Chicago Fire has built its reputation not only on high-octane rescue scenes but also on emotionally resonant relationships, with slow-burn romances like Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer) and Sylvie Brett (Kara Killmer) becoming fan favorites. With Casey and Brett moving to Oregon after their wedding in Season 12, Season 13 introduced Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) and Sam Carver (Jake Lockett) as their spiritual successors. However, the show’s execution of this storyline has left much to be desired, as recent episodes have sidelined their budding romance, leaving fans frustrated.
Violet & Carver: The New Slow-Burn Couple
When Chicago Fire Season 13 premiered, it became clear that Violet and Carver were positioned to fill the void left by Casey and Brett. Their relationship echoes the beloved slow-burn dynamic: two people who clearly care for each other but are hesitant to take the plunge.
Violet, haunted by the death of her previous boyfriend, Evan Hawkins, resolved never to date another first responder. This reluctance led her to keep her Season 12 relationship with Carver casual. But as Carver developed genuine feelings for Violet, her own feelings began to surface — too late.
The season premiere delivered an emotional twist when Violet decided to confess her love for Carver, only to find him kissing his high school girlfriend, Tori, upon his return from Texas. This setup added layers of angst and tension, hallmarks of a great slow-burn romance. Yet, instead of building on this tension, the show has largely ignored their storyline in the latter half of 2024.
A Story Stuck in Neutral
The first few episodes of Season 13 laid a strong foundation for Violet and Carver’s romance, using jealousy and misunderstandings to heighten the stakes. Violet struggled with seeing Carver and Tori together, and Carver’s feelings remained unresolved as he navigated his toxic relationship with Tori.
However, as the season progressed, Violet and Carver’s interactions dwindled. Carver ended things with Tori but became more preoccupied with getting a dog than addressing his lingering feelings for Violet. Meanwhile, Violet began dating Flynn, seemingly abandoning her emotional conflict with Carver.
This lack of focus has diluted the emotional weight of their story. Violet’s initial jealousy has evaporated, and Carver appears indifferent to Violet’s new relationship. Even small moments, like Violet watching Carver storm out of the firehouse in Episode 6, have lacked the emotional resonance needed to keep fans invested.
What Chicago Fire Needs to Do Next
To salvage Violet and Carver’s romance, Chicago Fire must re-center their storyline. Fans need to see these characters grappling with their feelings and reacting to each other’s romantic entanglements. A well-timed confrontation or heartfelt moment could reignite the spark that made their relationship so compelling early in the season.
For Carver, acknowledging Violet’s relationship with Flynn is crucial. Whether it’s jealousy, disappointment, or realization, his reaction would add depth to his character and their dynamic. Similarly, Violet must show emotional conflict when it comes to Carver. Highlighting their mutual feelings — even through subtle glances or brief conversations — would remind the audience why they should root for this couple.
The show has the ingredients for a memorable love story. It simply needs to give Violet and Carver the screen time and emotional development they deserve.
Why Fans Deserve Better
The magic of Casey and Brett’s slow-burn romance was its authenticity and gradual progression. By comparison, Violet and Carver’s story feels rushed in some moments and neglected in others. Fans of Chicago Fire have come to expect rich character-driven storytelling, and failing to deliver on Violet and Carver risks alienating viewers who were eager for a new romance to champion.
