Although there were concerns that Taylor Kinney's time on Chicago Fire was coming to an end, Kelly Severide's subtle return to his prime form in season 13 suggests otherwise. Kinney has starred as Severide since the very beginning of the NBC procedural drama. As a lieutenant at Firehouse 51 and the officer in charge of Squad 3, Severide has always been an important character in the series. So, when he began to lose his classic self in recent Chicago Fire seasons, the One Chicago TV show started to go downhill, which is why Severide's role in season 13 is so exciting.
Kinney is one of the few original Chicago Fire cast members remaining in season 13, alongside David Eigenberg as Christopher Herrmann, Christian Stolte as Randall "Mouch" McHolland, and Joe Miñoso as Joe Cruz. Yes, there have been many great additions to the cast over the years. However, the series still needs as many original characters as possible to maintain a sense of nostalgia, especially after Eamonn Walker's exit ahead of Chicago Fire season 13. By bringing back classic Severide, the procedural drama is setting itself up for success.
There Are Hints Of Classic Kelly Severide Chicago Fire Season 13
Severide Has Been Relatively Absent In Recent Chicago Fire Seasons
Chicago Fire Season 13 Cast | Role |
---|---|
Taylor Kinney | Kelly Severide |
Miranda Rae Mayo | Stella Kidd |
David Eigenberg | Christopher Herrmann |
Christian Stolte | Randall "Mouch" McHolland |
Joe Minoso | Joe Cruz |
Daniel Kyri | Darren Ritter |
Hanako Greensmith | Violet Mikami |
Jocelyn Hudon | Lyla "Lizzie" Novak |
Dermot Mulroney | Dom Pascal |
Jake Lockett | Sam Carver |
Michael Bradway | Jack Damon |
Katelynn Shennett | Kylie Estevez |
Many believed that Taylor Kinney was leaving Chicago Fire after the actor was absent for multiple episodes in seasons 11 and 12. Kinney stepped away from the show towards the end of season 11 to deal with a personal matter, and he wasn't in a couple of season 12 episodes. However, Kinney (thankfully) returned as Severide in Chicago Fire season 13. After five episodes, it's abundantly clear that the character is stepping back into his classic, passionate role in the procedural drama. He has been very mellow in the past few years, but that is beginning to change in season 13.
Since the season 13 premiere, Severide has been very involved in different storylines, both personal and work-related. He was torn between taking Stella's side or Jack Damon's (Severide's half-brother) in Chicago Fire season 13 when Damon disobeyed Stella's orders, a conflict that lasted for a few episodes. Severide has also investigated a couple of mysterious fires, even collaborating with Stella in episode 5. Plus, the friction between Severide and Chief Pascal, which was teased in episode 1, will come to a head in episode 6 when they fight over a case.
What The Return Of Classic Kelly Means For Chicago Fire
Chicago Fire Is Better With Severide In His Full Form
Severide's return to form is great news for the future of the One Chicago universe. He is an integral member of the Firehouse 51 team, and his classic character is what they (and the show) need to thrive, especially after all the cast exits as of late. Chicago Fire just isn't the same without Severide's determination and excellent instincts.
By resuming his classic role in Chicago Fire season 13, Severide's arc can have the space it needs to grow. His stories over the past couple of seasons have been meh. So, since Severide is more involved in Chicago Fire season 13 than he has been recently, he has time to remind viewers why he's an important part of the NBC series.