Two Down, How Many to Go? Navigating the Departure of Ritter and Carver from Firehouse 51
The news that Chicago Fire would be bidding farewell to two series regulars, firefighters Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri) and Sam Carver (Jake Lockett), at the end of Season 13 sent ripples of disappointment through the fanbase. Both characters, having carved out their own niches within Firehouse 51, will leave a void. As the season hurtles towards its finale, the burning question on everyone’s mind is: how will Chicago Fire write them out? Given the show’s penchant for dramatic exits and its commitment to both realism and emotional impact, here are four potential ways Ritter and Carver could leave, culminating in what seems like the most probable scenario.
1. The “Happily Ever After” Departure: A Peaceful Send-Off
In a less dramatic turn, both Ritter and Carver could find fulfilling opportunities outside of Firehouse 51 that lead to their departure.
- Ritter’s Romance Rekindled: Given the established storyline of Ritter’s relationship with his boyfriend Dwayne, a potential exit could involve Dwayne receiving a significant job opportunity out of state, with Ritter deciding to prioritize their relationship and move with him. This would offer a bittersweet but ultimately happy ending for Ritter, allowing him to find personal fulfillment outside of firefighting.
- Carver’s Fresh Start: Carver’s journey has been marked by his struggles with sobriety and his complicated feelings for Violet. A less tragic exit could see Carver realizing he needs a fresh start, perhaps moving back to his family in Texas to confront his past or finding a different path that supports his sobriety journey away from the intense pressures of Firehouse 51.
While these scenarios offer a sense of closure and allow the characters to leave on a positive note, Chicago Fire often leans towards more impactful and emotionally charged exits, making these less likely as the primary send-off.
2. The Career Change: New Paths Beyond Firehouse 51
Both Ritter and Carver could pursue different career paths that take them away from Firehouse 51.
- Ritter’s Unexpected Calling: Ritter, with his kind heart and growing maturity, might discover a passion for a different kind of service, perhaps in education or community outreach. An opportunity could arise that aligns with these newfound interests, leading him to make the difficult decision to leave the firehouse.
- Carver’s Skillset Diversion: Carver’s background and more solitary nature could lead him to explore a specialized field that utilizes his unique skills outside of the traditional firefighting structure. This could involve joining a specialized rescue team or even leveraging his experiences in a different kind of emergency response.
While plausible, these exits might feel somewhat abrupt, especially given the established dedication both characters have shown towards their roles at Firehouse 51.
3. The “Heroic Exit”: Sacrifices in the Line of Duty
Chicago Fire has never shied away from the ultimate sacrifice. Writing out Ritter or Carver through a heroic death in the line of duty would undoubtedly be a powerful and emotionally resonant way to mark their departure.
- A Final Act of Bravery: In a dramatic rescue during the Season 13 finale, either Ritter or Carver could make a selfless decision that ultimately costs them their life, saving a civilian or a fellow firefighter. This would solidify their legacy as heroes within Firehouse 51 and leave a lasting impact on the remaining characters and the audience.
While this approach guarantees a significant emotional response, writing out two regular characters in such a tragic manner might be seen as overly bleak, even for Chicago Fire. However, the show’s history suggests this possibility cannot be entirely ruled out, particularly for creating a high-stakes finale cliffhanger.
4. The “Linked Departure”: A Shared Fate or Decision (The Most Likely Scenario)
Given the budgetary reasons cited for their departure, a scenario where Ritter and Carver’s exits are intertwined or driven by a shared circumstance seems the most probable.
- A Transfer or Downsizing: The “efficiency expert” evaluating Firehouse 51, as mentioned in the synopsis for a recent episode, could play a role. A potential storyline could involve budget cuts forcing the transfer of both Ritter and Carver to a different, less prominent firehouse within Chicago. This would explain their absence without resorting to drastic measures like death or sudden, out-of-character career changes. While not offering a definitive “happy ending,” it provides a logical reason for their departure within the show’s reality.
- A Joint Decision Based on Shared Experience: Carver’s struggles with sobriety and Ritter’s often understated support for him could lead to a joint decision. Perhaps Carver decides he needs a fresh start away from the pressures of Firehouse 51, and Ritter, demonstrating his loyalty and care, chooses to go with him to offer support. This would provide a more emotionally driven reason for their simultaneous departure.
- A Dangerous Incident Leading to a Shared Choice: It’s also possible that both Ritter and Carver are involved in a significant incident during the finale that leads them to re-evaluate their careers and decide to leave Firehouse 51 together, perhaps seeking less dangerous or demanding paths.
The “linked departure” scenario, particularly the transfer or a joint decision based on Carver’s sobriety, appears to be the most likely way Chicago Fire will write out Ritter and Carver. It addresses the need for their absence while allowing for potential future guest appearances and fitting within the show’s established tone without resorting to unnecessary tragedy for both characters.
Conclusion: Saying Farewell with Realism and a Touch of Heartbreak
As Chicago Fire Season 13 draws to a close, the departure of Darren Ritter and Sam Carver will undoubtedly leave a void at Firehouse 51. While various scenarios could explain their absence, the most probable route involves a linked departure, driven by either budgetary constraints leading to a transfer or a shared decision related to Carver’s ongoing struggles. While fans will surely miss their presence, the way Chicago Fire navigates these exits will be crucial in setting the stage for Season 14 and the continued evolution of Firehouse 51. The hope is for a send-off that honors their contributions to the team while acknowledging the realities of the show’s production.
