In a finale filled with deception, misdirection, and unexpected revelations, NBC’s long-running drama Chicago Fire closed out its 13th season with high-stakes drama involving arson, attempted murder, and job-threatening consequences—only to pull the rug out from under fans in its final moments. The highly anticipated episode, titled “It Had to End This Way”, was promoted with intense clips that hinted at the possible downfall of fan-favorite Lt. Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) and his close ties to Firehouse 51’s newly installed chief, Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney).
However, while the promo footage had fans speculating about a major character exit, the actual events of the finale told a more complex—and ultimately surprising—story.
The Promo: A Bombshell That Rocked the Fandom
The lead-up to the finale relied heavily on a suspenseful trailer that dropped a narrative bomb: Chief Pascal was under investigation for attempted murder. The man at the center of the alleged crime was Robert Franklin, the individual indirectly responsible for the tragic car crash that claimed the life of Pascal’s wife.
In the trailer, viewers heard a police detective state ominously, “There is evidence that you tried to kill Robert Franklin.” The camera then cut to Severide, who had been supporting Pascal despite growing suspicions. Tensions peaked when Captain Van Meter (Tim Hopper), a veteran arson investigator and Severide’s longtime contact at the Office of Fire Investigation (OFI), confronted him with a cold warning: “If Pascal goes down, you’re going with him.”
These lines painted a dire picture—suggesting that Severide, who had been deeply involved in Pascal’s case and was increasingly crossing ethical boundaries, might lose his job or worse. Fans feared that Kinney’s screen time—already sporadic during recent seasons—might be coming to an end.
What Really Happened: A Twisting, Redemptive Resolution
Contrary to the promo’s implications, the actual finale took viewers on a nuanced journey that resolved with neither Severide nor Pascal leaving Firehouse 51. Instead, the episode delivered one of Chicago Fire’s signature slow-burn reversals.
Through persistent investigation, Severide followed leads that led him back to a familiar face—Bishop, a former captain he had once helped put behind bars. Against all odds, Severide managed to extract a confession and obtain crucial evidence revealing that the true perpetrator was someone else: Hendricks, who had orchestrated a frame-up to destroy Pascal’s career.
This game-changing revelation cleared Chief Pascal of all charges, and in turn, vindicated Severide’s actions. The tension that had loomed large throughout the episode evaporated in the closing scenes, as both men resumed their positions at Firehouse 51. In an ironic twist, what seemed to be Severide’s professional undoing ended up being a testament to his loyalty and investigative instincts.
Character Arcs and Departures: The Real Impact
While Pascal and Severide were spared from departure, the finale did not come without loss. Due to budget cuts within NBC’s programming structure, the show confirmed the departure of two beloved characters.
Sam Carver (Jake Lockett) took center stage in one of the most emotional subplots. After declaring his love for Violet, Carver shocked viewers by announcing he had accepted a transfer to the Denver Fire Department. His motivation was deeply personal: he needed a clean slate to maintain his sobriety, and believed a new environment would provide the support he required. His farewell was bittersweet, closing an emotionally rich chapter for the character.
Meanwhile, Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri), another fan-favorite, exited more quietly. Though the finale did not directly focus on his departure, it had been previously confirmed that Kyri would not return for Season 14, once again due to cost-cutting measures.
Adding a hopeful note to the finale’s emotional balance, the writers also delivered a joyful revelation: Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) is pregnant, a moment that left Severide stunned and set the stage for a potential new storyline in Season 14. The news offered a moment of light in an episode otherwise fraught with tension, and added personal stakes for Severide that could anchor his character in the seasons ahead.
The Bigger Picture: Promo Mislead or Narrative Masterstroke?
There’s no doubt that Chicago Fire’s marketing team leaned heavily into the tension, teasing a massive fallout that never fully materialized. While some viewers may feel misled, the move arguably achieved its goal: it generated buzz, ignited fan theories across social media, and drew significant attention to a finale that might otherwise have been overshadowed by other network events.
In many ways, the real “shocking” developments were less about Severide or Pascal, and more about the silent shifts behind the scenes—cast reductions, character reassignments, and long-term narrative pivots. The exit of Ritter and Carver leaves notable gaps in Firehouse 51’s team dynamic, while Stella’s pregnancy hints at a more personal, family-focused direction for at least one major storyline.
Looking Ahead: What Season 14 Might Bring
As the smoke clears from Season 13, questions linger. Will new characters be introduced to fill the void left by Carver and Ritter? Will Severide take on more leadership responsibilities as he prepares for fatherhood? And can Pascal truly restore trust within Firehouse 51 after such a scandal?
One thing is clear: Chicago Fire has lost none of its edge. With misdirection, high-stakes investigations, and heartfelt character moments, the series continues to find new ways to evolve. If Season 13 was any indication, fans should expect more twists, emotional depth, and perhaps the biggest fire yet—on both the job and at home.
