With Kelly Severide’s indefinite absence from Chicago Fire, it seems like the NBC series might be setting up a new love interest for Stella Kidd.
Kelly Severide unexpectedly left during Chicago Fire season 11, and if he never returns, the NBC show already contains another love interest for Stella Kidd. Of course, Severide and Stella are still married, so it might take some time for romantic feelings to blossom between Stella and another character. However, the show is already laying the foundation for a potential new romance.
Severide and Stella have been a fan-favorite couple since she first appeared in season 4. They faced numerous obstacles throughout their relationship but finally walked down the aisle and married during the season 10 finale. Unfortunately, Taylor Kinney, who plays Severide, took a leave of absence from the show in the middle of season 11 and won’t return for the finale. While Severide’s been gone, Stella’s had more time to connect with another character — Sam Carver. If her husband never comes back to Chicago Fire, the writers might want to pair Stella up with Carver in the next season.
Severide’s Absence Can Bring Carver And Stella Together
Kinney decided to step away from Chicago Fire to deal with an unspecified personal matter, and it’s unknown when and if he will return to the show. The writers explained his character’s absence by deciding to abruptly send Severide to an OFI training camp — an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. Severide won’t appear in the finale, and many wonder if the actor’s temporary exit from the show won’t be temporary, after all. It appears as if the writers are preparing for that scenario by setting up a possible romantic storyline between Stella and Carver.
In Chicago Fire season 11, episode 20, Stella and Carver dealt with a dangerous man, Shep, whom they had previously saved during a call. Shep became obsessed with Stella and assumed that she and Carver were romantically involved. He told him, “She doesn’t love you. You know that, right?” When Shep unexpectedly showed up on Stella’s doorstep, Carver rushed to her rescue and, unfortunately, was arrested after fighting with the man. But before all of this happened, Stella and Carver had a heart-to-heart about the situation, and there was a hint of tension and chemistry between them. So if Kinney decides to leave Chicago Fire for good, Stella and Carver might make a good pair.
Why Stella & Carver Might Not Happen, Even Without Severide
Carver is a relatively new character in Chicago Fire, so there’s a lot of room for him to grow at Firehouse 51. Plus, there are many potential romances in his future, which means that, even if Severide doesn’t return, Stella isn’t the only candidate for Carver’s heart. Violet Mikami could also be a prospective love interest for the new firefighter.
Violet and Carver shared a moment in episode 18 when he helped her install a light on her ceiling. There has been no confirmation of actual feelings from either party, but like with Stella and Carver in episode 20, the writers might be laying the groundwork for the potential for something more between Violet and Carver. Whatever the case may be, Carver has been a welcome addition to Chicago Fire, and he’s due for a long-term romance.
