Almost a year since his abrupt leave of absence from One Chicago, Taylor Kinney is back as Firehouse 51’s Kelly Severide in Chicago Fire season 12.
Kelly Severide is back as Taylor Kinney is spotted on the set of Chicago Fire season 12. Almost a year since Kinney abruptly took a leave of absence from One Chicago due to personal reasons, the actor has returned as one of Firehouse 51’s leaders. While NBC and Wolf Entertainment have yet to release any official footage from any of the Windy City-based series, images from the set are offering the public a sneak peek at what lies ahead for the franchise.
As Chicago Fire season 12 gears up for its mid-season return, the cast and crew are hard at work to get as many episodes ready, including Kinney, as seen in the images shared by Traci McLain Floreani on Facebook. Check out the snaps below:
Floreani posted several photos from the set of Chicago season 12, including a glimpse of Kinney and the fire trucks.
In addition, Stacy Eye on Facebook (via @Learnthingss on Twitter) shares a photo of Kara Killmer smiling with a fan.
Killmer smiling with a fan.
Another photo from naomi_ramirez16 on Instagram (via @Learnthingss on Twitter) shows the cast taking photos with more fans. In these Chicago Fire season 12 images, Kinney is in his firefighter uniform, which means that he will reclaim his spot as Firehouse 51’s Squad leader.
Will Kelly Severide Stay In Firehouse 51?
Specific plot details of Severide’s return are still scant at the moment, but it has previously been confirmed that he will appear in the Chicago Fire season 12 premiere. His impending return to Firehouse 51, which is confirmed in the images, means that Stella Kidd succeeds in her endeavor in the Chicago Fire season 11 finale of wanting to bring her husband back after being out of town for far longer than they expected. For context, Severide was allowed to attend an elite OFI training camp, which explained his extended absence.
The question is whether he’s going to stay under Chief Boden’s team. Severide has always had a penchant for arson, and OFI has long been trying to poach him, but he always refused. The camp may have, however, changed his mind, especially since he became progressively difficult to contact the longer he stayed there. Behind the scenes, the lack of any official information about why Kinney had to leave One Chicago temporarily has been a cause for concern. Considering the countless departures from the franchise in recent years, there’s anxiety over the possibility that he may also be exiting the procedural.
Only time will tell if Severide will be sticking around. Losing him in Chicago Fire season 12 will be massive given Gallo and Brett’s confirmed departures. At the very least, Mouch survived his gunshot wound in the season 11 finale, guaranteeing that he will continue to be a member of Chief Boden’s house.
