Chicago Fire, a beloved staple of NBC’s primetime lineup, has delivered years of captivating drama, heart-stopping

rescues, and compelling character dynamics. However, the looming baby storyline involving Kelly Severide and

Stella Kidd has already sparked a wave of apprehension among some viewers, including myself. While the news of

their impending parenthood should be a joyous occasion, the prospect of this particular plotline feels less like exciting character development and more like a predictable, and frankly, tiresome trope.

The Problem with Predictability

The introduction of a baby storyline often signals a shift in a show’s dynamic, and not always for the better. While it can provide opportunities for character growth and explore new facets of their lives, it can also lead to predictable and often clichéd narratives. The “will they/won’t they” tension of pregnancy scares, the struggles of balancing parenthood with a demanding career, and the inevitable “close calls” involving the baby are all well-worn tropes that have been played out countless times on television.

The Risk of Domesticating the Drama

One of the things that makes Chicago Fire so compelling is its focus on high-stakes situations, both in the professional and personal lives of its characters. Introducing a baby storyline risks domesticating the drama, shifting the focus away from the inherent dangers and complexities of firefighting and towards more mundane, everyday concerns. While these domestic moments can be relatable, they often lack the intensity and excitement that draw viewers to shows like Chicago Fire in the first place.

The Potential for Stagnation

Baby storylines can also lead to character stagnation. Instead of exploring new dimensions of their personalities, characters become defined primarily by their role as parents. Their storylines revolve around diaper changes, sleepless nights, and the challenges of raising a child, often at the expense of other, more interesting aspects of their lives. This can lead to a sense of predictability and make the characters feel less dynamic and engaging.

Kidd & Severide: A Case of Too Much, Too Soon?

While Stella Kidd and Kelly Severide are undoubtedly fan favorites, the timing of this baby storyline feels premature. Their relationship has already been through numerous ups and downs, and they’ve only recently solidified their commitment to each other. Introducing a baby so soon after their marriage feels rushed and risks overshadowing other potential avenues for their relationship to develop.

The Importance of Organic Growth

Relationships in television, like in real life, should evolve organically. Introducing a major life event like a pregnancy too quickly can feel forced and undermine the natural progression of the relationship. It can also create a sense of artificial drama, as writers struggle to find new and compelling conflicts within the confines of the baby storyline.

Missed Opportunities for Relationship Development

Kidd and Severide have a complex and fascinating dynamic. Their relationship is built on a foundation of mutual respect, passion, and a shared understanding of the dangers they face in their profession. There are still many unexplored facets of their relationship that could be mined for compelling drama, without resorting to the well-worn trope of a baby storyline.

What Could Have Been

Instead of a baby storyline, Chicago Fire could have explored other avenues for Kidd and Severide’s relationship. They could have delved deeper into the challenges of balancing their demanding careers with their personal lives, explored the impact of their shared experiences on their relationship, or even introduced new external conflicts that test their commitment to each other.

The Potential for Professional Conflict

Given their respective roles within Firehouse 51, there’s ample opportunity for professional conflict to arise between Kidd and Severide. Their differing leadership styles, their individual ambitions, and the inherent dangers of their job could all create compelling dramatic tension without resorting to the predictable dynamics of a baby storyline.

Exploring the Emotional Toll of the Job

Firefighters face traumatic situations on a regular basis, and the emotional toll of their job can have a significant impact on their personal relationships. Exploring how Kidd and Severide navigate these challenges together could provide for a more nuanced and emotionally resonant storyline than a typical baby plot.

A Plea for Originality

Ultimately, my apprehension about the Kidd and Severide baby storyline stems from a desire for originality. Chicago Fire has a talented writing team and a wealth of untapped potential for exploring new and exciting narratives. Resorting to tired tropes like the baby storyline feels like a missed opportunity to push the boundaries of the show and deliver truly compelling drama.

The Need for Fresh Perspectives

The long-term success of Chicago Fire depends on its ability to keep its storylines fresh and engaging. This requires a willingness to move beyond familiar tropes and embrace new and innovative approaches to storytelling. Introducing new writers, exploring different thematic territories, and focusing on character development are all crucial steps in this process.

Conclusion: Hope for the Future (Maybe)

While I’m already bracing myself for the predictable pitfalls of the Kidd and Severide baby storyline, I remain hopeful that Chicago Fire can surprise me. The show has proven its ability to deliver compelling drama in the past, and I’m willing to give them the benefit of the doubt. However, I urge the writers to consider the concerns of viewers who are already experiencing baby-story fatigue and to strive for more originality in their storytelling. The future of Chicago Fire depends on it.