Chicago Fire season 12 finales dropped a major plot twist concerning Benny Severide, and it means big things for Kelly moving forward.
Year-enders are always a big deal, especially on Network TV. One Chicago has always had something special prepared for its season finales, and that remains the case with Chicago Fire season 12. Despite a significantly shorter season due to the dual Hollywood strikes of 2023, NBC and Wolf Entertainment were still able to come up with an exciting year for Firehouse 51, if not a bit chaotic, even by its standards.
While One Chicago is not new to cast changes, Firehouse 51 was particularly hit by a series of massive departures. After Blake Gallo and Sylvie Brett left, Chicago Fire season 12’s last exit was Derrick Gibson. As it turned out, the show was saving its biggest show loss when Chief Wallace Boden officially stepped down to be a series regular in the finale. Interestingly, that wasn’t the only conversation starter in Chicago Fire season 12, episode 13, “Never Say Goodbye.” In the outing’s closing moments, Jack Damon finally revealed his secret, which was about his ties to Benny Severide.
Taylor Kinney as Severide and Tony Goldwyn as Baxter
NBC has officially decided on the future of all three One Chicago shows, giving it a major advantage against Dick Wolf’s original TV franchise.
Who Benny Severide Is: Actor, Story & What Happened To Him On Chicago Fire
The Chicago Fire Season 12 Finale Brought Up Kelly Severide’s Dad.
Long before Kelly made a name for himself in the Chicago Fire Department (CFD), his father already already did. Benny Severide was introduced in the early years of Chicago Fire, with his relationship with his son an integral part of Taylor Kinney’s character’s personal arc. Benny also worked at Firehouse 51 and was known for his way with women. The pair’s relationship started out strained, but Chicago Fire developed it to a point where Kelly had a working dynamic with his dad. Unfortunately, Benny died after he suffered a stroke in Chicago Fire season 7, episode 5.
The late Treat Williams played Benny in Chicago Fire. Overall, he appeared in 16 episodes before One Chicago wrapped up his time in the franchise. Considering how long it has been since he appeared or even referenced, it makes sense why Damon’s revelation that he is Benny’s son took many by surprise.
How Chicago Fire Had Set Up Damon Being Kelly Severide’s Half-Brother
Damon Was Way Too Eager To Have A Relationship With Kelly.
Michael Bradway as Jack Damon in Chicago Fire
The departure of Gallo at the start of Chicago Fire season 12 left Stella Kidd scrambling for a replacement. She brought in Gibson after a case showcased just how capable of a firefighter he is. Unexpectedly, however. Chicago Fire season 12 wrote out the character without any clear reason. This paved the way for Damon to come in as a floater. From the get-go, he was already very eager to learn about Firehouse 51, particularly Kelly. He even lied about attending one of the classes Stella Kidd’s husband taught, but he was eventually caught, making people more suspicious of him.
Despite clearly hiding a secret, Chicago Fire season 12 made it clear that Damon wasn’t a bad guy.
Despite clearly hiding a secret, Chicago Fire season 12 made it clear that Damon wasn’t a bad guy. He wasn’t ominous or conniving; he could just be a bit too eager, especially about wanting to get near Kelly. His genuine concern over Kelly’s disappearance in Chicago Fire season 12, episode 11 was also a big indication of his innocence. Couple that with Benny’s womanizing ways, and the theory about Damon being Kelly’s half-brother seemed plausible. In any case, this wasn’t the first time that Kelly came across a half-sibling after he was introduced to Katie Nolan.
What Damon Being Kelly’s Half-Brother Means For Chicago Fire Season 13
Damon’s Firehouse 51 Existence Will Have A Big Impact On Kelly.
The Chicago Fire season 12 finale ended with Damon’s confession about his real identity after he was involved in a brawl that hit too close to home. He personally reached out to Severide to explain his side, using it as a set-up for his major revelation. Since the plot twist happened in the final moments of the year, Severide didn’t even have the chance to say something about the major bombshell that was dropped on him. Depending on when Chicago Fire season 13 will pick up, the aftermath of their conversation may not even play out on the screen.
Regardless, however, Kelly having his half-brother at Firehouse 51 will have ramifications in Chicago Fire. Considering Damon’s story, it seemed like he had a bad childhood and was often compared to his older brother, hence why the abusive father got him all riled up. Kelly did have a complicated relationship with his dad, but his main gripe was that Benny was mostly ignorant of him. Learning about his half-brother’s life could affect his perception of his dad. Beyond that, it may also have an impact on his desire to start a family.
SEE MORE: ‘Chicago Fire’ Shocker: Eamonn Walker Leaving After Season 12
