Firefighter Sam Carver is skating on thin ice at Firehouse 51. In a recent episode of Chicago Fire, Carver faced setbacks that put his job at risk, leaving him at a crossroads: Should he stick with Firehouse 51 or move on? According to Jake Lockett, who plays Carver, this moment represents a turning point for the character.
“It’s a fork in the road,” Lockett shared in a TVLine interview. “Does Carver stay true to the people who see his potential, or does he take the easy way out? It’s a question we all face at some point.”
From Aerospace Engineer to TV Star
Jake Lockett’s journey to Hollywood wasn’t typical. Before acting, he was an aerospace engineer for Boeing. But the monotony of cubicle life pushed him to pursue his passion for performing. “I realized I didn’t want to spend the next 40 years in an office,” Lockett revealed. After dabbling in music and student films, he made his way to TV roles, including a memorable appearance in Capital One commercials, before landing his spot on Chicago Fire.
Carver’s Evolution and New Challenges
When Carver was first introduced, he had a rough exterior, often clashing with Lieutenant Stella Kidd. However, the character has since softened and integrated more into the Firehouse 51 family. Lockett enjoys playing this evolution, saying, “Carver started off as someone who kept his guard up. Now, he’s learning to open up and lean on his teammates. It’s been an amazing transition to portray.”
Despite his growth, Carver’s character has taken a darker turn this season, wrestling with personal and professional conflicts. “He’s been pulled back inward,” Lockett explained. “After opening up, things didn’t go as expected, especially with Violet. It’s pushed him back into a brooding state, and he’s questioning who he can trust.”
Romance and Complications
Carver’s romantic journey has also been tumultuous. Initially, he had a connection with Stella Kidd, which Lockett described as unresolved feelings from the past. However, this dynamic shifted when he developed feelings for Violet, another firefighter. Lockett appreciates the change, saying, “Violet is a strong character who matches Carver’s intensity. It’s been exciting to see their chemistry unfold.”
But this season, a new complication has emerged in the form of Carver’s girlfriend, Tori. Lockett believes Tori represents comfort for Carver, as she’s someone who understands his past. However, her presence may be more harmful than helpful. “Tori knows his darkness and doesn’t try to change him, which makes it easy for him to fall back into old habits,” Lockett noted.
The Future of Carver’s Relationships
With the recent introduction of a new love interest for Violet, Carver’s future with her is uncertain. Lockett admits he’s unsure if Carver is fully aware of the situation, adding, “He’s so caught up in his own spiral that he might not even realize she’s moving on. It’s a tough spot for him, but it’ll be interesting to see how he reacts if he ever figures it out.”
Family Ties and Lingering Issues
Carver’s strained relationship with his family also looms over his storyline. In a past episode, he took a furlough to visit them in Texas, only to return visibly shaken. While it’s unclear if the show will delve deeper into this backstory, Lockett hinted that unresolved family tensions are still affecting Carver. “He went back hoping for reconciliation, but sometimes people aren’t ready to move on. It’s a tough reality to face,” he shared.
As the season progresses, viewers can expect more twists and turns in Carver’s journey, both at Firehouse 51 and in his personal life. Lockett is excited to explore these complexities, leaving fans eager for what’s next.
