The Chicago Fire season 13 finale, “It Had to End This Way,” lives up to its title with a mixture of emotional reunions, unresolved departures, and a major life twist that could redefine the heart of Firehouse 51. While the episode juggles multiple threads, each one circles back to the core of the series — the deep, messy, and fiercely loyal relationships that make 51 more than just a firehouse.
Heading into the finale, fans already knew that Jake Lockett (Sam Carver) and Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter) were confirmed to leave the show. What no one expected was that their exits would be left hanging. Instead of grand send-offs or heartfelt speeches, the two remain firmly part of 51 — for now.
It’s an odd choice, especially since both characters still have storylines rich with potential. Ritter’s steady leadership and Carver’s redemption arc deserved more closure than a quiet fade-out. Carver’s sudden relapse and decision to apply for a transfer to Denver feel like narrative shortcuts rather than character-driven choices. His justification — that staying in Chicago threatens his sobriety — rings hollow for a man surrounded by teammates who’ve done nothing but support him.
That said, his rekindled romance with Violet adds emotional complexity to his arc, giving Chicago Fire season 14 plenty of ground to build on — if both characters actually stick around.
If there’s one emotional payoff the finale delivers, it’s the revelation that Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) is pregnant. For years, fans have watched her and
While the pregnancy reveal comes out of nowhere, it’s still a satisfying way to move their story forward after the stalled adoption plotline. However, the show never properly addressed Kidd’s long-standing doubts about motherhood. Given her difficult childhood, her abrupt excitement feels like a rushed turnaround rather than genuine growth.
Still, Chicago Fire has always excelled when it lets its couples wrestle with real emotional conflict. Watching Stellaride navigate pregnancy — and the fear, joy, and old wounds that come with it — could make for some of the most honest storytelling yet in season 14.
The finale also reinforces Chief Pascal’s role at Firehouse 51, though not without friction. Mouch (Christian Stolte) and Herrmann (David Eigenberg)
remain the heart of the station — their friendship, humor, and unshakable loyalty keep the team grounded.
While Pascal’s presence adds new energy, his integration into the tight-knit group still feels forced. The chemistry that defines Firehouse 51 can’t be manufactured overnight, and for Pascal to truly fit in, he’ll need to earn his stripes in season 14.
Even as the show cycles through leadership changes, character exits, and new romances, Chicago Fire continues to thrive on emotional authenticity. Every major plot twist — from Carver’s inner demons to Stellaride’s life-changing news — is ultimately about connection, loss, and resilience.
The finale closes not with a fiery explosion, but with quiet tension — the kind that makes you hold your breath and wonder what’s next.
“It Had to End This Way” isn’t the most explosive
Firehouse 51 may be facing delayed heartbreak — but its heart still beats strong.
Miranda Lambert’s Husband Wishes Her A Happy Birthday (Instagram/@BrendanMcLoughlin)
Miranda Lambert is celebrating another year older and wiser. The country singer recently turned 42-years-young!
Her sweet husband, Brendan McLoughlin, shared a heartfelt post in honor of her big day.
“Happy Birthday to the most loving, talented and caring person I’ve ever met @mirandalambert,” he wrote. “The world is a better place because of you. I love you and I hope you have an amazing birthday. 42 looks good on you.”
Brendan shared a photo carousel of Miranda’s favorite memories — riding horses, hitting the golf course, and spending time fishing.
“You show me every day how fearless you are, how willing you are to jump into things even if it may take you out of your comfort zone,” he gushed.
“Thanks honey I love you,” Lambert replied in the comments.
Miranda and Brendan met in late 2018 when she was performing on Good Morning America
and he was working nearby as an NYPD officer. They married just a few months later, in January 2019, and announced their marriage publicly that February.
At the time, fans had no idea Miranda Lambert was in a relationship. She and Brendan kept their romance, and even their wedding, completely private for about a month.
On Valentine’s Day 2019, Lambert surprised everyone by revealing the news in an Instagram post, sharing a photo from their wedding and writing that she had “met the love of [her] life.”
Brendan has been one of his wife’s biggest supporters through the years. He’s even stepped into the country music world himself, helping her write the song “Dammit Randy,” which is featured on her latest album,