Alert: Spoilers for Chicago Fire season 13, episode 16, “In The Rubble”follow. The thirteenth season of Chicago Fire appears to have quietly written out a beloved character following a significant update at Firehouse 51. Over the past few years, this first-responder drama has undergone considerable changes, especially within its cast. Among the One Chicago series, Firehouse 51 has faced the highest number of departures. Fortunately, the current cast for season 13 seems relatively stable, despite the occasional rotation of characters due to cost-saving measures that result in some characters missing key episodes. Fortunately, the overall integrity of the series remains intact.
Nonetheless, personnel changes are a natural part of long-running procedural dramas. Many series have experienced significant cast shifts over time, including complete overhauls (like NCIS) or the gradual loss of original cast members (as seen in Law & Order: SVU). The latest character to depart is Monica Pascal, the wife of Chief Dom Pascal; while not as impactful as the losses of Leslie Shay or Otis Zvonecek, this development still facilitates the show’s evolution. However, an unexpected twist involving the return of Jack Damon to the team hints that Firehouse 51 may have lost another integral member.
Jack Damon’s Return to Firehouse 51 Signals Kylie’s Departure
Kylie Estevez No Longer Has a Place on Herrmann’s Team
Following his dismissal from another firehouse, Kelly Severide and Stella Kidd devise a plan to assist Benny Severide’s secret son, Damon, securing his reinstatement with Chief Pascal. Initially, season 13 presented both brothers collaborating within the confines of Firehouse 51. However, Damon’s previous attempts to impress Severide led to reckless choices that ultimately cost him his job. Now seemingly transformed, he has made peace with his sister-in-law after previous sabotage attempts.
With Damon’s return to Engine 51, a vacancy emerges, resulting in Kylie Estevez, who joined the show in season 8 and became a recent addition to Christopher Herrmann’s team, losing her spot. While there is ambiguity surrounding her availability for certain shifts, Chief Pascal’s decision to reinstate Damon ultimately means Kylie is left with little opportunity to return. Unless unforeseen circumstances arise with one of the core members, this shift raises questions about Kylie’s future on the show.
The Choice of Damon over Kylie: Insights into Chicago Fire’s Casting Decisions
Not a Direct Competition
Although there doesn’t appear to be a direct showdown between Damon and Kylie, the decision to retain Damon makes narrative sense. While Kylie has been a component of the One Chicago universe for an extended period, her role has primarily remained that of a recurring character. The series has yet to promote her to a regular cast member, even during her direct collaborations with Chief Boden. Consequently, Kylie lacks substantial story arcs that would warrant a spotlight from NBC and Wolf Entertainment.
Damon, on the other hand, is not only connected to Severide through familial ties—a narrative avenue ripe for exploration—but is also involved in a developing romance with Lizzie Novak. His presence introduces an array of storytelling possibilities for Chicago Fire season 13. With these factors at play, it’s evident why the series opts to feature him more prominently moving forward.