Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from Chicago Fire season 13, episode 4, "Through the Skin."
After Chief Dom Pascal dismissed Jack Damon in Chicago Fire season 13, episode 3, Stella Kidd began searching for his replacement in episode 4, and although it isn't easy, the lieutenant eventually finds a solution. Unfortunately, while Firehouse 51's newest firefighter is exciting, their arrival is bittersweet due to Chief Boden's exit ahead of Chicago Fire season 13. With Boden gone, the story of the character's return won't reach its full potential in the episodes.
During the Chicago PD season 12 finale, Boden accepts a new job as the Deputy Fire Commissioner of the Chicago Fire Department, meaning he leaves Firehouse 51. Pascal takes Boden's place in Chicago Fire season 13, which has been a big adjustment for many. However, the changes keep coming in season 13 as Damon, Kelly Severide's long-lost half-brother, also departs the firehouse after Kidd reports him for insubordination. Now, a familiar character (with ties to Boden) from past seasons will replace Damon.
Kylie Finally Joins Firehouse 51 In Chicago Fire Season 13
Ritter Is Moving To Truck 81
Kidd struggles to find a new firefighter for Truck 81 who will live up to Pascal's expectations in season 13, episode 4. Her first pick is former Chicago Fire character Kylie Estevez, one of the recruits in Kidd's Girls on Fire Program. However, when Kidd meets with Kylie, she shares her hesitations about joining Firehouse 51 because she doesn't want to continue living under the lieutenant's shadow. So, Kidd is back to square one. Thankfully, Christopher Herrmann has a solution that solves all their problems — Darren Ritter will transfer to Truck 81, and Kylie will take his place on Engine 51.
So, it's a win-win situation for every character involved in Chicago Fire season 13. Kidd finds a worthy successor for Damon on Truck 81 who will make Pascal happy, while Kylie gets to finally join Firehouse 51 without being worried about being compared to Kidd. However, there is one downside to Kylie's return in Chicago Fire season 13.
Kylie Returns To Firehouse 51 With Boden No Longer In It
Boden Left After The Chicago Fire Season 12 Finale
Kylie is finally a part of the Firehouse 51 crew right after Boden exited in Chicago Fire season 13. As some may remember, Kylie was Boden's office assistant before she joined the Girls on Fire program. The two characters share a connection, and it doesn't seem right for Kylie to come to a firehouse that doesn't have Boden in it.
Kylie and Boden worked closely together and their relationship was a delight. So, it's a shame that viewers won't get to see them reunite when Kylie officially becomes a member of the Firehouse 51 family. Perhaps Boden can return in a future Chicago Fire season 13 episode to congratulate Kylie on her transfer, but it won't be the same as watching the two work together.