Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) were the first characters shown in the One Chicago crossover. They were discussing plans to take a trip together, with Kidd arguing that they should go soon, on short notice, and Severide arguing they should wait and go when they have a bit more vacation time.
Then, the crossover happened. Kidd was trapped underground, and both characters had to briefly consider the idea that they would never see each other again. Fortunately, the firefighter made it out, and the three-part event ended with them deciding to take that trip.
This subplot is important because it's laying the groundwork for Kidd and Severide moving forward. The couple have struggled over the last few seasons, whether it comes to their careers or their plans regarding children. Chicago Fire boss Andrea Newman, however, assures fans that the crossover will mark a turning point for the couple.
Kidd's opinion of family will change this season
Newman told TV Line that Kidd's brush with death, and Severide's realization that he should act now, instead of waiting for what he deems the "perfect time," will have a direct impact on their storyline in season 13 and beyond. Especially when it comes to starting a family.
"I think between the events of the crossover," Newman explained. "And the person from her past coming forward and talking about her past in a way that she hadn’t thought of it before, it’ll impact how she sees her relationship with Severide. And how she sees the idea of family going forward."
The person from Kidd's past is a reference to the February 5 episode "Relief Cut." Kidd will be paid visit from her cousin, which will mark one of the only times in Chicago Fire history that we get to meet a member of the character's family.
Both characters want to be better than their parents
Miranda Rae Mayo previously acknowledged Kidd's hesitance to have children, citing a desire to forge ahead and focus on her career. The more time passes, however, the more it becomes clear that she wants to have a family of her own. Severide's own struggles with family over the years is leading him to the same conclusion.
Kidd and Severide both come from dysfunctional family units, as confirmed by Newman, and the Fire showrunner is excited to explore the ways in which these two are trying to shed their bad habits and learn from their parents' mistakes.
"Moving forward, it’s kind of about figuring out where they are as a couple," the showrunner noted. "And the conversations about family really come up in that. That’s something that they’re dealing with going forward, and big decisions are being made." Big decisions are what make Chicago Fire such a fun show to watch, so we are absolutely ready.