When Chicago Fire blazes back for its fourteenth season, the mood inside Firehouse 51 isn’t just about dousing flames—it’s about saying goodbye. The NBC procedural has seen its fair share of heartbreak over the years, but this latest round of cast changes has left fans with more questions than closure. Three firefighters—Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri), Sam Carver (Jake Lockett), and Damon (Michael Bradway)—are all departing. Yet only one of them is making a return, and fans aren’t exactly celebrating the show’s choice.
The Great Firehouse Shake-Up
The news of Daniel Kyri and Jake Lockett’s exits hit Chicago Fire fandom hard. Both actors had cemented themselves as fan favorites, their characters’ camaraderie and bravery adding emotional depth to the tight-knit Station 51 family. Meanwhile, Michael Bradway’s brief but memorable stint as Damon ended prematurely due to a scheduling conflict with an Amazon Prime Video project.
Budget cuts reportedly forced NBC’s hand in trimming down the Chicago Fire ensemble. As a result, Kyri and Lockett’s exits were written into the storyline before the new season even premiered. Still, showrunner Andrea Newman revealed that one of them—Ritter—would get the chance to come back for a heartfelt sendoff.
Ritter’s Emotional Return — But Is It the Right One?
In the season 14 premiere, “Kicking Down Doors,” Ritter heads to New York City after learning his ex-boyfriend Dwayne was shot. The emotional storyline hints that Ritter’s journey may lead him to leave Chicago behind for good. However, showrunner Andrea Newman teased that Ritter’s story may not be over just yet.
“He’s there at the beginning of the season, and we hope to see him back at some point later in the season,” Newman told TV Insider. “This is what we do on Chicago Fire—we’ll say our goodbyes, and then we’ll see people again.”
While Kyri’s return is being framed as a loving farewell, fans are torn. Ritter’s emotional storyline gives him closure, yes—but his comeback isn’t exactly the jaw-dropping surprise many were hoping for. Because if one firefighter deserved a second chance at redemption, it was Carver.
Carver’s Vanishing Act — And the Missed Opportunity
Sam Carver’s exit was nothing short of bewildering. After two seasons of personal growth, tension, and redemption, Jake Lockett’s character seemed poised for a breakthrough. The season 13 finale even gave fans the long-awaited moment between Carver and Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith)—a passionate kiss that hinted at a new beginning.
Then, without warning, Carver announced he was transferring to Denver. No heartfelt goodbye, no follow-up with Violet—just gone. When season 14 opened, the show confirmed that the two had stopped communicating altogether, leaving fans with an emotional void and a flurry of unanswered questions.
The lack of closure for Carver’s storyline stings because of how deeply his character had evolved. Introduced as a “bad boy” firefighter with a chip on his shoulder, Carver slowly became one of Firehouse 51’s most loyal and courageous team members. His struggles with trauma, guilt, and finding his place within the squad made him one of the show’s most layered personalities.
So why write him off so abruptly? Fans suspect the same budget-driven reasoning that caused Kyri’s exit also impacted Lockett’s fate. But in the world of Chicago Fire, the door rarely stays closed forever.
Could Carver Still Return?
If Chicago Fire can bring Ritter back for a guest appearance, there’s no reason the same can’t happen for Carver. His storyline remains wide open: the Denver transfer provides an easy way to explain his absence—and just as easily, his return.
Perhaps Carver comes back to Chicago for a temporary assignment or to visit Violet, finally giving their romance the closure it deserves. Maybe he returns to help Firehouse 51 in a crisis, rekindling old friendships and reminding viewers of why he became such a beloved part of the ensemble.
Showrunner Andrea Newman has been known to resurrect fan favorites, from Casey (Jesse Spencer) to Severide (Taylor Kinney). It wouldn’t be shocking if Carver gets his turn at a heroic comeback—especially given the outcry from fans who feel his story was cut short.
Why Fans Feel Shortchanged
The emotional investment in Chicago Fire runs deep, and fans aren’t shy about voicing their disappointment. Social media has been buzzing with criticism of the show’s choice to bring back Ritter instead of Carver. It’s not that fans dislike Ritter—on the contrary, his loyalty and warmth have made him a fan favorite. But Carver’s story had momentum, chemistry, and untapped potential that made his departure feel abrupt and incomplete.
“Carver finally opens up to Violet, tells her he loves her, and the next minute he’s in Denver? Come on, he deserves better!” one fan tweeted. Another wrote, “Ritter’s return is nice, but Carver’s exit makes no sense. They could’ve kept both if they really wanted to.”
The Bottom Line: Chicago Fire’s Balancing Act
Chicago Fire has always walked a delicate line between realism and fan service. Firefighters come and go—it’s part of the show’s DNA—but the best exits leave a mark that feels earned. Ritter’s journey seems headed for a respectful farewell, but Carver’s story is one that feels unfinished, leaving the audience yearning for more.
As season 14 continues to unfold, viewers can expect emotional goodbyes, dramatic rescues, and perhaps—if we’re lucky—a surprise return that reignites the Firehouse 51 spirit. Until then, the flames of fan frustration continue to burn, as audiences ask the question Chicago Fire has yet to answer:
Why bring back Ritter, when Carver’s story was just getting started?
