Chicago Fire’s New Duo: Is the Damon & Novak Replacement the Romance Fans Have Been Waiting For?

Chicago Fire has had its fair share of romances over the years, and while not all of them have been epic, the show might have found its next big couple. The NBC procedural drama has tried out a few potential relationships as of late. Unfortunately, none of them have truly stuck and been all that impactful, including Lizzie Novak and Jack Damon.

Novak and Damon had a small fling in Chicago Fire season 13 that could have grown into something more. However, Michael Bradway, who plays Damon, is leaving the series ahead of season 14. So, they are no longer an option when it comes to memorable Firehouse 51 romances. The writers have seemingly already found Damon’s replacement as Novak’s love interest, though.

Brandon Larracuente Joins The Cast Of Chicago Fire Following Michael Bradway’s Exit

Larracuente Plays Sal Vasquez

While Bradway is out the door, Brandon Larracuente is just entering Chicago Fire in season 14. Larracuente, who is coming on as a series regular, was cast to portray Sal Vasquez in the upcoming episodes. Vasquez is Firehouse 51’s newest firefighter, and one could guess that he is joining the crew in the wake of a couple of disappointing exits.

Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter) and Jake Lockett (Sam Carver) stepped down as series regulars following Chicago Fire season 13’s ending, meaning the fire station should have two vacant spots. That’s where Vasquez presumably comes in. While speaking with TV Insider, showrunner Andrea Newman described Vasquez as “charming” and as a character “rich with family history in the first responder world.”

Newman also teased that Vasquez has many secrets, which evidently involve his mysterious family and have long been “buried.” Aside from that, though, the Chicago Fire season 14 showrunner shared that he will prove to be a challenge for two established characters — Stella Kidd and Lizzie Novak. Kidd is Vasquez’s new lieutenant, while Novak is intrigued by the new recruit.

Novak & Vasquez Form A Connection In Season 14

Novak Was Dating Damon

During her interview with TV Insider, Newman revealed that Novak is trying “to get to know this seemingly unknowable guy” in Chicago Fire season 14. She essentially sees Vasquez as a challenge. And based on Novak’s past relationships, it’s not too surprising to learn that she is going to be chasing after the new guy in the NBC series’ upcoming season.

Novak hasn’t exactly been searching for a serious relationship in the One Chicago show. Her fling with Damon didn’t last long, and she hasn’t dated anyone long-term. She simply hasn’t been ready to settle down, and that’s okay. Novak is young and having fun, which is what she should be doing, but it sounds like that might change when Vasquez enters the picture.

Perhaps Vasquez will be the one to break down Novak’s walls. We know that Novak has baggage when it comes to her family, and Vasquez’s family also has secrets, meaning the two could be perfect for one another. They could help each other process their past traumas and find romance in the process. However, they certainly aren’t going to get together right away.

Novak & Vasquez Could Be The Next Brett & Casey

Chicago Fire Has Been Searching For Its Next Big Romance

All of Chicago Fire‘s epic romances have come with trials and tribulations. Matt Casey was married while Gabby Dawson was pining after him, and they certainly had countless issues when they finally got together. Meanwhile, it took a long time for Kelly Severide and Stella Kidd to sort out their relationship status, and they didn’t get married until Chicago Fire season 10.

Casey and Sylvie Brett’s love story was also a slow-burn. So, if Chicago Fire is looking for its next Brettsey or Stellaride, fans shouldn’t expect the new couple to find their happy ending right away. As such, if Novak and Vasquez have what it takes to fill that slow-burning Firehouse 51 romance role, viewers should prepare themselves for a long ride.

Unfortunately, Chicago Fire has struggled to replace Casey and Brett (who moved to Oregon in season 12) as of late. Violet Mikami and Sam Carver could have served as the show’s next great love story. However, Carver is seemingly leaving in season 14. Although he declared his love for Violet in the season 13 finale, unforeseen circumstances might separate the couple.

Meanwhile, since Bradway is exiting Chicago Fire, his character, Damon, and Novak can’t be the next Casey and Brett. But with Vasquez entering the fold in season 14, it’s wholly possible that he and Novak can fill that role. Of course, we don’t know much about them and their dynamic yet. They could lack chemistry or just decide to stay friends.

However, knowing Chicago Fire, sparks are likely to fly between Novak and Vasquez. Based on Newman’s small tease alone, it seems like season 14 will explore their potential as a couple to see if they have what it takes to be Firehouse 51’s next epic romance. Only time will tell how Novak and Vasquez’s story unfolds in Chicago Fire season 14, though.

Chicago Fire season 14 premieres on Wednesday, October 1, at 9 pm ET on NBC.