The upcoming season of NBC’s Chicago Fire is already set to be one of its most transformative. With major changes in leadership, a new face on Truck 81, and emotional farewells for several long-time characters, Firehouse 51 is undergoing a massive shake-up. Yet, as cast members depart, the show’s boss has dropped a thrilling hint that promises to inject some much-needed nostalgia and excitement back into the beloved firehouse: “surprise visitors” are dropping in for Season 14.
The showrunner, Andrea Newman, recently teased that while the crew says goodbye to some familiar faces, fans can expect some unexpected guests to drop in throughout the season. These “surprise visitors” are a time-honored tradition in the #OneChicago universe, often signifying either a final send-off, an unexpected check-in, or, most exhilaratingly, the return of a fan-favorite legend.
This article dives deep into the possibilities, speculating on who might be making a temporary reappearance at the place they once called home and what those visits could mean for the currently shifting landscape of Firehouse 51.
The Necessity of the Surprise Return
In the wake of significant cast turnover—including the departures of series regulars like Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter) and Jake Lockett (Sam Carver), and the continuous adjustment to life after Eamonn Walker (Chief Boden)—the show needs emotional anchors. A surprise return provides exactly that: a direct connection to the show’s celebrated past, offering comfort and continuity to a fanbase processing many changes.
The showrunner’s comments aren’t just a tease; they are a strategic narrative tool. By bringing back characters who share deep history with the remaining crew, the visits can:
- Provide Closure: Offer final goodbyes to characters who didn’t receive one, like checking in on an already-departed character.
- Offer Guidance: Have a veteran character return to advise the new generation, particularly Lieutenant Kidd as she navigates new leadership challenges.
- Reinforce the Family Theme: Remind the audience that the bonds forged at 51 are truly forever, no matter where life takes the individual firefighters.
Who Are the Most Likely ‘Surprise Visitors’?
The list of potential returnees is long, spanning over a decade of the show’s history. However, some characters are far more likely to make a fleeting cameo than others, based on their popularity and their previous narrative exits.
1. Jesse Spencer as Captain Matt Casey 👨🚒
The most anticipated and perhaps most likely visitor is Jesse Spencer’s Matt Casey. Casey is one of Firehouse 51’s most revered figures, having led Truck 81 for years before moving to Oregon to care for the Darden boys. Spencer has returned several times since his main exit, often for monumental events like Severide’s wedding.
- The Narrative Hook: Casey is still married to Sylvie Brett (Kara Killmer), but with Brett’s departure from the series (a major event in the previous season), a return from Casey could be necessitated by an event relating to her. Perhaps he returns to Chicago for a brief visit and stops by his old stomping grounds.
- The Emotional Weight: His return would provide an unparalleled emotional lift to the firehouse family, particularly to Severide and Herrmann, offering a moment of normalcy amid the chaos.
2. Monica Raymund as Gabriela Dawson 🚑
While less frequent, a return from Monica Raymund’s Gabriela Dawson would be a massive surprise. Dawson and Casey’s fiery relationship was a central plotline for many seasons. Though her character’s last visit involved a difficult meeting with Casey, her history with the paramedics and the crew is undeniable.
- The Narrative Hook: With Brett gone and Violet Mikami becoming the face of Ambulance 61, a visit from an “Ambo legend” like Dawson could be a powerful moment of mentorship and a nod to the show’s roots.
3. Steven R. McQueen as Jimmy Borrelli 🔥
A truly surprising visitor could be Jimmy Borrelli. After his character suffered a devastating injury that ended his firefighting career, Borrelli left Firehouse 51 on a darker note. He hasn’t been seen in years.
- The Narrative Hook: A check-in from Borrelli could be used to ground a current character facing a career-threatening injury or emotional burnout. It would be a surprising, yet poignant, cameo reminding the crew of the sacrifices they all make.
The ‘Limited Return’ Visitors (A Final Check-In)
Beyond the original cast legends, the “surprise visitors” could also refer to the recently departed who are making a slightly longer, but still temporary, return than anticipated.
Daniel Kyri as Darren Ritter (Revisited) 🐾
While Daniel Kyri’s Darren Ritter was confirmed for an early Season 14 arc to explain his furlough and move to New York, the showrunner’s hope to see him “back at some point later in the season” suggests he could be one of the second wave of surprise visitors.
- The Rationale: If Ritter’s furlough is for a defined period, a mid-season check-in—perhaps for a major firehouse event or a personal crisis faced by Violet or a member of his old crew—would be a natural and highly popular narrative move.
Alberto Rosende as Blake Gallo 🚀
Blake Gallo’s Season 12 departure to take a new job out of state was relatively smooth, but his bond with Ritter and Violet (the “Three Musketeers”) was foundational.
- The Rationale: With Ritter also gone, an appearance by Gallo to check on his old friends would effectively re-establish the bond of the trio, even if only for a scene in Molly’s or a quick coffee at the firehouse kitchen. It would serve as a final, comprehensive send-off for this era of new recruits.
The Impact on Season 14’s Storyline
The promise of “surprise visitors” is more than just fan service; it’s a structural necessity for a show undergoing such massive transition.
The visits will likely coincide with major Season 14 plot points:
- Leadership Battles: A returning veteran could offer advice to Lieutenant Kidd as she deals with the new Chief, Dom Pascal, or offer support to Herrmann as he navigates his new role.
- The Budget Crisis: With a major political storyline centered on budget cuts threatening the CFD, a character like Casey, who has high-ranking political connections, could return to lend a hand in the fight to save the firehouse.
- Personal Milestones: Whether it’s a new engagement, a pregnancy development, or a major career accomplishment, a “surprise visitor” is the perfect addition to any celebration at Molly’s.
Ultimately, the excitement generated by this tease is a testament to the powerful, enduring sense of family at the core of Chicago Fire. Whether it’s a returning Chief, a former Paramedic, or a beloved Truck 81 Lieutenant, the audience knows that once you’re part of Firehouse 51, you’re always part of the family. The “surprise visitors” will bridge the gap between the show’s celebrated past and its transformative new future.
