Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) made a life-changing decision in Chicago Fire’s latest episode, “Relief Cut.” Throughout the season, the couple had been contemplating starting a family, and by the episode’s end, they finally reached a conclusion.
Rather than having a biological child, Kidd suggested adoption—a choice rooted in her past experiences growing up with her aunt and uncle after losing her parents. Severide, in a touching moment, agreed. It was a heartfelt scene, but there’s just one problem: Chicago Fire has told this exact story many times before.
A Familiar Pattern in Firehouse 51
Adoption storylines have become increasingly common on Chicago Fire. In fact, it’s harder to find a couple that hasn’t adopted than one that has.
Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer) essentially took the adoption route twice—first with Gabriela Dawson (Monica Raymund) when they adopted a child together, and later when he became the guardian of the Darden boys. His wife, Sylvie Brett (Kara Killmer), was adopted herself and later went on to adopt a child before moving to Seattle with Casey.
Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso) also followed the same path. While he has a biological child with his wife, he also adopted Javi, a character who has since been more prominently featured than his own son.
It’s clear that adoption is a storyline the Chicago Fire writers love to explore. And while each adoption arc has been handled with emotional depth, the repetition is becoming increasingly predictable.
A Missed Opportunity for Something New?
Kidd’s reluctance to get pregnant wasn’t just about personal preference—it was a direct result of her job. As a firefighter, pregnancy would require her to take time off, navigate physical limitations, and face unique challenges. The show has never fully explored the complications of a firefighter balancing pregnancy with their career, and that could have made for a fresh and compelling storyline.
Instead, by opting for adoption, the show ensures that Kidd stays active in Firehouse 51 without disrupting her career. While this choice makes sense for the character, it also means Chicago Fire is treading familiar ground. We’ve seen these beats before—the emotional discussions, the uncertainty, the bonding moments with a new child. The execution will likely be heartfelt, but the overall arc risks feeling like a recycled plot rather than an exciting new direction.
Where Does Chicago Fire Go From Here?
Stellaride’s adoption journey will undoubtedly bring emotional moments, but the show is in danger of relying too heavily on the same storytelling formula. Adoption is a meaningful and powerful choice, but when nearly every major couple on the show follows the same path, it starts to feel like a narrative crutch rather than a fresh twist.
With Chicago Fire continuing to evolve, perhaps it’s time for the writers to explore different ways for their characters to grow—before the stories start blending together.
