Miranda Rae Mayo’s Stella Kidd of Chicago Fire was missing in action in the early episodes of the series’ tenth season, starting from Episode 4, “The Right Thing,” up until Episode 8, “What Happened at Whiskey Point” – and received a “Credit Only” billing. She did a fleeting cameo in episode 9, “Winterfest,” aired in December 2021. The show went on winter break after that.
Fans were definitely worried at that point. Even casual fans knew that Lt. Kidd was a key player in the smokin’ hot action-drama. She first arrived in Season 4, and she immediately hooked every viewer and Taylor Kinney’s Kelly Severide. They were concerned with the impact on her relationship with Severide, especially since he had been getting close with Wendy Seager (Andy Allo).
However, that was immediately shut down by One Chicago Center, writing that there was no sign that a third-party issue had gone down. Thankfully, much to the relief of anxious fans, she came back in the next installment, “Winterfest.”
What was Stella Kidd Doing in the Four Episodes She Was Gone?
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Stella Kidd’s going M.I.A. was mainly because she was traveling to set up her “Girls on Fire” program. She had been experiencing pressure, and she leaned into what felt like home for her to cope. Additionally, it was fulfilling to do a project like this with women like her and where she really excelled.
During that time, she missed out on the opportunity to take over Matthew Casey’s (Jesse Spencer) role as leader of Truck 81. Chief Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker) filled it instead, and Jason Pelham (Brett Dalton) assumed the position.
However, it seemed like she wasn’t ready to take on that responsibility. In an interview with Parade, Mayo said that her character was a scrapper who was used to working and being in pursuit of something. Being a lieutenant was a different ball game because it essentially meant that if something were to happen, it would be on her.
As for her and Severide, Mayo assured fans she was committed to him. She called him the love of her life, and that was big. That is, even in difficult moments, she always chooses him. “You’re not always going to be sure, but what matters is if you show up, you continue to show up,” Mayo shared.
Was Her Absence Part of the Script?
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No, it wasn’t. According to showrunner Derek Haas, when he did “Meet Us at Molly’s” Q&A, Mayo had to take time off from the show due to health-related issues. He didn’t share any more details to show his respect for the actress’ privacy.
So, the whole team, especially the scriptwriters, was forced to adapt to the situation. They were rewriting scripts as the scenes were already being shot. However, he did clarify that it was not just her, as other cast members also had health-related incidents.
That was how Kidd’s Girls on Fire educational outreach program came to life.
Showrunner Andrea Newman said that getting thrown wrenches like that were beyond their control often works in lots of ways. In hindsight and from a glass-half-full perspective, it worked out for the best for Kidd’s character. The time away allowed her to evaluate her life with everything going on, from the next step to take with Severide and to being promoted to lieutenant.
What’s next?
Speaking with Jean Bentley of TV Guide ahead of her return on the show, Mayo said that she was so happy to be back because it was honestly her second home. She was also very happy with what they did for her storyline, and her character definitely had a lot of explaining to do, especially to Severide, who had been left feeling insecure.
Aside from that, she also had to readjust, settling back into her old life. That meant facing Pelham, who took over the position that initially should have been hers.
Catch Stella Kidd in Chicago Fire on NBC every Wednesday at 9/8c.