For fans of Chicago Fire, the departure of any long-standing member of Firehouse 51 is a major emotional blow. But when rumors began to swirl about the potential exit of Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri) ahead of Season 14, the reaction was particularly sharp. Ritter, the empathetic, steadfast firefighter of Engine 51, has become a vital component of the show’s found family, a stable presence whose connection to Lieutenant Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg) is a bedrock of the series.
The fear wasn’t just losing Ritter; it was losing him to a dramatic, often fatal, writing choice—the kind of shocking exit that leaves a void. Thankfully, recent news from NBC, particularly regarding the continuity of the One Chicago universe, has effectively eased the worst concerns about Ritter’s Season 14 fate, suggesting that his time on the show, if it is to end, will conclude with dignity and respect, rather than tragedy.
The Core Concern: A Shocking, Undignified Exit
The deepest fear shared by the Chicago Fire fanbase stems from the show’s history of handling character departures. While some, like Casey and Severide’s temporary leaves, were managed respectfully, others have been abrupt and devastating:
- The Severed Relationship: Fans worried Ritter would be killed in the line of duty or suffer a crippling injury. This fear is heightened because Ritter often places himself in dangerous, emotionally charged situations, particularly in his pursuit of justice for animals or vulnerable people. A sudden, senseless death would not only be emotionally brutal but would undo his incredible character journey.
- The “Character Assassination” Exit: Another common trope in long-running procedurals is giving a beloved character a contrived, out-of-character exit to force them off the show—perhaps having Ritter suddenly move across the country for an unbelievable job offer or commit a professional breach that forces his resignation. This would be a betrayal of his principled nature.
- The Herrmann Heartbreak: Ritter’s relationship with Herrmann is one of the most beloved dynamics on the show. Herrmann is Ritter’s mentor, friend, and surrogate father figure. A sudden, tragic loss of Ritter would shatter Herrmann and permanently alter the tone of the show in a way the audience might not forgive.
NBC’s Reassuring Signals: Continuity and Stability
NBC’s recent focus on franchise stability and continuity has provided the necessary clues to assuage these fears.
1. The Focus on Collaborative Storytelling
The network has recently placed a strong emphasis on maintaining the integrity of the One Chicago universe, particularly with the push for a major crossover event (as evidenced by earlier season narratives). To successfully stage a complex, multi-show crossover, the network needs its core, connecting characters to be stable.
Ritter is one of the key bridges, particularly with his community work and his occasional interactions with Chicago P.D.‘s Intelligence Unit regarding animal cruelty or community policing. Writing out such a central, stable character in a violent, non-revisitable way would make future collaborative stories significantly harder. The network’s need for a stable foundation suggests any exit for Ritter would be designed to leave the door open for future returns, much like Matt Casey.
2. The Respect for Daniel Kyri’s Talent
Daniel Kyri is an award-winning theater actor who has brought nuance and depth to Ritter, particularly in his portrayal of a gay firefighter who initially struggled with his career choice. The character represents vital representation and emotional grounding for the show. The franchise has a history of respecting the career choices of its departing actors (such as Jesse Spencer and Monica Raymund).
Should Kyri choose to leave Chicago Fire to pursue other projects, the most likely scenario is one that honors the actor and the character: an honorable career move, such as transferring to a different Firehouse to pursue a promotion (Lieutenant on another Engine) or using his passion for community and photography to take a role with the CFD’s public relations or recruitment office. This allows Ritter to achieve his professional potential without being permanently destroyed.
3. The Need for Engine 51’s Anchor
The Engine 51 crew, led by Herrmann, is the emotional anchor of the firehouse. With the departure of other, more volatile characters (like Carver and Gallo), the show relies heavily on the stable, paternal energy of Herrmann and the steady, competent support of Ritter.
Killing off Ritter would destabilize the one unit that remains consistently relatable and humorous. It’s far more likely that if the show must replace Ritter, they will use a storyline that allows for an amicable transition—a slow-burn arc where Ritter discusses his new opportunities with Herrmann before leaving—to maximize the emotional payoff without resorting to tragic shock value.
The Most Likely Season 14 Scenario
Instead of a heartbreaking, dramatic exit, the most probable Season 14 storyline, should Daniel Kyri leave, is a combination of professional success and respectful farewell:
Ritter’s Promotion or Specialized Unit Transfer
Given Ritter’s demonstrated initiative and intelligence, a major plot arc could involve him being tapped to lead a new specialized unit within the CFD focused on community outreach, mental health support for first responders, or public safety messaging. This fulfills his natural tendency to look out for the vulnerable while providing a respectable professional promotion.
- The Farewell: This narrative allows for several meaningful, emotional “passing the torch” scenes with Herrmann, giving both actors a proper send-off that resonates with fans.
- The Open Door: Since the new unit would still be Chicago-based, Ritter could easily return for guest appearances, crossovers, or major life events, ensuring the character’s legacy is preserved.
The Contrast with Carver’s Exit
The show has already used the abrupt, narrative-driven exit with Sam Carver’s sudden departure (due to casting changes). Carver’s exit was designed to be swift and perhaps a bit messy. The show cannot afford to use that same blunt tool on a character as deeply integrated and beloved as Ritter. The Carver replacement storyline already needs to rebuild trust on Truck 81; a disastrous exit for Ritter would cause simultaneous, irrecoverable damage to Engine 51.
In conclusion, while the prospect of saying goodbye to Darren Ritter is unwelcome, the overall trajectory of the One Chicago franchise, coupled with the character’s importance as an emotional and representative figure, strongly suggests that NBC will handle any Season 14 exit with careful, dignified consideration. Fans can rest assured that if Ritter leaves, it will be with a handshake, a hug from Herrmann, and the potential for a return, not with the sound of a siren cutting his story tragically short.
