One Chicago Fire actor is shockingly returning, but it might not be as thrilling as it sounds, depending on how his character leaves Firehouse 51. A few weeks ahead of the Chicago Fire season 13 finale, news of Daniel Kyri and Jake Lockett’s exits broke. They were to step down as series regulars. However, Kyri is now confirmed to appear in season 14.
Kyri started playing Darren Ritter in Chicago Fire season 7, which is why his departure from the show was so surprising. It was all the more confusing when season 13’s finale contained very little of Ritter, despite it seemingly serving as his curtain call. A couple of months later, though, Kyri revealed he would return in season 14 “for a limited time.”
Kyri’s Temporary Return Makes It Much More Likely That Ritter Will Die
Chicago Fire Might Be Killing Off Ritter
Kyri shared the news of his return on his Instagram story (via TVLine), but he made sure to clarify that it wasn’t permanent. NBC didn’t change its mind, deciding to reverse its previous decision. Instead, it seems as if Chicago Fire is bringing Kyri back for season 14 to properly close out Ritter’s story and give his character closure.
While the news of Kyri’s Chicago Fire return is exciting on the surface, it also makes it more likely that the show will kill off Ritter. The writers wouldn’t have done it offscreen. Kyri’s character was too important to disrespect him like that. However, they might’ve wanted Kyri to reprise his role so that he could be there when his character died.
It’s also important to note that Chicago Fire season 13’s ending didn’t set up Ritter’s exit in the slightest. He didn’t receive news about another job opportunity or tell anyone that he was contemplating moving. Given that Ritter gave no sign of wanting to leave Firehouse 51 or Chicago, perhaps that means he’ll be Chicago Fire’s next big casualty.
What Ritter’s Death Will Mean For Chicago Fire Season 14
Ritter’s Death Would Change The Course Of The Show
Now that Kyri is confirmed to appear at the beginning of season 14, the writers might feel more inclined to take the leap and kill off Ritter. If that happens, his death would forever change Firehouse 51 and its members. Violet, Ritter’s best friend, would be devastated. Ritter’s death would also significantly affect other Chicago Fire characters like Herrmann, Mouch, and Novak.
Kyri’s character dying would certainly have a bigger impact on the NBC procedural drama’s fourteenth season compared to if he just moved out of Chicago. That doesn’t mean that the series should kill off Ritter, though. In fact, Ritter’s death in Chicago Fire season 14 might just make Kyri’s exit worse (because that would mean he could never return).
