Chicago Fire season 12 is losing an original cast member in a jaw-dropping development, but it also has negative implications for Severide & Kidd’s future. In a year already riddled with so many cast departures, One Chicago may have saved the biggest one last. Firehouse 51 has gone through several rounds of casting changes in a shortened year with the exits of Blake Gallo, Sylvie Brett, and Derrick Gibson. Until now, the team is still trying to fill the respective voids that each of them left, and it’s proving to be more difficult than they initially perceived.

Somehow, however, all of those losses feel inconsequential compared to Firehouse 51’s next departure. As confirmed, Eammon Walker’s Chief Wallace Boden is leaving at the end of Chicago Fire season 12. Specifics about how he would be written out are still tightly under wraps, but there’s no denying that he will leave a massive void in the first-responder procedural. Not only has he been an original character, but he has also been Firehouse 51’s leader from the get-go. Beyond his arc, however, Chief Boden’s nearing exit will have ramifications for Severide and Kidd’s story, and not in a good way.

Boden’s Chicago Fire Exit Positions Severide To Be The Next Firehouse 51 Chief

Severide Has The Experience And Leadership Skills To Replace Boden

After Boden leaves, Firehouse 51’s Deputy District Chief slot will be up for grabs. While someone new may come in to take over the role, Severide is in the perfect position to succeed his boss and long-time mentor. Like Boden, Severide has been with the house since the beginning of One Chicago, and considering its in-house culture, it would be for the best if the team’s new leader is familiar with them. It’s also a great way to rejuvenate Severide’s arc, which has either been stagnant or something OFI-related for quite a while.

This big promotion could be the substantial development that showrunner Andrea Newman teases for Severide and Kidd in the Chicago Fire season 12 finale. It means that theories about the pair potentially starting a family as the next step in their marriage aren’t coming to fruition. Kidd and Severide have been married for a couple of years now, but because of Taylor Kinney’s unexpected leave of absence until the Chicago Fire season 11 finale, there hasn’t been any significant movement in their relationship, and it seems like fans will have to wait a while longer for it.

Severide’s Possible New Position Makes Starting A Family Soon With Kidd Less Likely

Firehouse 51 Will Need Severide & Kidd’s Leadership After It Loses Boden.

Not that Kidd and Severide can’t try to have kids during this time, but considering this difficult transition period, it’s healthier to hold off expanding their family until things have settled in Firehouse 51. Because of the many Chicago Fire season 12 exits, the couple’s personal life hasn’t been focused on, and there hasn’t been any indication that they’re even considering having kids anytime soon. Having children is a big step forward for their relationship — something that cannot happen unexpectedly, especially in light of their recent conflict. Unless Chicago Fire wants to continue putting Kidd and Severide through the wringer.