In Season 13, Episode 5 of Chicago Fire titled “Bird of Prey,” fans were left wondering if Sam Carver’s time at Firehouse 51 has come to an end. Jake Lockett’s character, Carver, has had a rocky journey, struggling to find his footing within the team over the past couple of seasons. Despite a few setbacks, both on a personal and professional level, Carver seemed to have finally integrated into the close-knit group. However, recent episodes have hinted at a potential exit, leaving viewers questioning if this might be his final departure.
Episode 5 Hints at Carver’s Departure
In “Bird of Prey,” the firefighters of Firehouse 51 are busy handling multiple cases. While Kelly Severide and Dom Pascal investigate a mysterious storage facility fire, Mouch deals with a chaotic bird attack, and Violet Mikami rushes a critically injured patient to Med. Amidst all this, Carver’s storyline takes a darker turn as he grapples with personal issues stemming from his relationship with his girlfriend, Tori. His distracted and irresponsible behavior at work catches up with him, culminating in what seems like his last shift at Firehouse 51.
Stella Kidd Sends Carver Home in Episode 6
By Season 13, Episode 6, it’s clear that Carver hasn’t been himself since returning from furlough. Stella Kidd has noticed his lack of focus and deteriorating performance, especially with the added pressure of Dom Pascal overseeing the team. Carver’s nightly partying and late nights with Tori have led to a series of mistakes on the job. Kidd finally loses patience and sends him home mid-shift, suggesting he might be better off at a different firehouse, perhaps in Austin, where the lifestyle would better suit his current habits.
Although Kidd doesn’t explicitly fire Carver, her frustration with his lack of commitment is evident. Tori had earlier urged Carver to consider relocating, a suggestion he initially dismissed. However, after Kidd’s confrontation, Carver may finally start taking her advice seriously, signaling a potential departure from the series.
Is Carver Really Leaving Chicago Fire?
While Carver’s exit seems likely given recent events, it’s important to note that this isn’t the first time he’s been on the verge of leaving. The season 12 finale saw Carver go on furlough following an emotional conversation with Violet Mikami about their strained relationship. Although he eventually returned, his behavior changed drastically, becoming more reckless and disengaged. Despite the warranted dismissal from Kidd, this storyline might just be another temporary exit rather than a permanent farewell.
The good news for fans is that Jake Lockett was recently promoted to a series regular after spending his first few seasons as a recurring character. This promotion suggests that NBC and the show’s producers have longer-term plans for Carver, making a permanent exit unlikely. While the timing of his return is uncertain, it’s safe to assume that Carver will eventually reclaim his spot in Firehouse 51.
Why Chicago Fire Needs Sam Carver to Stay
The One Chicago franchise has become accustomed to major character exits over the years, often as a way to keep the storyline fresh. However, Chicago Fire has experienced a series of high-profile departures recently, including original members like Chief Boden and Matt Casey, as well as long-time favorites such as Blake Gallo and Sylvie Brett. With so many cast changes, the show needs stability now more than ever.
Cutting Carver’s storyline short would also mean ending his budding romance with Violet Mikami, a plot that fans have been eager to see develop. Losing Carver would leave another gap in Truck 81’s roster, forcing the team to search for yet another replacement. Considering Lockett’s popularity and strong chemistry with the existing cast, it seems wise for the show to retain his character, providing some much-needed consistency as it navigates the new season.
