Chicago Fire fans were treated to a major twist in the Season 12 finale, revealing new details about the complicated legacy of Benny Severide.
The episode focused on saying goodbye to Chief Boden, played by Eamonn Walker, who had been a father figure on the show since its inception. As one father figure was honored, the storyline also delved into the darker aspects of fatherhood, specifically through Benny Severide’s influence.
Benny Severide, portrayed by the late Treat Williams, was a former firefighter on Squad 4 and the father of Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney). Benny’s character significantly, albeit tumultuous, impacted Kelly’s life and career. Benny’s career in the fire department often interfered with his relationship with his son, leading to a complex and strained dynamic.
In Season 7, Benny died of a stroke, which allowed Kelly to find some closure regarding their fraught relationship. This development marked an important turning point for Kelly, who had struggled with his father’s legacy and the shadow it cast over his own career. Watch a clip from the funeral below:
A New Twist: Jack Damon as Benny’s Son
The Season 12 finale introduced a shocking revelation: firefighter Jack Damon claimed to be another son of Benny Severide, making him Kelly’s brother or half-brother. This revelation adds a new layer of complexity to the Severide family history.
Jack’s disclosure to Kelly was triggered by a harrowing call involving a brother possibly burning another brother, which deeply affected both Sam Carver and Jack Damon. The emotional resonance of this call led Jack to reveal his connection to Benny, further complicating Kelly’s understanding of his family.
Implications for Season 13
This twist sets the stage for intriguing developments in Season 13. If Jack’s claim is true, it not only expands Kelly’s family but also brings new dynamics into play, especially considering that Kelly’s wife, Stella Kidd, is Jack’s boss and now potentially his sister-in-law. This familial revelation will likely be a significant plotline in the upcoming season, exploring how Kelly deals with the legacy of his father and the emergence of a new family member.
The show’s handling of Benny’s legacy, particularly through Kelly’s eulogy at his funeral, painted a more nuanced picture of Benny, acknowledging his flaws while also highlighting the impact he had on those around him. This balanced portrayal helped to humanize Benny, moving beyond the villainous aspects of his character’s storyline.
Benny Severide’s influence continues to loom large over Chicago Fire, even after his death. The revelation of Jack Damon as potentially another son of Benny adds a new chapter to the Severide family saga, promising more emotional and dramatic developments in Season 13. Fans can expect more exploration of Kelly’s past and how he navigates these new family dynamics as the series progresses.
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(CHICAGO FIRE — “Never Say Goodbye” Episode 12013 — Pictured: Eamonn Walker as Chief Wallace Boden — Photo by: Adrian S Burrows Sr/NBC)
