If you’ve been watching Chicago Fire long enough, you know that when Lieutenant Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) starts sniffing around an arson case, it’s like tossing gasoline on a flame — he can’t help but dive in headfirst. And in Season 12, Episode 3, that passion once again pulls him away from Firehouse 51.
But before you brace yourself for another drawn-out absence like last season, here’s why this time feels different — and why we’re betting this won’t derail Stellaride or Kinney’s screen time.
A Complicated History With Arson Cases
When Taylor Kinney took a leave of absence midway through Season 11, the writers explained Severide’s sudden departure by sending him to an arson investigation training program. But then came the twist — instead of coming home, Severide got swept into an ATF investigation, leaving his wife, Lieutenant Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo), in the dark.
By the finale, Kidd had had enough. In her own words, she “had to fly to Alabama, put you in handcuffs, and drag you home.” It was the kind of dramatic, emotional beat that made Chicago Fire fans wonder whether Severide’s obsession might one day cost him his marriage.
So when Season 12 teased another arson case, it was only natural that Kidd hesitated.
The Pull He Can’t Resist
In Episode 3, even after taking his name off an elite investigator list, Severide couldn’t resist opening an ATF file sent by Van Meter (Tim Hopper). One file turned into a deep dive, and soon, he was admitting to Kidd that he wanted back in — pointing out the potential for doors to open, like a spot at OFI (Office of Fire Investigation) in the future.
To her credit, Kidd heard him out. She didn’t want him feeling trapped at 51 if this was his calling. But she also set clear boundaries: “If you go MIA on me again, if you leave me in the dark…” The warning was clear.
Severide’s response? A promise — “That’s the plan” — to return soon.
Why This Time Feels Different
Yes, the goodbye scene — both of them stressing it wouldn’t be long — could be read as ominous foreshadowing. But executive producer Andrea Newman has already given fans reason to breathe easy. When asked if Kinney was back full-time this season, she said, “Severide is front and center of this season, so I would say yes.”
Translation: this isn’t a Season 11 repeat. We’re only three episodes in, which means plenty of Severide drama (and shirtless rescue scenes) still lies ahead.
A Relationship Arc, Not a Red Flag
Newman also teased that Severide and Kidd “have to kind of work through this and get to a different place, maybe a better place.” That suggests his temporary absence isn’t a wedge, but rather a narrative tool to strengthen Stellaride.
And let’s be honest — these two have weathered far worse. From long-distance separations to emotional miscommunications, they’ve always found their way back.
The Heat Is Still On
If you need reassurance, just rewind to the Season 12 premiere’s steamy shower scene — proof that Stellaride remains one of the hottest couples on primetime TV. Absence might just make the heart (and chemistry) grow fonder, setting the stage for an even more passionate reunion when Severide returns.
Bottom line: This isn’t the beginning of the end for Kelly Severide or his marriage. It’s a calculated detour — one that plays into his lifelong passion for solving arson cases while giving Chicago Fire more room to explore the emotional core of Stellaride. And when he walks back through those firehouse doors, you can bet he’ll bring the heat.
