A Surprising Parallel Between Stella and Voight
Chicago Fire Season 14, Episode 2, titled “Primary Search,” delivers a character-driven hour that unexpectedly turns Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) into a reflection of Chicago PD’s Hank Voight (Jason Beghe).
Though their leadership styles couldn’t be more different — Voight rules through intimidation while Stella leads with empathy — this episode frames her as the emotional anchor and moral burden-bearer of Firehouse 51. Like Voight, Stella becomes the one who takes responsibility for everyone else’s actions, whether or not it’s fair.
Stella’s Heavy Load
The episode opens and closes with Stella, Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney), and their foster son Isaiah, reminding viewers that she’s now balancing the pressures of motherhood with leadership at work.
But at the firehouse, her attention is consumed by Sal Vasquez (Brandon Larracuente) — a rookie firefighter who keeps testing her authority. When he makes another mistake, Stella responds by forcing him to write an incident report, calling it a “teaching moment.”
The interaction feels uneasy. Stella means well, but she doesn’t explain her reasoning, missing an opportunity to connect. Worse, it seems no one else in the house is stepping up to handle Vasquez’s issues. Pascal, who should be mentoring him, is absent — another symptom of how One Chicago has rotated secondary characters in and out over recent years.
As a result, Stella is left to carry the emotional and professional fallout, mirroring Voight’s lone-wolf leadership style in Chicago PD. The difference? Voight chooses isolation — Stella simply has no one backing her up.
Vasquez’s Identity Crisis
Vasquez remains a mystery. In one scene he’s angry and reckless, in the next he’s contrite and open to learning. His unpredictable behavior leaves viewers unsure whether he’ll evolve into a hero-in-training or a long-term problem for 51.
Actor Brandon Larracuente brings layers to the role, but the writing still seems undecided about who Vasquez is. Either way, Stella’s attempts to “fix” him underline one of her most dangerous traits — her relentless need to protect others, even when it breaks her.
The End of an Era for Molly’s
Meanwhile, Chicago Fire quietly delivers another emotional blow: Mouch (Christian Stolte) decides to sell his stake in Molly’s, the bar that’s long served as the heart of the One Chicago universe.
His decision follows Christopher Herrmann’s (David Eigenberg) voluntary demotion and financial strain. Molly’s has always symbolized family — a safe space for reflection and laughter after tragedy. But with Mouch gone, the bar feels more like a relic than a refuge.
It’s a subtle but heartbreaking acknowledgment that the Firehouse 51 we once knew is changing.
Ritter’s Farewell
Episode 2 also marks the final appearance of Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri), whose exit had been confirmed before the season began.
Ritter reunites with his old flame Dwayne, telling Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) that they’ve reconciled and are leaving together. The scene offers warmth and closure, but it happens entirely through dialogue — viewers never see the actual reunion.
It’s a missed opportunity for emotional payoff, especially since Ritter’s relationships with Mouch and Violet have been some of the show’s most heartfelt connections. A proper goodbye with Stella, his commanding officer and close ally, would have added depth to both of their arcs.
Stella Kidd Deserves a Break
Despite its shortcomings, “Primary Search” is a solid hour that builds on the premiere’s emotional weight. It explores mentorship, leadership, and the pressure of responsibility — themes that Chicago Fire has always handled well.
But it also underscores a troubling trend: Stella is taking on too much. She’s a lieutenant, a mentor, a foster mother, and now the emotional glue holding 51 together. It’s a role that’s heroic — but also unsustainable.
Hank Voight thrives in chaos. Stella Kidd deserves peace.
