The season 12 finale of Chicago Fire surprised fans with not one, but two major character exits, and while Chief Wallace Boden’s departure was heavily emphasized, it is the exit of Sam Carver that may have a bigger impact on Firehouse 51. The shorter season, due to the Hollywood strikes of 2023, was packed with significant developments, many of which will shape the future of the series. Of all the twists, Carver’s sudden exit in the final moments stands out as a game-changer.
Firehouse 51’s Major Departures: Carver and Boden Leave
The finale of Chicago Fire season 12, titled “Never Say Goodbye,” was marked by the long-anticipated exit of Chief Boden, portrayed by Eamonn Walker. As the very first actor cast in the One Chicago universe, his departure felt like the end of an era. Boden leaves to take on a new role as the leader of the Chicago Fire Department (CFD), a promotion that felt inevitable after years of avoiding the politics that came with such responsibility.
But while Boden’s departure was emotional, it had been brewing for some time. His exit, while bittersweet, is seen as a natural progression for his character. However, Sam Carver’s exit, revealed through a single line from Stella Kidd, was far more abrupt and unexpected.
Sam Carver Goes MIA in the Finale
In the final moments of the episode, Kidd reveals that Carver, who had been struggling with personal issues throughout the season, had taken another furlough after a rough shift. During the call, he got into a fight with Jack Damon, Kelly Severide’s half-brother, further complicating an already stressful situation. Things escalated when Carver argued with Violet Mikami in the locker room. The two had been dating casually, but their fight was heated, with Carver confessing his feelings for Violet and Violet accusing him of being interested in Kidd.
Kidd’s mention of Carver’s furlough leaves his future uncertain. While it’s possible that Carver could return in season 13, One Chicago fans know that characters who take furloughs don’t always come back.
Why Carver’s Exit Feels Bigger Than Boden’s
As significant as Boden’s exit is, it had been long expected. His promotion to CFD leadership had been foreshadowed for seasons, and while his presence will be missed, his departure feels like a fitting conclusion to his story.
Carver’s exit, however, feels premature. Despite being a newer addition to the show, Carver had quickly become a central figure at Firehouse 51, with a growing storyline and deepening relationships with other key characters. His romance with Violet, in particular, had been developing into one of the show’s most promising love stories, and fans were eager to see where it would go.
In many ways, Carver had been positioned to become one of the next faces of Chicago Fire, especially with rumors swirling that Taylor Kinney’s Kelly Severide might also be stepping away from the show. Carver’s dynamic with characters like Kidd and Violet made him a vital part of the ensemble, and his departure leaves a void that will be hard to fill.
The Future of Firehouse 51 Without Carver
Losing both Boden and Carver in the same finale is a significant blow to Firehouse 51. Boden’s leadership and wisdom had been a constant presence, and Carver’s departure could mean the end of one of the best love lines the show has seen in years. Violet and Carver’s chemistry was undeniable, and it would be disappointing for their storyline to end so abruptly.
As Chicago Fire moves into its 13th season, the absence of these key characters will undoubtedly shake up the dynamics at Firehouse 51. With Matt Casey already gone and uncertainty surrounding Severide’s future, Carver had the potential to step up and become one of the anchors of the show. Without him, the show may need to find a new way to balance its ensemble cast.
Conclusion: A Surprising Twist for Chicago Fire
The Chicago Fire season 12 finale gave fans plenty to talk about, but the biggest surprise was Carver’s sudden exit. While Boden’s departure had been in the works for a while, Carver’s storyline felt unfinished, leaving viewers wondering if he’ll ever return. As the show prepares for season 13, the loss of two important characters will force Firehouse 51 to adapt to new leadership and new challenges, making the future of the series more uncertain than ever.
