The Curious Case of the Missing Goodbyes: What Really Happened to ‘Chicago Fire’ Season 13’s Confirmed Character Exits?
Leading up to the Chicago Fire Season 13 finale, “It Had to End This Way,” news had broken that two beloved characters, Sam Carver (Jake Lockett) and Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri), were set to depart Firehouse 51 as series regulars. This pre-finale revelation caused a significant stir among the fanbase, as both characters had become integral parts of the team and had developed compelling storylines. Fans braced themselves for emotional farewells, perhaps even tragic ones, akin to past Chicago Fire departures.
However, the Season 13 finale aired, and to the surprise of many, neither Carver nor Ritter had a definitive, clean-cut exit. While a groundwork for Carver’s potential departure was laid, Ritter’s situation remained largely unaddressed. This discrepancy between the widely reported “confirmed exits” and the actual on-screen events has left viewers wondering: what exactly happened?
The Pre-Finale Buzz: Budget Cuts and Character Shifts
Reports circulating before the finale indicated that Jake Lockett and Daniel Kyri would not return as series regulars for Season 14. These departures were widely attributed to budgetary cuts across NBC and the broader TV industry, suggesting that the decisions were not primarily creative, but financial. This news naturally saddened fans who had grown to love Carver’s complex journey of sobriety and his budding romance with Violet, and Ritter’s steady, compassionate presence as a firefighter and dispatcher.
The expectation was that the finale would provide a clear and emotional send-off for both characters, likely involving a transfer, a move out of Chicago, or even a more dramatic, permanent exit. The question became: how would Firehouse 51 say goodbye to two key members of its family?
Carver’s Ambiguous Goodbye: Love, Sobriety, and Denver
The finale certainly addressed Carver’s situation, but in a way that left his future tantalizingly ambiguous rather than definitively concluding it. Carver had been on a journey of sobriety throughout the season, even spending time in rehab. He revealed to Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) that he had applied for a position at the Denver Fire Department, believing that a change of scenery and a fresh start away from Chicago was necessary for him to maintain his sobriety.
This seemed like a plausible, albeit heartbreaking, exit plan for Carver. However, the episode’s closing moments delivered a significant twist. Despite his stated intention to move, Carver showed up outside Violet’s apartment. They shared a passionate kiss, and both confessed their love for each other: “I love you, Violet,” Carver said, to which she tearfully replied, “I love you, too.” The scene ended with them locked in an embrace, basking in their newfound, albeit complicated, happiness.
This left fans wondering:
- Is he still going to Denver? The passionate confession of love certainly suggested a desire to stay.
- Will they attempt a long-distance relationship? This is a common trope in Chicago Fire for characters whose actors take a step back (e.g., Casey and Brett).
- Will Violet follow him? While less likely given her established career and life in Chicago, her deep feelings for him might lead her to consider it.
Showrunner Andrea Newman addressed Carver’s situation, telling NBC Insider that while “we may not have Carver full-time next season, but we may have him for a bunch of it too.” She added that “there’s a lot left to figure out between [Violet and Carver].” This confirms that Lockett may not be a series regular, but the door is deliberately left open for his return in a recurring capacity, allowing their romance to continue playing out. Carver’s struggle with sobriety, and the idea that staying in Chicago is a “triggering experience” for him, provides a realistic and complex reason for his potential absence, while the love story keeps him connected.
Ritter’s Unexplained Presence: The Silence of the Finale
In stark contrast to Carver’s storyline, Darren Ritter’s confirmed exit was not addressed at all in the Season 13 finale. Ritter was present throughout the episode, performing his duties, interacting with his colleagues, and even participating in the lighter moments. There was no mention of a transfer, a new job, a move, or any kind of farewell. He simply remained a part of Firehouse 51.
This complete lack of explanation for Ritter’s reported departure left many viewers utterly bewildered. Given that news of his exit had been circulating alongside Carver’s, the absence of any on-screen acknowledgment was a significant oversight for some. It means that if Ritter is indeed gone from Firehouse 51 in Season 14, his absence will have to be explained retrospectively in the premiere, potentially with a simple line of dialogue rather than a dedicated storyline.
Showrunner Andrea Newman also spoke to TVLine about Ritter’s non-exit, revealing that it was intentional: “We want to give them some good, surprising moments and goodbyes, and then maybe hellos later down the line.” This suggests that the show is keeping its options open for Ritter’s character, potentially bringing him back for guest appearances in the future, similar to how they handle other fan-favorite characters who have moved on. The ambiguity allows for maximum flexibility.
Why the Discrepancy?
The difference in how Carver and Ritter’s reported exits were handled likely comes down to several factors:
- Storyline Readiness: Carver’s sobriety arc and his romance with Violet provided a natural, dramatic context for a potential departure. The groundwork was already laid for a move away for health reasons, making it easier to integrate into the finale. Ritter’s character, while beloved, didn’t have a pre-existing storyline that neatly led to an immediate exit.
- Actor Availability/Negotiations: While initial reports might have confirmed their full departure as regulars, subsequent negotiations or changes in actor availability could have led to different outcomes. The showrunners might have secured agreements for recurring roles, allowing for more graceful “goodbyes” rather than abrupt disappearances.
- Creative Decisions and Flexibility: Chicago Fire has a long history of characters coming and going. The showrunners might prefer to leave an open door for characters rather than killing them off or giving them definitive, impossible-to-reverse exits. This provides flexibility for future storylines and allows for nostalgic guest appearances.
- Budgetary Realities vs. Narrative Demands: While budget cuts were cited, the writers might have found a way to accommodate the actors in a reduced capacity (e.g., recurring instead of regular) to avoid completely severing ties with popular characters, especially when the narrative didn’t demand an immediate, final exit.
The Impact on Firehouse 51 in Season 14
The ambiguous nature of these “exits” means Firehouse 51’s roster for Season 14 remains somewhat in flux:
- Potential Gaps: If Carver and Ritter are indeed reduced to recurring roles or completely absent, Firehouse 51 will have significant gaps to fill. This could lead to new recruits, a common occurrence on the show, which brings fresh blood and new dynamics.
- Violet’s Arc: Carver’s potential absence will heavily impact Violet’s storyline. Her “I love you” confession sets up a major emotional journey for her, whether it’s a long-distance relationship, a heartbreak, or a decision to follow him.
- Squad and Engine Dynamics: Both Carver (Squad 3) and Ritter (Engine 51) are integral to their respective teams. Their reduced presence will affect the day-to-day operations and camaraderie within those units.
Conclusion: A Soft Landing for Reported Departures
The Chicago Fire Season 13 finale defied expectations regarding its confirmed character exits. Instead of definitive farewells for Sam Carver and Darren Ritter, the show opted for ambiguous transitions, leaving the door wide open for their potential returns. While Carver’s storyline provided a clear, albeit complicated, reason for a possible move, Ritter’s lack of an on-screen explanation was a surprising choice. This strategy, as explained by showrunner Andrea Newman, highlights the series’ desire for creative flexibility and its commitment to honoring beloved characters while navigating the realities of television production. As Firehouse 51 gears up for Season 14, fans will be eagerly watching to see how these “soft exits” unfold and what new faces might arrive to fill the ranks.
