What’s next for Stellaride on Chicago Fire?
By Deb Foster
4. Severide’s ex-girlfriend comes between them
Here’s the one we’re most worried about: Chicago Fire has already revealed that Severide’s first serious love interest, Renee Royce (Sarah Shahi), is returning before the end of season 6. This is the woman he almost left Chicago—and the country—for. The woman who once lied about being pregnant with his baby. It’d be foolish to think her coming back wouldn’t have some effect on his current relationship.
Having an ex make waves is another really common trope in TV shows, and Chicago Fire has done that before; remember how Hallie Thomas (Teri Reeves) came back and rekindled her relationship with Casey when sparks were starting to fly between him and Dawson? On top of that, the Renee character is just built for trouble. She’s already lied once, and even if she comes back for a totally harmless reason, you know she’s going to still have feelings for Severide. She already walked back into his life before, so she didn’t just let him go.
Renee’s return will be a real test for Stellaride. How will Stella react to seeing Severide’s ex? Will she stand up and fight if Renee makes a move? When he fell for Anna, Stella didn’t do anything to stop it; in fact she was supportive of Severanna. So if Renee tries to win Severide back, will Stella back off again? Will Severide be able to withstand her advances? He’s not so great with that (see: Hope Jacquinot and how she threw herself at him).
This is the plot hole we least want to see Stellaride fall into, but it’s also the most likely one. For a complete look back at Renee and all of Severide’s exes, check out our catalogue of Severide’s love interests.