After an extended two-month hiatus, Chicago Fire is set to return for its thirteenth season with new episodes in early

2025. However, fans of the popular series are in for a surprise as the midseason premiere, titled “A Favor,” is missing

one of its main characters — Stella Kidd, portrayed by Miranda Rae Mayo. Since joining Firehouse 51 in season 4,

Stella has established herself as one of the show’s most integral firefighters, currently serving as the lieutenant of Truck 81. Despite her significant role, her absence in episode 9 raises questions among viewers.

The previous episode concluded with Cruz confronting Flaco’s cousin, Junior, fresh out of prison. Flaco, previously the leader of a gang associated with Cruz’s brother since season 1, holds a complicated history with Cruz, as he is the man Cruz left to die in a fire. Episode 9 sees Junior blackmailing Cruz, creating tension for the character. Meanwhile, Herrmann and Mouch celebrate their successful passage of CFD exams, while Novak’s schemes lead to Violet and Carver working to ease their differences. Throughout this dramatic hour, Stella Kidd is nowhere to be found.

Pascal Addresses Kidd’s Absence

At the start of season 13, episode 9, Firehouse 51 briefly celebrates Herrmann and Mouch’s accomplishments before diving into their day-to-day operations. Chief Pascal explains to the team that Stella is currently in Baltimore, Maryland, working on her Girls on Fire program — a community initiative focused on empowering young women. With Stella on leave, the chief brings in a floater firefighter named Chippy and assigns Mouch as the temporary lieutenant of Truck 81, marking another instance in which key characters are missing from the fold.

Severide also comments on Stella’s absence during a visit from Captain Van Meter, where he shares that Stella sent him photos of the new Girls on Fire camp in Baltimore. The two men express their admiration for the initiative, but by the end of the episode, it is assumed that Stella will continue to be away for the duration.

When Will Mayo’s Kidd Return to Chicago Fire?

Fans can expect to see Miranda Rae Mayo return as Stella Kidd in episode 10, where her character will take center stage. The teaser for the episode indicates that “Kidd helps a teacher going through a post-incident spin-out.” With the series promising to delve into Stella’s backstory, it seems likely that her narrative arc will kick off in the upcoming episode titled “Chaos Theory,” raising hopes that viewers will enjoy her presence for the remainder of the season.

A Rotating Cast Strategy?

The real reason for Mayo’s temporary absence appears to be related to a broader strategy observed in the One Chicago franchise to manage production budgets. Similar to how Burgess was notably absent during the Chicago PD season 12 premiere, it seems the producers are implementing a rotation system where main characters take turns missing episodes. As the season progresses, it’s anticipated that other characters will also have their moments off-screen, but the rotation schedule remains undisclosed.

In summary, as Chicago Fire season 13 gears up for its midseason premiere, viewers are left to ponder the dynamics of Firehouse 51 in the absence of one of its key members. While Stella Kidd’s storyline may take a brief hiatus, fans can look forward to her anticipated return and the continued unfolding of a gripping narrative in one of television’s most beloved shows.