The Chicago Fire season 13 midseason premiere primarily focuses on Joe Cruz’s response to Junior’s release, but Kelly Severide also has a

storyline during the episode, and afterward, one can’t help but be worried about him. Taylor Kinney has starred as Severide in NBC’s

procedural drama since the very beginning. The actor’s Chicago Fire character has experienced many ups and downs throughout the past 13 years. Unfortunately, season 13, episode 9 seemingly sets up one of Severide’s setbacks.

Captain Tom Van Meter strides into Severide’s office to find him texting Stella, who is missing in Chicago Fire season 13, episode 9, due to her work on the Girls on Fire program. After the two men get their pleasantries out of the way, Van Meter explains why he’s really there. Lieutenant Goyette, an instructor at the academy, is taking an unexpected furlough, and Van Meter wants Severide to take over his class on fire investigation. Severide agrees, but he (and the rest of Firehouse 51) might come to regret that decision as the episodes continue.

Van Meter explains to Severide that Goyette might be out for a while, meaning Taylor Kinney’s Chicago Fire character is taking on a big commitment by teaching OFI classes. Chief Dom Pascal thinks Severide is juggling too much — federal arson investigations, OFI “detours,” leading Squad 3, and now, taking over a fire investigation seminar. Severide reassures Pascal that he can handle it, but the chief is skeptical, and he has a right to be.

The lieutenant agreed way too fast to Van Meter’s request, not thinking about the consequences. Severide’s eagerness isn’t surprising, though. He has always had a passion for OFI. Not to mention, when Severide sets his mind on something, it’s quite difficult to turn his head away from it. However, given Severide’s willingness to do anything when it comes to OFI and Pascal’s worries about him, the Chicago Fire season 13 character likely made a mistake by agreeing to take over Goyette’s class.

If Firehouse 51 doesn’t have Severide’s undivided attention in Chicago Fire season 13, they’ll be in trouble. As Pascal tells Severide at the end of episode 9, Severide’s leadership is important at the station. Many firefighters rely on him. So, Severide’s multiple OFI classes pulling him away from Firehouse 51 would undoubtedly affect many. It doesn’t help that Severide didn’t consult with anyone (like his wife or the chief) on the matter before saying yes to Van Meter. Perhaps some tension between Severide and the people close to him is in the cards for Chicago Fire season 13.