While speaking with TVLine, showrunner Andrea Newman teased Severide’s story in Chicago Fire season 13. Unfortunately, her comments spell bad news for Severide’s relationship with Stella. When asked about why Severide hadn’t received a promotion at Firehouse 51 while other characters have, Newman said:
“He’s got his focus on the thing he is obsessed with, which is arson and OFI, in addition to squad, which he loves. There’s a lot of politics the higher you go up in rank, and Severide has no interest in that. He’s a get-your-hands-dirty kind of guy. So arson is still very much on the forefront of his mind, the possibilities of moving to OFI are at the forefront of his mind, and all of that comes up. He’s dealing with all of that this season.”
Severide attempted to lay low with OFI in Chicago Fire season 12, but his passion for arson investigation will seemingly overpower his other priorities and duties (including his marriage) heading into season 13. As Newman points out in her interview, Severide is obsessed with arson and OFI. Consequently, OFI will be a major part of Taylor Kinney’s character’s story in the upcoming episodes. Perhaps season 13 will finally be the opportunity for Severide to jump from Firehouse 51 to OFI (and for Kinney to leave Chicago Fire after years of speculation regarding his exit).
