The definitive end of Kelly Severide and Brittany Baker’s tumultuous relationship occurs in season 3, episode 13, “Three Bells.” While their marriage faced prior challenges, this episode marks the irreversible point, solidifying their separation.
The Final Chapter: “Three Bells” and Its Aftermath
Severide and Brittany’s relationship was never simple. Built on a whirlwind romance and complicated by their individual struggles, their marriage was tested from the start. Previous seasons hinted at underlying issues, but “Three Bells” finally brought everything to a head, exposing irreconcilable differences and forcing them to confront the reality that they weren’t meant to be together.
The episode revolves around a devastating fire that deeply affects the entire Firehouse 51 crew. In the midst of the tragedy, Severide grapples with his guilt and grief. Brittany, unable to connect with him in his emotional state and perhaps sensing a deeper shift in their relationship, makes the painful decision to leave. This isn’t a temporary separation; it’s a definitive breaking point, signaling the end of their marriage. The finality is emphasized by Brittany’s subsequent departure from Chicago. While she reappears later, their romantic connection is effectively severed in “Three Bells.”
Unpacking the Relationship: A Timeline of Trouble
Their initial attraction was undeniable, leading to a hasty marriage. However, the foundation was shaky. Distance, conflicting priorities, and Severide’s personal demons all contributed to the cracks that eventually led to their separation. Exploring these elements is crucial to understanding the context surrounding their breakup.
Initial Attraction and Marriage
The allure between Severide and Brittany was strong from the outset. Their shared experiences and mutual attraction led to a quick commitment, culminating in a surprise wedding. However, this impulsive decision, while romantic, bypassed the necessary steps for building a strong and lasting foundation.
Long-Distance Challenges
Brittany’s job often required her to travel extensively, creating significant distance between her and Severide. This physical separation inevitably put strain on their relationship, hindering their ability to connect and support each other through the challenges of daily life.
Severide’s Personal Struggles
Severide has always battled his own personal demons, including addiction and grief. These struggles often manifested as emotional distance and difficulty in maintaining healthy relationships. His internal battles further complicated his marriage with Brittany, preventing him from being fully present and supportive.
The Impact on Severide
The breakup with Brittany significantly impacted Severide. It forced him to confront his issues and re-evaluate his approach to relationships. While he has had other relationships since, the experience with Brittany likely shaped his future decisions and interactions.
Confronting His Issues
The end of his marriage served as a catalyst for Severide to address his underlying problems. He recognized the role his personal struggles played in the failure of the relationship, prompting him to seek help and work towards self-improvement.
Evolution of His Relationship Style
Following his divorce, Severide appeared to become more cautious and deliberate in his approach to relationships. The experience with Brittany taught him valuable lessons about communication, commitment, and the importance of a strong foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Severide and Brittany’s Breakup
Q1: Did Severide and Brittany divorce or just separate?
They officially divorced. While the show doesn’t explicitly depict the divorce proceedings, subsequent episodes confirm their marital status as divorced. Brittany’s later appearances do not reignite any romantic feelings, further reinforcing this fact.
Q2: What was Brittany’s profession that kept her away from Chicago?
Brittany was a global relief worker and blood bank specialist. Her work often took her to different countries and disaster zones, creating a significant geographical distance between her and Severide. This constant travel put a strain on their marriage.
Q3: Was Severide unfaithful to Brittany?
There is no explicit evidence or implication that Severide was unfaithful to Brittany during their marriage. The breakdown of their relationship stemmed more from distance, incompatibility, and Severide’s internal struggles rather than infidelity.
Q4: Did the fire in “Three Bells” directly cause Brittany to leave?
While the fire in “Three Bells” wasn’t the sole cause, it served as a catalyst. The tragedy highlighted the emotional distance between Severide and Brittany. She seemed unable to provide him with the support he needed during his grief, leading her to realize the deeper incompatibility of their marriage.
Q5: Does Brittany ever return to Chicago Fire after the divorce?
Yes, Brittany reappears later in the series, specifically in season 7, episode 19, “What I Saw.” However, her return is not to rekindle the romance with Severide but to assist with a medical crisis.
Q6: How did Severide react to Brittany’s return after the divorce?
Severide’s reaction to Brittany’s return was mature and respectful. There was no romantic tension; they interacted professionally and amicably. He appeared to have moved on from the relationship and was able to maintain a platonic connection with her.
Q7: Did the writers ever hint at Severide and Brittany getting back together after “Three Bells”?
No, the writers never hinted at a potential reconciliation. Brittany’s subsequent appearances were purely professional, and Severide’s relationships moved in different directions. The “Three Bells” episode served as a definitive conclusion to their romantic involvement.
Q8: What other relationships did Severide have after Brittany?
After Brittany, Severide had several significant relationships, notably with Anna Turner, Stella Kidd, and April Sexton (Chicago Med crossover). His relationship with Stella Kidd ultimately led to marriage.
Q9: Was there any animosity between Severide and Brittany after their divorce?
There was no visible animosity between them. During Brittany’s reappearance in season 7, they displayed a level of respect and understanding, indicating that they had moved past any bitterness or resentment.
Q10: Was Brittany’s departure due to the actress’s schedule or a storyline decision?
While actors’ schedules often influence storyline decisions, the departure of Brittany’s character seemed primarily driven by the narrative. The writers chose to explore the consequences of a whirlwind romance and the challenges of maintaining a relationship with conflicting lifestyles.
Q11: How did fans react to Severide and Brittany’s breakup?
Fan reactions were mixed. Some viewers sympathized with the difficulties they faced and understood the reasons for the breakup. Others were disappointed to see the relationship end, especially given the initial hope surrounding their marriage. Many felt Brittany was underdeveloped as a character.
Q12: Could Severide and Brittany have made their marriage work under different circumstances?
It’s possible, but unlikely. Their fundamental differences, particularly regarding lifestyle and emotional availability, posed significant challenges. Even under different circumstances, their long-term compatibility was questionable. Severide’s personal struggles, compounded by Brittany’s demanding career, created a foundation that was difficult to sustain.