Kelly Severide’s return to Firehouse 51 in Chicago Fire season 12 comes with a host of complications, and they’re not limited to his marriage with Stella Kidd. After Taylor Kinney’s sudden leave of absence during season 11, the writers crafted an explanation for Severide’s departure: he was attending an out-of-state Office of Fire Investigation (OFI) training course. However, as co-showrunner Andrea Newman reveals, his return isn’t as seamless as his exit.
In a recent interview with TV Line, Newman teased that Severide’s reappearance will cause significant tension not only with his wife but also with Joe Cruz, his Squad 3 second-in-command. When Severide abruptly left, Cruz stepped into his role as leader of Squad 3. Now, with Severide’s return, this leadership dynamic creates friction that could affect the entire team.
Severide and Cruz: A Leadership Struggle
Severide’s absence during season 11 forced Joe Cruz to rise to the occasion, leading Squad 3 under challenging circumstances. Though a skilled firefighter, Cruz faced skepticism about his ability to fill Severide’s shoes. He ultimately proved himself, earning the respect of his team and colleagues.
Now that Severide is back, Cruz faces the prospect of being demoted to make way for his returning superior. This shift in leadership dynamics doesn’t sit well with Cruz, who likely harbors lingering resentment. Newman suggests that this tension will be a major subplot, saying it will “bring some new change and tension that will have to be worked out for Cruz and Severide to keep working together.”
This power struggle within Squad 3 is more than a personal conflict—it affects the team’s ability to function effectively. If unresolved, it could have far-reaching consequences for their work at Firehouse 51.
Marriage Woes Take a Backseat
Before Kinney’s unexpected hiatus, Chicago Fire planned to focus heavily on Severide and Kidd’s relationship. Having just tied the knot, the couple was navigating their new life together. However, Severide’s lack of communication about his extended OFI training course created strain in their marriage, leaving Kidd to manage both her personal and professional life without her husband’s support.
Despite these challenges, Kidd’s love for Severide is unwavering, making it likely she will forgive him for his shortcomings. However, their marital issues take a backseat to the Squad 3 leadership drama, which presents a more immediate and practical challenge for Severide to address.
Chief Boden’s Role in Resolving the Tension
Given the potential for the Severide-Cruz conflict to disrupt Firehouse 51’s operations, Chief Boden may step in to mediate. His authoritative yet compassionate leadership style has been a cornerstone of the series, and his involvement could prevent the rift from escalating.
Resolving the tension quickly is critical to maintaining the integrity and performance of Squad 3. Ideally, Chicago Fire will address this storyline within the first few episodes of season 12, allowing the characters to move forward and refocus on their shared mission.
What’s Next for Severide and Firehouse 51?
Severide’s return to Firehouse 51 marks a turning point, with new challenges reshaping his relationships and responsibilities. While his marriage to Kidd provides emotional depth to his character arc, the conflict with Cruz offers high-stakes drama that will likely ripple throughout season 12.
How Severide navigates these hurdles will determine not only his future with Squad 3 but also the overall dynamic at Firehouse 51. As always, Chicago Fire promises a compelling mix of personal drama and action-packed firefighting, keeping fans eager to see how these storylines unfold.
