Just when Chicago Fire fans thought they were heading toward a happy ending, the Season 13 finale delivered a classic twist—and it was anything but predictable.
In the emotionally charged episode titled “It Had to End This Way,” what seemed like a long-awaited romantic breakthrough between Sam Carver (Jake Lockett) and Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) suddenly took a turn. What fans hoped would be a defining love story ended instead in bittersweet heartbreak—and the possible exit of yet another key character.
💔 Carver & Mikami’s Storyline Hits a Crossroads
For most of Season 13, tension and chemistry simmered between Carver and Mikami. When Violet finally summoned the courage to share a heartfelt love letter, fans braced for a romantic payoff.
Instead, Carver revealed he had already made the decision to leave Firehouse 51 and transfer to the Denver Fire Department, citing his ongoing struggles with sobriety and the need to focus on healing.
“Carver is really on a journey of his own… we wanted to portray that in a realistic way,” explained showrunner Andrea Newman. “Not make it too sweet and easy.”
But before leaving, Carver sent one final text that had Violet worried. That tension gave way to a raw and powerful goodbye, as the pair shared a passionate kiss and exchanged ‘I love yous’—cementing the gravity of what they were walking away from.
❓ Is Sam Carver Really Gone?
Carver’s future on Chicago Fire is still up in the air. While Jake Lockett won’t return as a series regular in Season 14, Newman confirmed that his story might not be over just yet.
“We may not have Carver full-time next season, but we may have him for a bunch of it too,” she told NBC Insider. “There’s a lot left to figure out between Violet and Carver.”
Lockett addressed his uncertain exit weeks before the finale aired, sharing a heartfelt goodbye on Instagram:
“I don’t exactly know what the future looks like… but I am going to miss the hell out of that. So much pride in this journey.”
👶 Kidd and Severide’s Big News
The finale wasn’t all heartbreak. After a season of growth and tension, Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) finally got the good kind of surprise: they’re expecting their first child. The news, revealed in a tender scene, sets the stage for a brand-new chapter for Chicago Fire’s power couple.
⚖️ Pascal’s Redemption Arc
Elsewhere, Chief Tom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) found himself at the center of a criminal investigation after being accused of attempted murder in connection with his late wife’s car accident. But in classic Severide fashion, the truth came to light, and Pascal’s name was cleared—giving his character solid ground to stand on as he continues to settle into his leadership role at 51.
🚨 The Legacy of Cast Shakeups
True to tradition, Chicago Fire finales often come with major exits—and this one was no different.
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Eamonn Walker’s Chief Wallace Boden officially moved on after a promotion in Season 12, though he returned briefly in Season 13.
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Now, with Carver potentially gone and uncertainty surrounding other returning cast members, Season 14 could usher in yet another period of transition for Firehouse 51.
🧯 What’s Next?
As Season 14 preps to begin filming in July, fans are waiting for updates on additional cast contracts and potential new arrivals. While the Carver-Mikami storyline may be on pause, there’s clearly more fire left to burn—and fans are already speculating about reunions, replacements, and rising tensions in the wake of these emotional shifts.
