Chicago Fire Needs to Let Severide Go Out With a Bang

Summary:

• Chicago Fire is an NBC procedural drama that is now in its 12th season.
• Taylor Kinney, who portrays Kelly Severide, was absent for most of season 11 and has now disappeared again in season 12.
• Fans believe that Severide's storylines have been exhausted and he needs either a shake-up or a departure.

Saying goodbye to your favorite characters is never pleasant. Even if they get a happy ending, fans are left confused and unsure of how the show will move forward without their involvement. Chicago Fire viewers know this pain firsthand, as season 12 will be the last for two key cast members.

Alberto Rosende, who played firefighter Blake Gallo, said goodbye to viewers and members of his team in the season premiere episode. Kara Killmer, known to fans as Sylvie Brett, will mark her final episode with a much-anticipated wedding to Matt Casey on February 28.

Despite how much sadness the audience is already feeling and preparing for, there is one more character whose formal presence is no longer a relief. Unless Kelly Severide plans to return to Firehouse 51 full-time, it's time to wave goodbye to him as well.

Is Taylor Kinney Back to Chicago Fire?

When news first broke of Taylor Kinney's mysterious departure from Chicago Fire, fans were incredibly shocked and a little frustrated. His character, Kelly Severide, has been the focus of many viewers since the departure of Matt Casey. Many wondered how the production would survive the season without him.

Chicago Fire found a way to write around the absence of its key player, but it came at a high price. Season 11, in which Kelly Severide barely showed his face, wasn't the biggest or most exciting in terms of storyline. Most of the episodes felt like filler, but fans remained patient and waited for good news.

The celebration of Severide's return for season 12 did not last long, however. While it was nice to see Taylor Kinney back in uniform, he disappeared as soon as the season began, and that did not sit well with the audience.

Whatever is keeping Taylor Kinney away from the Chicago Fire, the fans have respected it, just as they would respect his decision to leave. What they cannot get behind, however, is false advertising and half-hearted commitments. Kelly Severide, who is loved by so many, deserves more than three lines and constant bickering with his wife.

The passion that so many Chicago Fire fans have for Severide seems to be slowly turning into annoyance. Now that he is barely on the show and all of his storylines seem to be disappearing, there is no real point in keeping him around. Such an iconic character deserves an equally iconic ending.

If you want to see what Chicago Fire has in store for Kelly Severide and the rest of Firehouse 51 for the rest of season 12, tune in to NBC every Wednesday.