Chicago Fire season 13, episode 20 pushes Stellaride to their emotional limits with a failed adoption and Firehouse 51 faces looming staff cuts. Drama, tension, and life-changing decisions collide.
Season 13 of Chicago Fire hasn’t pulled any punches, and episode 20, titled “Cut Me Open”, delivers an emotionally intense chapter centered around Stellaride‘s personal struggle, while Firehouse 51 faces institutional threats that could alter its future. With a narrative balancing hope and heartbreak, this episode puts beloved characters through the wringer in classic One Chicago fashion.
Right from the start, it’s clear that Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) are ready to take a huge step: becoming parents through adoption. What begins as a carefully planned process quickly spirals into urgency when Jade, the woman who had agreed to give up her baby, goes into labor before completing the paperwork.
A Life-Changing Decision Amid Emergencies and Revelations
Jade’s sudden hospital arrival triggers a series of tense moments. As the rest of the 51 team continues their duties, Kidd and Severide must meet Jade and convince her they’re the right choice. But Dr. Hannah Asher (Jessy Schram) delivers troubling news: Jade has recently used opioids, raising immediate concerns about the baby’s health and shifting the emotional dynamic.
Stella, always strong-willed, is determined to move forward despite the complications. Severide, however, voices caution, noting the emotional and physical toll of raising a potentially at-risk child. In a heartfelt twist, Kidd reveals she once battled addiction herself, underscoring her empathy and desire to offer the baby a new start.
The moment escalates when Jade’s water breaks, leading to an emergency C-section. Although the baby is born alive, the test for opioids comes back positive. In a heartbreaking but understandable turn, Jade decides not to give the baby up for adoption, leaving Stellaride devastated—especially after the firehouse had already purchased toys and a car seat to welcome the child.
Herrmann Under Pressure: Staff Cuts Loom Over 51
While Kidd and Severide face a personal crisis, Lieutenant Herrmann (David Eigenberg) is thrown into an institutional battle. A performance auditor arrives to evaluate Firehouse 51, raising the threat of staff cuts. With key team members absent, Herrmann must prove the station’s value under intense scrutiny.
During a tense rescue operation, Herrmann successfully saves a man trapped in a vent—with the auditor watching closely. Despite the success, he’s questioned for deviating from standard procedure. Alongside Ritter (Daniel Kyri) and Jack Damon (Michael Bradway), Herrmann conducts rigorous drills to demonstrate the crew’s preparedness. The intense effort leaves the auditor exhausted and unable to keep up.
Nevertheless, the outcome is grim: the auditor reports that cuts will proceed, naming Herrmann and Mouch (Christian Stolte) as the most likely to be dismissed due to their age. The announcement casts a shadow over the firehouse, setting up high-stakes drama for the episodes ahead.
Is This the End of the Road for Stellaride?
The episode closes on a poignant note as Kidd and Severide return home without the baby. Despite the heartbreak, their teammates gather to support them, promising to save the toys and car seat for when their time comes. As Kidd and Severide know, their story isn’t over yet.
“Cut Me Open” shines for its ability to weave deeply personal moments with broader professional challenges, offering a layered look at the sacrifices and vulnerabilities of the Firehouse 51 crew. Chicago Fire reminds us once again that it’s not just about fires and rescues—it’s about the people who are willing to give their all, both in and out of uniform.
Looking for the best deals on Amazon products? Look no further! We have handpicked some of the most popular and top-rated products available on the platform. Click to see the collection.
