Chicago Fire, part of NBC’s “One Chicago” franchise, has kept fans glued to their screens with its dramatic portrayals of Firehouse 51. Recently, the show saw a major shake-up with the departure of Jesse Spencer, who played Captain Matthew Casey for nearly a decade. Spencer’s exit was driven by his desire to spend more time with his family and explore new acting opportunities. His departure has left fans wondering about the future of other key characters, especially Stella Kidd, played by Miranda Rae Mayo.
What’s Happening with Stella Kidd?
Stella Kidd has become a central figure in Chicago Fire, rising through the ranks at Firehouse 51. Her journey has been a focal point of the series, but her character arc took an unexpected turn just as Casey exited the show. While Casey’s departure opened up a potential leadership position on Truck 81, Stella was notably absent during this critical time, leaving fans to question whether she might be leaving the series for good.
In recent episodes, Stella has been off-screen working on a new project—a program in Boston designed to teach young girls about firefighting. Her absence has created uncertainty about her future role in the firehouse, and fans are speculating whether this storyline might signal a permanent exit for her character.
Fans React to Stella’s Disappearance
Stella’s prolonged absence hasn’t gone unnoticed by viewers. Many fans took to social media to express their concerns. One Twitter user, @booksworm_S, lamented, “Another week without Stella Kidd…” Meanwhile, on Reddit, discussions erupted about her unexplained absence, with user headfullofpain starting a thread seeking answers on her whereabouts.
The show’s focus on Stella’s off-screen activities has left some fans frustrated, especially those who hoped to see her take on a leadership role after Casey’s exit. Her relationship with Lieutenant Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) has also been a significant storyline, and the lack of closure on her career path has added to the tension.
Stella Kidd Will Return Soon
Despite the fan speculation, it appears Stella Kidd is not leaving Chicago Fire for good. In an interview with TVLine, showrunner Derek Haas confirmed that Miranda Rae Mayo will reprise her role as Stella before the end of the current year. Haas reassured fans, stating, “Stella will be back before the end of this calendar year.” He also hinted that her absence would play a key role in upcoming episodes, particularly in the ongoing discussion about who will fill the vacant spot on Truck 81.
Haas added, “The position on Truck 81 is potentially open, and she hasn’t come back to claim it yet, so that has its own issues and ramifications.” This suggests that while Stella’s return is certain, the delay may have lasting consequences for her character’s standing in the firehouse.
What’s Next for Stella on Chicago Fire?
When Stella does return, it’s likely her storyline will revolve around the aftermath of Casey’s departure and the impact of her absence on her career trajectory. There’s also the question of her relationship with Severide, which has faced its own ups and downs. Fans are eager to see how these dynamics will play out once she’s back at Firehouse 51.
For now, viewers can rest easy knowing that Stella Kidd’s journey on Chicago Fire isn’t over yet. Her return promises to bring new challenges and opportunities, and it will be exciting to see how the show integrates her back into the fold.
