Few characters on Chicago Fire have endured as much romantic turmoil as Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith). From her turbulent on-again, off-again dynamic with Gallo, to the devastating, tragic loss of Paramedic Chief Evan Hawkins, Violet has consistently faced heartbreak. Most recently, her budding romance with Sam Carver (Jake Lockett) was left with a massive question mark as Carver’s future at Firehouse 51 became uncertain.
The showrunner’s tease of a new love interest for Violet strongly suggests that the writers are ready to give her character a much-needed fresh start.
The Violet-Carver Complication
While the chemistry between Violet and Carver was undeniable and their relationship felt mature and earned, the reality of the show’s casting changes means their path forward is challenging. A new flame for Violet signals one of two things:
- A Clean Break: The writers are choosing to close the door on the Violet/Carver romance, allowing Violet to move on without the ambiguity of a long-distance relationship or the pain of waiting for an ex to return.
- An Unexpected Rivalry: A new love interest could intensify the drama if Carver does return, creating a classic One Chicago love triangle.
Regardless of the scenario, a fresh romantic arc for Violet is a positive sign. It allows her to step into a “more mature phase of her life,” as Hanako Greensmith has teased, focusing on a love that can coexist with her growing responsibilities as Paramedic-in-Charge. The next potential partner needs to be someone who can appreciate her strength, respect her seniority, and offer the stability she craves after so much emotional upheaval.
⚡ Novak’s Wildcard Romance: Intrigue and Inter-Show Spontaneity
In comparison to Violet, Lizzie Novak (Jocelyn Hudon) is the new blood—bubbly, energetic, and generally more resistant to long-term commitment. Her brief, playful fling with Jack Damon served as a fun, lighthearted distraction, but that relationship has also fizzled out due to Michael Bradway’s exit from the series.
The showrunner’s confirmation of a new love interest for Novak promises to deepen the character and explore a more serious side of the fun-loving paramedic. Crucially, the buzz suggests her next relationship will utilize a time-honored One Chicago tradition: the crossover romance.
The Crossover Potential: A Date with Med or a Challenge at Fire?
Novak’s introduction has been characterized by her chemistry with Violet and her flirtatious energy. The showrunner has specifically teased two major possibilities for her next romantic entanglement:
- The Firehouse Challenge: Sal Vasquez: The newest firefighter at Firehouse 51, Sal Vasquez (Brandon Larracuente), has been described as a “challenge” for both Stella Kidd and Novak. Showrunner Newman stated that Novak is keen “to get to know this seemingly unknowable guy.” A romance with Vasquez would introduce immediate high-stakes drama—dating a coworker who also happens to be a headache for her best friend and her best friend’s husband (Severide). This pairing has the potential for a slow-burn, intriguing dynamic, matching Novak’s curiosity with Vasquez’s guarded mystery.
- The Chicago Med Connection: Another heavily favored fan theory, fueled by actress Jocelyn Hudon herself, is a crossover romance with a doctor from Gaffney Chicago Medical Center. This storyline would not only deepen Novak’s character but also increase the interconnectedness of the One Chicago universe, allowing for fun, low-stakes dates that contrast with the intensity of their daily jobs. A relationship outside of 51 might be exactly what the “floater” spirit of Novak needs.
A new romance for Novak is expected to be more high-octane than a slow, domestic burn. It will likely challenge her commitment-phobia and force her to explore the deeper, more vulnerable aspects of her personality that she currently hides behind her quick wit and flippant demeanor.
👯 Ambulance 61’s Dynamic: The New Romantic Anchor
The announcement that both paramedics are entering new romantic phases isn’t just about their personal lives; it fundamentally changes the dynamic of the Ambulance 61 partnership.
For seasons, the emotional weight of Ambo 61 fell squarely on Violet, who was dealing with grief, loss, and career challenges. Novak’s role, in contrast, was often to provide comedic relief and a lighter perspective.
Now, with both characters actively pursuing serious romantic interests—whether with a charming rogue firefighter or a stable doctor—their roles within the partnership will likely become more balanced. They will shift from Violet the one-dealing-with-it-all and Novak the comic relief to two mature, adult women navigating simultaneous love lives, careers, and the delicate balance of an intense work friendship.
This dual focus on romance allows the show to:
- Distribute the Drama: Spreading the romantic intrigue across both characters prevents Violet’s storyline from becoming overly burdened with tragedy.
- Highlight Their Bond: Their work partnership is the strongest on the show. Watching them navigate dating advice, double dates, and workplace drama together will undoubtedly strengthen their ‘Viet-Novak’ friendship, providing a vital source of humor and emotional support.
The Enduring Power of Chicago Fire Romance
The heart of Chicago Fire has always been the personal lives of its heroes. From Casey and Dawson to Stellaride, the relationships forged under pressure are what keep fans coming back season after season. The showrunner’s promise of new love for Violet and Novak is a strategic move to inject fresh energy into the series’ emotional core.
These new pairings will not only test the paramedics but also potentially impact the larger firehouse family. Firehouse 51 is a notoriously tight-knit community; a new love interest for Violet or Novak means a new character being scrutinized, welcomed, or occasionally butting heads with the established crew.
As the smoke clears from the latest round of personnel shakeups, all eyes are on Ambulance 61. The Romance Alarm is sounding, and it’s time to see which brave souls—a new doctor, a mysterious firefighter, or perhaps an unexpected face—will rush in to steal the hearts of Firehouse 51’s beloved paramedics.
