Chicago Fire Season 13’s Divisive Return Shows NBC Wasted Severide’s Most Promising Relationship
Chicago Fire season 13 just reignited one of its most emotional storylines, but in doing so, it also reminded fans how badly NBC mishandled one of Kelly Severide’s most meaningful relationships in years. Episode 9 brought back Jack Damon (Michael Bradway), Severide’s secret half-brother — and while the reunion was brief, it reopened old wounds for viewers still frustrated by how abruptly Damon’s story was cut short.
Severide and Jack Damon Reunite at OFI
Episode 9 delivered a surprise when Severide (Taylor Kinney) took on a temporary role as an instructor at the Office of Fire Investigation. To his shock, one of his students turned out to be none other than his estranged brother, Jack Damon.
For those who need a refresher: Jack was first introduced in season 12 as the secret son of Severide’s father, Benny. Their early dynamic was rocky but promising — an awkward, emotional attempt at brotherhood between two men shaped by the same complicated father. Despite the tension, Severide welcomed Jack into Firehouse 51, helping him navigate the job and earn the crew’s trust.
But that promising storyline was cut short when Jack suddenly clashed with Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and defied orders, forcing interim Chief Dom Pascal to fire him. The decision effectively ended Severide’s only ongoing family arc outside of his marriage.
Now, in season 13, Jack reappears in Severide’s class, and though the brothers remain cordial, fans were quick to point out how rushed and inconsistent their storyline feels — the result of what many call “Chicago Fire’s most wasted character in years.”
Why Jack Damon’s Exit Still Frustrates Fans
Jack’s firing might have made sense within the episode, but narratively, it was a huge missed opportunity. His storyline offered Severide something he’s lacked for several seasons: genuine emotional depth outside his romance with Kidd or his duties at Firehouse 51.
By exploring the bond between two men raised in very different circumstances but bound by the same flawed father, Chicago Fire could’ve built an arc filled with reflection, redemption, and long-overdue healing.
Instead, Damon’s personality took a sudden turn — from eager and respectful rookie to rebellious rulebreaker — before he was written out entirely. The transition felt abrupt, leaving many viewers confused and disappointed.
As one fan wrote online, “Jack and Severide had the potential to give us another Boden-Casey-style dynamic, but NBC killed it before it even started.”
Why His Return Matters for Severide’s Character
Season 13’s brief reunion at OFI may be short-lived, but it opens the door for more meaningful storytelling. Damon’s reappearance gives Severide a chance to confront his family legacy again — and perhaps even question how much of Benny’s flawed traits live on in himself.
The two sharing the screen also highlights just how isolated Severide has become. With best friend Matt Casey gone and Boden’s role reduced, Severide’s personal connections have dwindled. Reintroducing Jack could fix that, grounding him emotionally in a way the show hasn’t explored since Casey’s exit.
And judging by their warm exchange during Herrmann and Mouch’s celebration party, there’s room for redemption. Damon still has ties to the crew — even with Chief Pascal — and his return could restore one of the few genuine family arcs the show has left.
NBC’s Missed Opportunity
The return of Jack Damon proves what fans already knew: this was a relationship worth saving. Severide’s mentorship, family tension, and unspoken guilt made their story one of Chicago Fire’s most emotionally layered in years. Cutting it short robbed both characters of growth — and viewers of a rare, grounded subplot amidst the chaos of rescues and emergencies.
If NBC wants to recapture Chicago Fire’s original heart, bringing Damon back permanently might be the way to do it. After all, family has always been the soul of Firehouse 51 — and for Severide, that story is far from over.