Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from Chicago Fire season 13, episode 9, “A Favor.”
After almost a two-month hiatus,Chicago Fireseason 13 returns with new episodes in early 2025, but its midseason premiere is missing one of the show’s main characters — Stella Kidd, played by Miranda Rae Mayo. Stella joined Firehouse 51 in season 4 and has been one of its most integral firefighters ever since. Now,inChicago Fireseason 13,Stella is the lieutenant in charge of Truck 81.Despite her importance, she is mysteriously absent in episode 9, “A Favor.”
New episodes ofChicago Fireseason 13 (which will have 22 episodes total) air on Wednesdays at 9 pm ET on NBC.
BeforeChicago Fireseason 13’s winter 2025 return, the previous episode ended with Cruz coming face-to-face with Flaco’s cousin, Junior, who had just gotten out of prison. Flaco was the leader of a gang Cruz’s brother was associated with in season 1, and he’s also the man Cruz left to die in a fire. So,during season 13, episode 9, Junior blackmails Cruz.Elsewhere in the hour, Herrmann and Mouch learn they passed their respective CFD exams, and Novak’s scheming results in Violet and Carver easing the tension between them. Through it all, though, Stella is nowhere to be found.
Stella Kidd Is In Baltimore For Girls On Fire
Pascal Explains Kidd’s Absence In The Chicago Fire Season 13 Midseason Premiere
At the beginning ofChicago Fireseason 13, episode 9, Firehouse 51 briefly celebrates Herrmann and Mouch for passing their tests before getting down to business. During the morning meeting,Chief Pascal explains how Stella is in Baltimore, Maryland, working on her Girls on Fire program.Since she’s gone, the chief brings in a floater firefighter (Chippy) and appoints Mouch as Truck 81’s temporary lieutenant. Just asSeveride was missing during theChicago Fireseason 13 fall finale, Stella is absent in the midseason premiere. The couple can’t seem to catch a break.
It’s assumed Stella remains in Baltimore for the duration of the episode.
Speaking of Severide, Kinney’sChicago Fireseason 13 character also addresses Stella’s whereabouts in episode 9. Captain Van Meter visits Severide in his office, who has just received texts from his wife.Severide explains to the captain that Stella sent him pictures of the new Girls of Fire camp in Baltimore,which both men compliment. However, after that, it’s assumed Stella remains in Baltimore for the duration of the episode.
When Is Mayo’s Kidd Coming Back To Chicago Fire?
Kidd Returns In Episode 10
The good news is that Stella’s absence is temporary as Miranda Rae Mayo is expected to reprise her role inChicago Fireseason 13, episode 10, “Chaos Theory.” The actress is listed in the credits for “Chaos Theory” onIMDb. Plus,the episode’s synopsis spoils Stella’s returnas she seemingly has an important story in the upcoming hour.
Chicago Fire Season 13 Is Really Failing Its Casey & Brett Replacement
Following Casey and Brett’s exit in Chicago Fire season 12, the NBC procedural drama has made their replacement clear, but the show is misusing them.
Episode 10’s teaser reads,“Kidd helps a teacher going through a post-incident spin-out.“SinceChicago Fireseason 13 will explore Stella’s backstory, it stands to reason that her next arc starts in “Chaos Theory.” So, viewers should expect to see Mayo for the remainder of the season, unless the producers have planned for the actress to sit out another episode.
The Real Reason Mayo’s Kidd Is Absent In Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 9
Other Actors Have Also Been Missing This Season
NBC hasn’t revealed the behind-the-scenes reason Stella is missing fromChicago Fireseason 13, episode 9. However, one can infer why the character is absent. PerDeadline,FBIandFBI: Most Wantedarelowering the minimum episode guarantees for their respective main cast members,andChicago Fireis undoubtedly following suit.Herrmann was the firstChicago Fireseason 13 character to be absentin an episode or two, followed by Severide in the fall finale and Stella in the midseason premiere.
Katelynn Shennett
Kylie Estevez
All threeOne ChicagoTV showsare seemingly following this protocol to reduce their budgets. For example, Burgess was missing during theChicago PDseason 12 premiere, later returning in episode 3. Stella’s absence inChicago Fireseason 13, episode 9 isMayo simply taking her turn to sit on the sidelines as part of the cast-rotating initiative.As the season goes on, more main characters will likely be missing in specific episodes, but it’s unclear who is a part of the rotation and when their turn will come inChicago Fireseason 13.
Chicago Fire
Cast
Chicago Fire follows the lives of firefighters, rescue squad members, and paramedics of Firehouse 51 in Chicago as they face professional and personal challenges, showcasing their dedication, teamwork, and resilience.
