After concerns about Taylor Kinney’s potential exit from Chicago Fire, Season 13 has been a breath of fresh air for fans, as Kelly Severide is making a thrilling return to his prime form.

Kinney, who has played Severide from the very first episode of the NBC procedural, has been a staple of the show. As the lieutenant of Firehouse 51 and the officer leading Squad 3,

Severide has always been a key figure. However, in recent seasons, his character seemed to lose some of the spark that made him so beloved, leading to concerns that the show was losing its edge.

But with Season 13, Severide’s character is stepping back into his classic role, bringing excitement for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

Kinney is one of the few original cast members still with the show, along with David Eigenberg (Christopher Herrmann), Christian Stolte (Randall “Mouch” McHolland), and Joe Miñoso (Joe Cruz). While the series has introduced many great new characters, the presence of its original members is crucial to maintaining the heart and nostalgia of Chicago Fire, especially after the departure of Eamonn Walker ahead of Season 13. Bringing back the classic version of Severide promises to re-energize the show and set it on a strong path for the future.

Hints of Classic Severide in Season 13

Severide has been somewhat absent in recent seasons, with Kinney stepping away from the show for a period during Season 11 and missing several episodes in Season 12 due to personal matters. This led to widespread speculation about Kinney’s future with Chicago Fire. Thankfully, Kinney returned in Season 13, and in just five episodes, it’s clear that Severide is finding his way back to the passionate, determined character fans first fell in love with. While he had been notably mellow in recent years, Season 13 marks a return to form for Severide, who is once again fully engaged in both the personal and professional aspects of his life.

In Season 13, Severide has been involved in multiple storylines that show his classic leadership and determination. One of the central conflicts early on is his internal struggle between siding with Stella or his half-brother, Jack Damon, when Damon defies Stella’s orders. This tension has provided drama over several episodes. Severide has also been investigating a series of mysterious fires and working closely with Stella, which has brought their dynamic back to the forefront of the show. Additionally, the simmering conflict between Severide and Chief Pascal, which started in the Season 13 premiere, will boil over in Episode 6 when they clash over a case, setting the stage for more intense moments ahead.

What The Return of Classic Kelly Means for Chicago Fire

Severide’s resurgence in Season 13 is a win not just for his character, but for the entire One Chicago universe. As a core member of the Firehouse 51 team, Severide’s presence is essential for the show’s success, particularly after a number of recent cast exits. The show simply isn’t the same without his passion, determination, and unmatched instincts. With Severide fully back in action, fans can look forward to a deeper exploration of his character and a stronger connection to the dynamics at Firehouse 51.

Season 13 gives Severide the opportunity to reclaim his place at the center of the action. His more significant involvement in this season provides ample room for his story to develop and for viewers to remember why he’s one of the most important characters on the show. After a few lackluster seasons, Severide’s return to form is exactly what Chicago Fire needed to stay strong and thrive in the competitive world of network television. Fans can’t wait to see how his arc unfolds, especially as he faces new challenges both on the job and in his personal life.