After the high-stakes One Chicago crossover, Chicago Fire returned to its core storylines, diving into Stella Kidd’s emotional past and her future with Kelly Severide. The latest episode, “Relief Cut,” not only revealed long-buried family tensions but also set the stage for a major shift in Kidd and Severide’s relationship.
Mouch’s Update & A Shocking Firehouse Incident
The episode opened on a reassuring note, with Herrmann updating Firehouse 51 on Mouch’s situation. After nearly losing his wife, Trudy Platt, during the crossover, Mouch was absent from this episode, but Herrmann assured everyone that he was doing well.
The calm didn’t last. 51 was soon called to a harrowing car accident, where an elderly woman was trapped inside a burning vehicle. When Kidd ordered Ritter to act, he hesitated—an uncharacteristic moment of doubt that left everyone stunned. Carver had to step in and complete the rescue, raising concerns about what was troubling Ritter.
Kidd Reconnects with Her Cousin Cole
While Ritter struggled with personal issues, Kidd had a different challenge—an unexpected visit from her cousin, Cole. Their reunion was tense, revealing a long-standing family rift. Kidd’s family had mistakenly blamed Severide for pulling her away, unaware that it was Kidd herself who distanced herself after losing her parents.
In a heartfelt conversation, Kidd finally opened up. She admitted she had felt lost and chose isolation instead of leaning on her family for support. She apologized to Cole, acknowledging how close they once were as kids, and he accepted, mending the broken bond.
Meanwhile, Cole’s arrival led to another surprising moment—he hooked up with Lyla Novak. This led to some awkward but humorous interactions the next morning, as Cole was staying at Kidd and Severide’s place.
Severide Learns More About Kidd’s Past
Severide later sat down with Cole, who shared more about Kidd’s childhood struggles. He revealed that after losing her parents, Kidd moved in with his family at 12, putting on a tough exterior despite her pain. This emotional insight deepened Severide’s understanding of Kidd and reinforced the idea that she had always been fiercely independent—even when she didn’t need to be.
Meanwhile, the firehouse subplot took a lighter turn, with Herrmann teaming up with Kylie Estevez to investigate a fire hydrant issue, and Carver giving Ritter a crash course in deciphering Kidd’s unique slang.
A Life-Changing Decision
The biggest moment of the episode came when Kidd and Severide had an honest conversation about their future. After everything she had been through, Kidd realized she wanted to start a family with Severide—but not through pregnancy. Instead, she suggested adoption.
This decision marks a huge turning point for the couple, as Chicago Fire seems to be setting them up for another adoption storyline in the coming episodes. Given their history and Kidd’s newfound connection to her past, this journey promises to be emotional, complicated, and deeply personal.
With Kidd and Severide stepping into a new chapter of their lives, Chicago Fire is gearing up for some major developments. How will this affect their relationship? And is adoption truly their next step? One thing’s for sure—the emotional rollercoaster isn’t over yet.
