Warning! This review contains spoilers for Chicago Fire's Season 13 Finale.
The Chicago Fire season 13 finale is a mix of major personal developments and some blatant set-up for its future, but not all for the better. As the last Wolf Entertainment franchise to wrap up its year, One Chicago's finales have all had previous set-ups. For Firehouse 51, there was a promise that there would be some kind of payoff to some storylines, primarily involving Dom Pascal, as well as Stella Kidd and Kelly Severide. Sadly, there was also an expectation that a couple of characters would be saying goodbye.
Chicago Fire season 13, episode 22, "It Had to End This Way," juggles multiple storylines, but all of them center on relationships within Firehouse 51. It's no secret that its ensemble is the series' main draw, so it makes sense that the biggest storylines in its final hour of the year are about those dynamics. However, not all developments are great, some are even conflicting.
What Happened To Chicago Fire's Confirmed Exits?
Ritter & Carver Seem To Be Staying In Firehouse 51
Ahead of the finale, it was already confirmed that Jake Lockett and Daniel Kyri would be leaving as Darren Ritter and Sam Carver. One Chicago isn't new to departing characters, but this is still a dreaded development. I thought that both Carver and Ritter still had their best Chicago Fire stories ahead of them. However, the decision likely boiled down to cost-cutting measures — something that's been going on across long-running broadcast TV shows. While dreaded, I expected the finale would explain their exits, but that isn't the case. Instead, they keep both characters firm members of Firehouse 51.
Unless something changes, this means the burden to explain their absence moving forward lies on Chicago Fire season 14, and by then, there's so much more pressure to find a justified way for their departure. Sadly, I think delaying the inevitable is only making things worse. Both characters have been severely underused throughout their time on the show. Ritter represents the queer community, while also being the only remaining Black regular character following Chief Boden's exit in Chicago Fire season 12.
Meanwhile, Carver has been doing a great job gradually integrating himself into the tightly-knit team while also developing the best slow-burn romance currently on the show — until his out-of-pocket relapse happens. He reveals that he put in an application in Denver so he could continue his sobriety there, but I never really bought his explanation about how staying in Chicago makes his recovery more difficult. If anything, being surrounded by people who genuinely support him should be good. Then again, Chicago Fire season 13 eventually pivots and rekindles Carver and Violet's romance.
Finally, A Better Story For Kelly Severide & Stella Kidd
Kelly Severide & Stella Kidd's Pregnancy Reveal Is Rushed But Better Than Their Adoption Arc
I have never really cared about Kelly Severide and Stella Kidd's adoption storyline, primarily because we have seen a version of this narrative multiple times in One Chicago. Still, I appreciated that Chicago Fire is finding ways to move the couple's story forward, which leads to the revelation that Kidd is pregnant in "It Had to End This Way." The pair's relationship hasn't been easy, so ending their year with this reveal is exciting for anyone rooting for them.
My only concern is that Chicago Fire season 13 didn't really do a good job establishing Kidd changing her mind about getting pregnant, since she was initially very skeptical about it. It's no secret that despite having been able to defy all odds, she carries so much baggage from her difficult childhood. It's curious if this initial wave of excitement will fade away and result in marital issues. That said, I would rather Chicago Fire season 14 see them have fiery discussions about the pregnancy than simply disregard Kidd's initial concerns.
Chicago Fire Reinforces Pascal's Place In Firehouse 51 (But It Still Isn't Enough)
Mouch & Herrmann Prove To Still Be Firehouse 51's Best Duo
Aside from the inevitable character exits (unless NBC changes its mind), there are other big things to come for Firehouse 51, and they are tied to leadership. Firstly, Christopher Herrmann's sacrifice for Mouch McHolland is arguably the most emotional storyline of the Chicago Fire season 13 finale, and it all happens in just one conversation. With that switch, it's safe to say that Pascal's place is secured, especially after getting the vote of confidence from Severide, who goes to great lengths to protect his new boss.
I understand that it's part of establishing Dermot Mulroney's character, but I am not fully convinced yet of this new brotherly relationship between them. Aside from being the most veteran members of Firehouse 51, it's difficult not to want to see Mouch or Herrmann in leadership positions, and that's only going to happen if Pascal moves out. It's curious if Chicago Fire season 14 will drag out this situation or keep things where it is. Regardless, if NBC wants this to be more of a compelling story, they need to do more in terms of integrating Pascal more into the team.
