The Case for a Return: Why a ‘Chicago Fire’ Season 13 Character Needs to Come Back 🤝
For over a decade, Chicago Fire has thrived on a delicate balance of cast changes, bringing in new faces and bidding farewell to old ones. The recent exodus of several key characters for Season 14, including Sam Carver (Jake Lockett) and Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri), leaves a significant void in Firehouse 51. While the show is poised for a major shakeup, there is one new Season 13 character whose story may have been “done,” but whose presence is now more vital than ever: Jack Damon (Michael Bradway). Despite his official departure at the end of Season 13, his character arc was cut short, leaving a wealth of untapped potential and a unique dynamic that the show will desperately need in its next season. His return, even for a limited arc, is not just a fan’s wish; it’s a creative necessity to fill the narrative gaps left by the cast exodus and to provide a compelling new dynamic for the show’s veteran characters.
The Problem: A Void in Character and Storyline
The departures of Carver and Ritter are a huge blow to the show’s narrative. Carver was a complex and compelling figure, a “bad boy” with a hidden heart of gold, whose personal struggles and professional brilliance provided a rich source of drama and character growth. His romance with Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) was a central plot point, and his exit leaves her character without a clear direction. Ritter, on the other hand, was the heart of the firehouse. He was a kind, compassionate, and brave firefighter whose journey from a nervous rookie to a confident professional was a cornerstone of the show. His absence leaves a significant emotional hole on Engine 51.
This void creates a major challenge for the show’s writers. They now have to fill the gaps left by two of the show’s most compelling characters. While the promotion of Randall “Mouch” McHolland (Christian Stolte) to lieutenant is a fantastic move for his character, it won’t be enough to fully compensate for the loss of the younger, more dynamic personalities. The show needs a new spark, a new character who can bring fresh energy and a compelling narrative to Firehouse 51. Jack Damon is that character.
The Unfinished Story: Why Jack Damon’s Arc Isn’t Done
Jack Damon was introduced in Season 13 with a bang: he was the surprise son of the late, legendary Benny Severide. This twist immediately gave him a significant connection to the show’s lore and a personal tie to one of its most beloved characters, Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney). Their sibling dynamic, while brief, was one of the most intriguing new elements of the season. The half-brothers shared a similar bravado and a passion for their work, but their relationship was fraught with the weight of their shared past and the absence of a father they both cherished.
The final scene of Season 13, where Jack reveals he is leaving Firehouse 51, felt rushed and unsatisfying. The show had just scratched the surface of his relationship with Severide, and his departure felt like a missed opportunity. The writers had a goldmine of storytelling potential in this sibling dynamic: the inevitable rivalry, the moments of shared grief, the potential for them to become a new kind of family. By cutting his story short, the show left a lot of questions unanswered and a lot of emotional real estate unexplored.
His departure was likely a result of the same budget cuts that led to the exits of other characters. However, unlike Carver and Ritter, whose storylines felt more “complete” (Carver’s departure was tied to his new job, Ritter’s to his character’s growth), Jack’s exit felt more like a narrative convenience than a natural conclusion. The show now has a chance to rectify that mistake.
The Solution: A Compelling Return
Bringing Jack Damon back, even in a recurring role, could solve many of the show’s problems. First, it would fill the void left by Carver and Ritter. Jack is a character with a great deal of charisma and a natural fit for the high-octane world of Chicago Fire. His heroism was established in the intense “gun and child” scene, and his personality, a mix of arrogance and quiet vulnerability, is a perfect addition to the firehouse.
Second, his return would provide a much-needed long-term storyline for Kelly Severide. With the departures of several of his close friends and his wife’s own professional struggles, Severide’s character is in need of a new, compelling arc. The rekindled relationship with his half-brother would be a perfect source of drama and emotional depth. We could see them navigate their new relationship, work together on calls, and finally, forge a true brotherly bond. This would be a powerful narrative that would not only be a great story for Severide but would also honor the legacy of his late father, Benny.
Finally, Jack’s return would be a testament to the show’s willingness to listen to its fans. The reaction to his departure was overwhelmingly negative, with many viewers feeling that his character was a missed opportunity. By bringing him back, the show would be showing its audience that it values their feedback and is committed to telling the most compelling stories possible. His return could also be a catalyst for a new, exciting dynamic for the show, a shift away from the constant revolving door of new characters and back to a focus on the core relationships that made the show great in the first place.
A Plea to the Writers
In an era of television where long-running shows are often criticized for their stagnant storylines, Chicago Fire has a unique opportunity to reinvent itself. The Season 14 cast exodus is a painful but necessary shakeup, a chance to shed old skin and find new life. But to do so, the show needs to be smart about who it brings in. Jack Damon is not just another new character; he is a character with a deep connection to the show’s history and a wealth of untapped potential. His story, with its themes of family, legacy, and self-discovery, is exactly what the show needs to move forward.
The writers of Chicago Fire have a chance to not just bring back a character, but to bring back a piece of the show’s soul. By giving Jack Damon a second chance, they would not only be righting a creative wrong but would also be giving a much-needed boost to a show that is on the cusp of a major transformation. His return is not just a fan’s dream; it’s the key to the show’s future.
