Chicago Fire has no problem pulling the rug out from under its fans and writing characters off the show at a moment's notice. It can be disappointing when it's one of the characters we've come to know and love over an extended period of time, but sometimes external factors come into play. Lt. Wendy Seager is one such example.
Seager, played by Andy Allo, debuted in season 8 and was a semi-consistent presence through season 11. The character has not been seen since the episode "Acting Up," however, and we are confident that she will not be returning in the near future. Why? Well, because Allo continues to be cast in other television properties.
Andy Allo recently booked a new drama series
TV Line confirmed the actress will be joining the cast of the upcoming series The Eagles of Newark. She will be playing Effa Manley, the real life athlete and trailblazer who remains the only women ever inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. The outlet noted that The Eagles of Newark has not yet been attached to a network, but Allo will serve as the lead of the series.
Allo's pivot comes shortly after her multi-season stint on the Amazon comedy Upload. The actress managed to pull double duty on Upload and Chicago Fire between 2020 and 2023, but her role as a supporting character on the former and a recurring character on the latter made it easier to juggle. The fact that Allo will be a lead on a new show means it will be tougher than ever to bring her back Lt. Seager.
Seager's purpose has diminished since season 11
Two seasons is a long time in the Chicago Fire universe, and while it's not unheard of for a character to return after being MIA for that long, it's uncommon. Plus, Seager's purpose within the show, as an investigative partner alongside Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) and pseudo-romantic rival for Lt. Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo), has diminished in seasons 12 and 13.
Severide's passion for arson investigation has lessened as he's aged into a Firehouse 51 veteran, and his romance with Kidd has grown increasingly stronger. Heck, the couple are on the cusp of adopting a baby. Seager was a compelling presence within the show, but it does feel that the show would have to go out of its way to incorporate her into a future storyline. Especially since Allo's schedule is going to be more busy than ever.