronger.
As we come to the end of Season 13, we can’t help but wonder what lies ahead for the members of Firehouse 51—especially as questions of parenthood and legacy become more present. One emotional thread that may be explored as we move into Season 14 is the toll Stella and Kelly’s jobs take on their relationship and future family. In a vulnerable moment in Episode 18, Stella confided in Boden that no matter how many times she watches Severide risk his life, it never gets easier. That weight may shape who she is not only as a wife and a lieutenant, but as a mother.
While we received the exciting news that Chicago Fire has officially been renewed for Season 14, Season 13 will mark the departure of Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri) and Sam Carver (Jake Lockett). Ritter and Carver both brought deeply resonant stories to the series and their absence will be felt by fans and by Firehouse 51 alike. Chief Boden’s brief return in Episode 18 served as a reminder of the legacy he left behind—and the one still being built by the people who walk through the doors of 51. “Anyone who is a part of 51, will always be a part of 51.” And Ritter and Carver will always be a part of 51.
