Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) has reached a pivotal crossroads in both her personal and professional life on Chicago Fire. She’s excelling as a lieutenant at Firehouse 51, working alongside her husband, Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney). While Severide has expressed interest in starting a family, Kidd remains unsure about balancing the responsibilities of motherhood and her demanding career.
The show seems to be hinting at a potential pregnancy storyline for Kidd in Season 13—and possibly presenting a solution for navigating her hypothetical maternity leave without disrupting the dynamics at Firehouse 51.
Mouch: The Perfect Lieutenant Fill-In?
One of the key challenges of a possible pregnancy arc would be addressing Kidd’s absence from Firehouse 51. In the past, filling her lieutenant role would have required bringing in someone new. However, Chicago Fire has recently introduced an internal solution: Mouch (Christian Stolte).
Mouch, a seasoned firefighter, recently passed the lieutenant’s exam, alongside Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg), who earned his promotion to captain. While Mouch doesn’t currently have a permanent lieutenant position at 51, Kidd’s potential maternity leave could open the door for him to temporarily step into the role.
Over the past few seasons, Mouch has undergone significant growth. A near-death experience inspired him to prioritize his health and career, and his recent success on the lieutenant’s exam is a testament to his hard work. Stepping into Kidd’s shoes could provide Mouch with valuable field experience and help him decide if he wants to pursue a full-time lieutenant role, either at 51 or elsewhere.
Stellaride’s Family Plans: Two Seasons in the Making
The possibility of Stella Kidd’s pregnancy has been teased over the past two seasons. Kelly Severide’s openness to having children has sparked ongoing discussions between the couple, but Kidd’s hesitation stems from her deep commitment to her team at Firehouse 51. She worries about leaving her coworkers in a precarious position if she steps away.
Season 13 has offered new hints about where this storyline could go. The upcoming visit from a member of Kidd’s family could shed light on her personal background, offering fans insight into her apprehension about starting a family. It’s a notable development for a character whose familial ties have rarely been explored.
A Win-Win Solution for Kidd and Mouch
If Kidd’s pregnancy arc unfolds, it could serve as a win-win for both characters. Miranda Rae Mayo could take time off from the show while Kidd is written out temporarily, and Mouch’s temporary promotion would allow him to test his skills in the field as a lieutenant. It’s a natural progression for his character, giving him the opportunity to decide if he wants to pursue a leadership role long-term or remain part of the 51 team in his current capacity.
As Season 13 progresses, it’s clear that big decisions lie ahead for both Kidd and Mouch. Kidd’s storyline could delve deeper into her personal life, exploring the balance between career and family, while Mouch’s character arc could be shaped by the challenges and opportunities of stepping into a leadership role.
With hints of family drama, career development, and emotional stakes, Chicago Fire continues to deliver the compelling storytelling fans have come to love. All eyes are on Kidd and her next steps—both at Firehouse 51 and in her personal life.