Fans of Chicago Fire have been left wondering about Stella Kidd’s (Miranda Rae Mayo) notable absence in the latest episodes of Season 13. As a beloved character who has been part of the series since Season 4, Kidd’s temporary departure sparked concerns about her future on the show. Here’s what we know about her storyline and her plans moving forward.
Stella Kidd’s Journey So Far
Miranda Rae Mayo’s Stella Kidd has been a pivotal figure on Chicago Fire, evolving from a firefighter on Truck 81 to a respected lieutenant within the Chicago Fire Department. Her character has brought strength, compassion, and complexity to the team, making her absence in recent episodes all the more conspicuous.
Season 12 saw significant cast changes, with the exits of several key characters, including Chief Wallace Boden. Boden’s departure had a profound emotional impact on Kidd, leaving fans to speculate whether she might also be written out of the series in Season 13.
Why Stella Is Missing
The winter premiere of Chicago Fire Season 13 addressed Kidd’s absence, explaining that she was away in Maryland working with the Girls on Fire program. While this storyline aligns with her commitment to mentoring and empowering young women, her timing was less than ideal.
The episode, which featured Mouch (Christian Stolte) and Herrmann (David Eigenberg) celebrating their promotions, also marked the return of Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney). Kidd’s noticeable absence during these key moments left fans missing her presence, especially as her husband Severide stepped into leadership roles.
Is Stella Kidd Leaving Chicago Fire?
Despite concerns about Kidd’s absence hinting at a potential exit, Miranda Rae Mayo has reassured fans that Stella isn’t going anywhere. In an interview with Give Me My Remote, Mayo expressed her excitement for what’s to come in the season, praising the writers and producers for their ongoing support of her character:
“It’s looking good this season. There’s a lot to be excited about. I’m just so grateful, so proud, and fortunate to be on this ride. Thank you forever to [the writers] for creating Stella, and to Dick [Wolf] for having me. I’m forever grateful to be a part of this crew.”
In a separate conversation with TV Line, Mayo hinted at Stella’s action-packed future, emphasizing her role as Truck 81’s lieutenant:
“The writers have shared that they want Stella to absolutely be in on the action, and that’s where we love seeing her. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I love her being the truck lieutenant.”
What’s Next for Stella Kidd?
While Kidd’s storyline has taken a temporary detour, the character is set to return with plenty of exciting developments ahead. As Chicago Fire continues to balance intense emergencies with personal drama, Stella Kidd’s leadership and fiery determination will undoubtedly remain integral to the show.
Fans can rest assured that Miranda Rae Mayo is fully committed to her role and is ready to dive into the action when Kidd reappears on screen. With her unique combination of grit and heart, Stella Kidd’s story promises to remain one of the highlights of Chicago Fire.
Don’t Miss Out
Chicago Fire airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC. Catch up on past episodes on Peacock and stay tuned for Stella Kidd’s highly anticipated return to the firehouse.
