Chicago Fire kicked off its 12th season with an emotional premiere filled with tense reunions, surprise exits, and a major cliffhanger leaving the fate of one character unknown. Fans were eager to see the aftermath of last season’s dramatic finale that left Lieutenant Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) missing following an explosion on a boat. Meanwhile, paramedic Sylvie Brett (Kara Killmer) grappled with her unrequited love for Captain Matt Casey.
Severide Returns Amid Marriage Troubles
After months away, Severide made his long-awaited return in the opening minutes of the season 12 premiere. He informed Chief Boden that he had been recovering from injuries off the grid but failed to provide details on his whereabouts.
However, his homecoming was short-lived as wife Stella Kidd soon discovered Severide had secretly put down payments on a cabin and boat without consulting her:
“You make huge financial decisions without talking to me first? Do I even factor into your plans?” Kidd asked angrily.
Showrunner Andrea Newman promises there will be significant issues for the popular couple to work through:
“There’s still so much heat between them, but the trust is severely damaged after he takes off on sabbatical without telling her,” Newman said.
Brett and Casey’s Engagement Status Remains Unclear
Last season, Casey stunned fans by proposing to Brett over the radio right before the boat explosion. While Casey’s current whereabouts remain unknown, the premiere offered a cryptic update on their relationship status.
Brett ominously told her roommate that she had finally spoken to Casey but did not clarify if they were still engaged. Actress Kara Killmer recently announced her departure later this season, leaving fans worried the couple’s future is in jeopardy:
“All I can say is Sylvie has to make some tough choices. We’ll leave it at that,” showrunner Newman teased.
The episode concluded with Brett discovering she is pregnant but the father’s identity has not been revealed.
Gallo’s Sudden Firehouse Exit
| Character | Actor | Exit Details |
|---|---|---|
| Firefighter Blake Gallo | Alberto Rosende | Accepted an opportunity in a new city after struggling with Mouch’s near-death. His last episode was the season 12 premiere. |
In a surprise move, fan favorite Blake Gallo bid farewell to Firehouse 51 after recently getting promoted to lieutenant at the start of the episode.
Gallo struggled emotionally when squad member Mouch (Christian Stolte) barely survived a warehouse fire collapse that left him comatose for most of the episode. Showrunner Andrea Newman explained Gallo’s exit:
“Struggling with Mouch’s close call pushes Gallo to make some enormous life changes. He’s going to be succeeding in a new city. But Firehouse 51 will always be his home,” Newman said.
Gallo received goodbye hugs from Herrmann and Cruz as he headed off to his new opportunity with Engine 7.
Mouch Awakens But Herrmann Badly Injured
The premiere contained yet another startling cliffhanger as Mouch regained consciousness after nearly an entire episode spent comatose with little hope of surviving.
Overjoyed squad members immediately surrounded his hospital bed as he awakened. However, their relief was short-lived as the episode took a dark turn in its final minute.
A news reporter suddenly announced that Firefighter Christopher Herrmann had suffered devastating injuries while responding to a deadly high-rise blaze:
“We have just received an update that Firefighter Herrmann is being rushed into emergency surgery,” the reporter urgently relayed.
Herrmann’s fate will remain up in the air until the second episode, leaving fans distraught over potentially losing one of the show’s most beloved characters.
More Exits Possible As Season Progresses
With Gallo already gone and Brett confirmed to leave later this season, fans worry more cast shakeups could be coming. Rumors are swirling that Mouch may also exit after Christian Stolte recently listed his Chicago home for sale. Only time will tell how the events of the dramatic premiere will shape the rest of season 12.
Stay tuned each week as Chicago Fire airs Wednesday nights on NBC.
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