Jake Lockett, who plays firefighter Sam Carver on Chicago Fire, recently teased some intriguing developments between his character and Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) in season 13. Although he didn’t reveal if they’re destined to be together, Lockett shed light on why Carver rejected Violet’s apology during the season premiere.
In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly on October 1, Lockett explained that Carver had spent six weeks off-screen dealing with his complicated feelings about Violet. During his time away from Firehouse 51, Carver had hoped Violet would clarify her emotions toward him. However, he felt let down when she seemed to approach things the same way as before.
“She’s not really committing, she’s halfway in, and Carver has learned he can’t do that anymore,” Lockett, 39, said of Violet’s actions in the September 25 episode. Carver had put his heart on the line in the previous season, but Violet didn’t reciprocate, leaving him frustrated. “He doesn’t want to play in this lukewarm space anymore,” Lockett added.
The tension between them stems from events in the season 12 finale, where Carver had a deeply emotional reaction to a call involving a burned child, a trigger from his own traumatic past. In a vulnerable moment, he confessed his love for Violet, but her silence left him feeling rejected. Carver then took a six-week furlough to reflect. Upon his return, Violet had planned to apologize and express her feelings, but before she could, Carver shut her down.
Adding to the drama, Carver returned to the firehouse with a new love interest, a mystery woman named Tori (Holly Hinchliffe), whom he met in Texas. Lockett hinted that Carver’s relationship with Tori may be more about avoidance than real connection. “Sometimes it’s easier to not face the person you really care about,” Lockett said.
This unresolved tension will continue to play out in future episodes. Lockett revealed that episode 2, airing October 2, will explore Carver’s efforts to avoid Violet at work, a difficult task given how closely they have to collaborate. The tension spills over into their professional lives, as a call involving a woman injured in the shower becomes a catalyst for their personal issues to resurface.
Violet’s feelings for Carver remain complicated, and according to Lockett, she’ll have to figure out how to handle them. “In weak moments, there may be things that slip out. It’s going to lead to some definite drama,” Lockett teased.
While Lockett remained tight-lipped about whether Carver and Violet could reconcile, he hinted at the possibility of growth for his character. He suggested that if they were to get back together, Violet would need to show more commitment and honesty. “He needs someone who’s willing to meet him where he’s at,” Lockett said.
Greensmith, who plays Violet, echoed Lockett’s sentiments, telling Us Weekly last month that the pair will be navigating new dynamics in season 13, both with and without each other. She described their evolving relationship as a “dance,” which Lockett found an apt analogy. “Sometimes you’re in sync, and sometimes you’re stepping on each other’s toes,” he said with a laugh.
As season 13 continues, fans can expect plenty of “juicy” episodes involving Carver and Violet’s ongoing saga. Lockett is excited for viewers to see his character’s growth and the inevitable challenges he and Violet will face. Whether they find their way back to each other remains to be seen, but the drama is far from over.
