Why Chicago Fire Can’t Go the Distance Without Taylor Kinney

In January, Deadline reported that Taylor Kinney would be taking a leave of absence from Chicago Fire. It was a shocking announcement considering that Kinney’s character Kelly Severide is effectively the lead of the hit NBC show. Season 11, Episode 15, “Damage Control” explained Severide’s absence by sending him to an arson investigation training program. Still, the temporary loss of Severide is a major hit to Chicago Fire, even with Jesse Spencer returning as Matt Casey.

Chicago Fire has plenty of likable characters worth rooting for; however, none of them are capable of carrying the show like Kelly Severide. Severide has always been the series’ most integral character, as much of the drama on and off the job revolves around him. Additionally, fans of Chicago Fire have developed a love of both Taylor Kinney and his character over 11 seasons. Without Severide, Chicago Fire is just another run-of-the-mill procedural.

Severide Has Leadership Skills Other Characters Lack

One of the biggest reasons that Severide has so much value to Chicago Fire is because he is a fantastic leader for the rest of Firehouse 51 to rally behind. As the lieutenant of Rescue Squad 3, Severide is responsible for overseeing some of the most dangerous missions for the Chicago Fire Department. Not only is he able to remain level-headed in high-pressure situations, but he is often the first to enter said situations. Because Severide is so respected, other characters like Joe Cruz and Blake Gallo turn to Severide for guidance.

Gallo and Severide’s relationship currently encapsulates Severide’s impact on the show. Severide supported Gallo in Chicago Fire Season 9, Episode 9, “Double Red,” when Gallo felt guilty because a man died after a decision Gallo had made. Severide comforted Gallo by telling him that firefighting is an unpredictable job where split-second decisions are necessary. Gallo took Severide’s words to heart and was able to make peace with his guilt. Severide also consoled Violet Mikami after the Season 11 death of Evan Hawkins. With both Casey and Severide gone, there’s no one else in the firehouse who has the same leadership skills, and Firehouse 51 will suffer as a result.

Severide Is Chicago Fire’s Most Complex Character

Severide has all the makings of a complex character — most notably his tragic past that left him with baggage and a fear of emotional intimacy. This baggage has caused friction in many of his relationships, but viewers have had the rewarding experience of watching him overcome his demons. He also has a soft side that was shown through Severide’s fan-favorite friendship with Casey, which taught him how to rely on another person. Earlier in the series, Severide became addicted to painkillers and began acting erratically, putting others at risk on the job. Chicago Fire portrayed him facing his addiction and owning up to his behavior.

While most of Chicago Fire‘s characters are charming, the show has never explored someone else as deeply as it has Severide. Audiences thoroughly understand his history and psychology thanks to the numerous highs and lows the series has put him through, including numerous breakups and near-death experience. The only other firefighter that has gotten as much development is Stella Kidd, and as Severide’s wife, her story is too tied up with his to stand on its own.

Chicago Fire Relies on the Stellaride Ship

Romances are one of the most exciting and popular aspects of a TV show. Chicago Fire has done a great job of building up the romance between Severide and Stella over its last several seasons, culminating in Season 10’s Stellaride wedding. However, the writers have failed to develop any additional couples who can hold a candle to them. After Hawkins’ death, the only couple getting romantic plots is Casey’s ex Sylvie Brett and her new boyfriend Dylan. Season 11 has given more screen time to Cindy and Christopher Herrmann, except their storylines briefly centered around Cindy’s battle with cancer. And the marriage between Mouch and Chicago P.D.‘s Trudy Platt continues to exist mostly off-camera.

Relationships hook viewers and create a certain amount of buzz on social media, and Stellaride is Chicago Fire‘s only central romance, as well as a huge part of the series overall. It is obvious that Kelly Severide is invaluable to Chicago Fire in multiple ways, and it’s unclear where the narrative can go without him. If the show wants to continue through the recently announced Season 12, it needs Taylor Kinney to be leading the cast.