Chicago Fire is no stranger to high-stakes drama, but Season 14 promises a narrative landscape fraught with emotional uncertainty and professional turmoil. Following the devastating loss of Chief Vince Leone, the arrival of a rigid new Battalion Chief, and a flurry of cast shake-ups, Firehouse 51 is more unsettled than ever. Fans are clamoring for answers to two crucial questions that could define the season: Will the tumultuous, fan-favorite couple Sam Carver and Violet Mikami survive the heat? And is Lieutenant Stella Kidd preparing to hide a secret pregnancy?
The answers lie in the show’s established patterns and the narrative potential that these major turning points offer the writers. By examining the current relationship dynamics and Stella’s leadership arc, we can forecast the likely futures for both Carvet and Stella’s personal life.
The Ticking Clock: Will Carver and Violet Last?
The relationship between Sam Carver (Jake Lockett) and Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith)—dubbed “Carvet” by fans—has been one of the most compelling slow-burn romances in recent Chicago Fire history. Built on initial antagonism, mutual respect in the line of duty, and undeniable chemistry, their pairing finally stabilized in the latter half of Season 13.
However, the question of their long-term viability is complicated by two major factors: Carver’s exit from the series and the cyclical nature of Firehouse 51 romances.
The Carver Conundrum
The most significant roadblock to “Carvet’s” happiness is the news of Jake Lockett’s departure from Chicago Fire. When a main character exits, it almost universally means one of two things for their relationship: either the couple moves away together (the “Brettsey” model), or the relationship ends abruptly on-screen. Given that Violet is positioned as the new heart of Ambulance 61 and a key leader in the wake of Brett’s departure, a joint exit is highly unlikely.
The Answer: All signs point toward a tragic or at least final ending for “Carvet” in the first half of Season 14.
- The Sacrifice Arc: Carver’s exit could be driven by a noble sacrifice. He may take a transfer or a job opportunity outside Chicago to escape a personal demon or a consequence related to the Vince Leone disaster, leaving Violet behind but preserving their love and friendship.
- The Inevitable Clash: Alternatively, the pressure of the new Chief and the dangerous nature of their jobs could force them to confront the inherent volatility of their relationship. Carver’s history of erratic behavior, combined with Violet’s new responsibilities as PIC, may lead to a realization that they cannot sustain a healthy relationship while working side-by-side.
Ultimately, their passionate, high-risk dynamic was built for explosive drama, and a permanent, drama-free happy ending rarely occurs when an actor leaves the main cast. The show will likely give them a poignant breakup, allowing Violet to retain her place as a strong, single leader at Firehouse 51.
The Secret Bump: Will Stella Hide Her Pregnancy?
The possibility of Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) having a baby has been a fan discussion point since their marriage. The speculation around a hidden pregnancy arc for Stella has gained traction, but the professional circumstances surrounding the new season make this storyline incredibly compelling.
The Argument for a Secret Pregnancy
If Stella were to discover she is pregnant, the circumstances of Season 14 would provide a perfect motivation for her to keep the news quiet for several reasons:
- Protecting Her Position: With the sudden, controversial arrival of Chief Richards—a man intent on judging the efficacy of Firehouse 51—Stella would likely fear that news of her pregnancy would undermine her authority or lead to a forced desk assignment. As a female Lieutenant, she would be acutely aware of the professional scrutiny. Hiding the pregnancy would allow her to solidify her position against the new Chief and prove her capabilities before she inevitably takes maternity leave.
- The Severide Factor: Kelly Severide’s own complicated past with sudden departures (his OFI assignment) means both he and Stella would want to maintain a sense of normalcy and stability for as long as possible. A pregnancy would be intensely personal, and they might want to shield it from the drama and judgment surrounding Chief Richards’ takeover.
- The Leadership Vacuum: Stella is arguably the central emotional leader of Firehouse 51 following the exits of Casey and Brett. With the firehouse in turmoil over Vince’s death, Stella would feel an immense responsibility to project strength and stability to her crew. Revealing a pregnancy would, in her mind, risk creating a leadership vacuum at the worst possible time.
The Answer: High Likelihood of a Temporary Concealment
A concealed pregnancy, even for a few episodes, is an incredibly rich source of dramatic tension. The narrative payoff is immense: the anxiety of hiding the truth from Severide, the danger of risking her health on a call, and the eventual emotional reveal to the firehouse family.
The Clue: The key is Stella’s current arc of resistance against Richards. If she is fighting to save the firehouse, hiding a pregnancy allows her to argue her case from a position of perceived physical strength. The eventual reveal, however, would be a moment of great vulnerability and strength, demonstrating that a mother can be a powerful leader, even against a cynical authority figure like Richards. This storyline would perfectly contrast her professional battles with her deeply personal commitment to the Severide family.
The Remaining Questions and Firehouse 51’s Future
Beyond the major romantic questions, Season 14 will also have to address the fallout of the Chief Leone tragedy and the introduction of Richards:
- The Boden Vacuum: With Chief Wallace Boden having retired, the firehouse’s moral center has shifted. Stella Kidd, Lieutenant Severide, and Christopher Herrmann (the longest-serving veteran) will now have to find a new dynamic to fill the emotional and disciplinary void, making them even more reliant on each other.
- The New Chief’s End Game: Richards isn’t just a tough boss; he’s an antagonist with a clear agenda. The core mystery will be whether he can be humanized by the spirit of Firehouse 51 (the classic Chicago Fire redemption arc) or if he is a purely administrative villain who will force a permanent change to the station’s structure. Stella’s conflict with him will likely define his outcome.
In Season 14, Firehouse 51 isn’t just fighting fires; it’s fighting for its own identity. The professional shake-up, coupled with the deeply personal turmoil of “Carvet’s” likely demise and Stella’s possible secret, guarantees a season of intense emotional stakes. The Carver and Violet story will likely end in heartbreak, but it will be a necessary precursor to Violet’s growth, while Stella’s pregnancy arc will test her leadership and the strength of her marriage to Severide like never before. The firehouse family, as always, will be stretched to its limits.
