The winter premiere of Chicago Fire Season 13 delivered plenty of unexpected twists, including the surprise return of a character fans thought they had seen the last of—Jack Damon!
Season 13, Episode 9, titled “A Favor,” aired on January 8 and proved to be a thrilling start to the new year. While the episode featured some notable absences, including Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) working on her Girls on Fire program in Baltimore, it more than made up for it with a mix of celebrations, new opportunities, and a surprising reunion that left fans buzzing.
Promotions and Progress
The episode opened with exciting news: Herrmann (David Eigenberg) and Mouch (Christian Stolte) passed their exams, marking a significant step forward in their careers. Their success promises to bring fresh opportunities and larger roles for these fan-favorite characters within the Chicago Fire Department. The firehouse was abuzz with joy as the two celebrated their accomplishments, underscoring the strong sense of camaraderie that has always defined Firehouse 51.
A Blast from the Past: Jack Damon Returns
The biggest surprise of the episode came with the unexpected return of Jack Damon (Michael Bradway), who had been absent since Episode 4 of this season. Last we saw, Damon was reassigned to a different firehouse after his relationship with Severide (Taylor Kinney) and Kidd became strained. This move allowed Damon to step out of Severide’s shadow and thrive independently, seemingly wrapping up his storyline.
That’s why fans were caught off guard—and delighted—when Damon walked into Severide’s fire academy class as a student. Severide had been unexpectedly called to lead the class as a last-minute replacement, only to find his half-brother among the recruits.
Damon was quick to assure Severide that his attendance wasn’t about living up to the family name. Instead, he explained that he had been taking every class he could to improve his skills and become the best firefighter possible. This earnest moment led to a lighthearted sibling exchange, showcasing the evolving dynamic between the two.
Celebrations and Possibilities
Later in the episode, Damon and Severide shared a drink at Molly’s during Herrmann and Mouch’s celebration. Their conversation hinted at a newfound understanding between the brothers, leaving fans hopeful for more interactions in future episodes.
While it’s unclear how prominently Damon will feature in the episodes ahead, his return opens the door for deeper exploration of the Severide family dynamic. With Severide now teaching the fire academy course, it’s entirely possible we’ll see more of Damon’s journey as he develops as a firefighter.
Even if this appearance turns out to be a one-off, the writers found a meaningful way to bring Damon back into the mix, creating opportunities for further storytelling while giving fans a satisfying dose of sibling bonding.
What’s Next?
Chicago Fire continues to heat up as it delves into themes of family, growth, and legacy. With new storylines and returning characters, the second half of Season 13 promises to be as emotionally charged and action-packed as ever.
Catch Chicago Fire Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC, and stream past episodes on Peacock to relive the drama and camaraderie of Firehouse 51.
