The Chicago Fire Season 13 finale, aptly titled “It Had to End This Way,” concluded not with a spectacular blaze or heroic rescue, but with profound emotional reverberations echoing through Firehouse 51. This episode transcended a mere capstone for the venerable One Chicago franchise, presenting a delicate, and at times perplexing, narrative balance. It expertly juggled anticipated exits, new beginnings, and the looming promise of turbulence. The finale offered rich material for critical examination, particularly concerning Stella Kidd and Kelly Severide, whose relationship embarked on an unexpected dramatic trajectory. Concurrently, the fates of fan-favorite firefighters Darren Ritter and Sam Carver remained in disquieting limbo, despite earlier confirmed reports of their departures. Furthermore, Chief Pascal’s uncertain integration into the firehouse contributed to a complex foundation, setting the stage for Season 14 with a blend of thrilling anticipation and considerable apprehension.

The Lingering Questions: Ritter and Carver’s Unresolved Departures
For months, Chicago Fire fans had braced for the confirmed exits of Daniel Kyri as Darren Ritter and Jake Lockett as Sam Carver. While the series has historically demonstrated a willingness to bid farewell to beloved characters, the striking element in this finale was the surprising lack of resolution. Rather than crafting poignant farewells, the episode kept Ritter and Carver inexplicably rooted at Firehouse 51. This deferral shifts the burden of their potential absence to Season 14, placing increased pressure on writers to hastily devise explanations and risking perfunctory send-offs for characters who have consistently offered substantial depth.

Ritter, in particular, holds a vital place within the ensemble’s diversity. As the sole remaining openly queer character and, following Boden’s departure, the only Black regular, his presence represented crucial perspectives within the Firehouse 51 family. His quiet strength and unwavering loyalty deserved a more definitive and respectful arc than the ambiguity in which he was left.

Similarly, Carver’s ongoing battle with sobriety, intricately woven with his burgeoning romance with Violet, had been a compelling slow-burn storyline. Yet, the presented justification for his potential departure—a supposed “relapse” necessitating a move to Denver—felt narratively flimsy. The logical inconsistency of leaving one’s strongest support system during recovery undermines the emotional investment viewers had placed in his journey. By delaying these pivotal character conclusions, Chicago Fire risks denying its audience closure, echoing the dissatisfaction from past abrupt or inadequately addressed exits, such as those of Otis and Shay.

Stellaride’s Unexpected Journey: From Adoption Hopes to Parenthood Reality
In stark contrast to the stalled narratives of Ritter and Carver, Stella Kidd and Kelly Severide’s storyline experienced a significant surge forward, culminating in a surprising revelation: Stella Kidd is pregnant. For years, fans have witnessed Stellaride navigate a labyrinth of challenges, including intricate firehouse politics, job transfers, infidelity scares, and protracted adoption struggles. The recent adoption arc, in particular, had begun to feel somewhat familiar, echoing similar plotlines within the broader One Chicago universe. This unexpected news, however, injects a fresh, deeply personal dynamic that unequivocally redefines their future, marking a genuine turning point for the beloved couple.

Nevertheless, this joyous development is intrinsically steeped in dramatic tension. Stella has consistently vocalized her reservations about motherhood, a stance deeply rooted in her turbulent childhood and self-protective instincts. The prospect of her character suddenly shifting from cautious apprehension to unbridled excitement risks superficializing years of meticulous character development and psychological complexity.

The true narrative strength of this reveal lies in the inherent conflict it sets up for Season 14. Severide, known for his boundless loyalty and steadfast commitment, often finds his unwavering certainty clashing with Kidd’s more guarded approach. The impending reality of parenthood presents an unparalleled opportunity for Chicago Fire to delve into these intrinsic differences, potentially igniting emotionally charged conversations that could either push Stellaride to their breaking point or, conversely, reaffirm their enduring strength. For devoted fans, witnessing Stella and Kelly confront the transformative journey of parenthood promises to be one of the most compelling personal arcs in recent memory.

Leadership at Firehouse 51: Pascal’s Challenge and the Enduring Heartbeat of Mouch and Herrmann
While Stellaride’s burgeoning family provides the emotional core, the structure of Firehouse 51’s leadership forms its indispensable backbone. The finale unequivocally confirmed Chief Pascal’s continued tenure, reinforced by a strengthening bond with Severide, further highlighted by Severide’s protective instincts towards his new commanding officer.

However, the challenge of fully integrating Pascal, portrayed by Dermot Mulroney, into the deeply ingrained fabric of Firehouse 51 remains substantial. For many viewers, Pascal continues to feel like an outsider, a temporary figure in a firehouse that thrives on profound, almost familial, loyalty and shared history. His presence inevitably draws comparisons to the beloved former Chief Boden, whose leadership was defined by decades of trust and unwavering commitment.

This dynamic is starkly juxtaposed against the enduring brotherhood of Mouch and Herrmann. Their decades-long history, marked by characteristic banter and mutual respect, once again provided one of the finale’s most heartfelt moments. Herrmann’s personal sacrifice for Mouch served as a poignant reminder of why these two veteran firefighters are, unequivocally, the soul and moral compass of Firehouse 51. Should Pascal’s tenure extend long-term, the onus falls on the writers to organically weave him more tightly into the intricate ensemble. Without such integration, his continued presence risks feeling like a narrative impediment, potentially stalling the natural progression of beloved veterans, such as Herrmann, toward leadership roles that would feel far more earned and satisfying to the audience.

A Season’s End: Blending Anticipation and Apprehension for Firehouse 51
The Chicago Fire Season 13 finale, “It Had to End This Way,” ultimately delivered a complex emotional experience to its dedicated fanbase. The revelation of Stellaride’s pregnancy sparked relief, excitement, and deep intrigue, promising a compelling new chapter for the couple and the firehouse family. Conversely, the indeterminate fates of Ritter and Carver, with their confirmed exits inexplicably postponed, ignited palpable frustration and concern over potential narrative mishandlings. The lingering questions surrounding Chief Pascal’s long-term integration and influence fueled quiet curiosity, while the unwavering, heartwarming friendship between Herrmann and Mouch continued to provide a comforting anchor amidst the shifting dynamics.

This concluding episode thus stands as a curious paradox: simultaneously satisfying in its dramatic potential and unsatisfying in its lack of definitive resolutions. It functions less as a period mark and more as an ellipsis, artfully laying extensive groundwork for a multitude of significant developments slated for Season 14. What remains undeniably clear, however, is that for better or worse, the enduring saga of Firehouse 51 and its courageous, complicated crew is far from its final chapter. The anticipation for their next season burns brightly, filled with a potent blend of hope for compelling character arcs and apprehension over the fate of beloved figures.