Chicago Fire is no stranger to cast shake-ups. After more than a decade on air, the NBC hit has weathered countless arrivals, departures, and heartbreaking losses. But few exits have stung fans quite like Jake Lockett’s sudden departure as firefighter Sam Carver. Not because it was unexpected — in a procedural, no one is untouchable — but because it came right after the moment fans had been waiting years for: Carver and Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) finally shared a kiss.
Now, as Season 14 approaches its October 1 premiere, viewers are desperate to know what this means for Violet, and for the love story that seemed poised to ignite.
Violet Without Carver: A New Chapter
In a preview with Entertainment Weekly, Hanako Greensmith reflected on her last scenes with Lockett, describing them as heartfelt and raw:
“It was really wonderful to get to live out those last few scenes together and just bring to life as much as possible and make it as heartfelt and raw and honest as possible.”
Greensmith also confirmed a time jump between Seasons 13 and 14, promising that lingering questions won’t be left hanging too long:
“We’re going to be giving answers to a couple of the questions from last season pretty immediately. No one should be left with too bated of a breath.”
That’s reassuring news for fans who worried Carver’s exit would be brushed aside with a throwaway line.
Violet’s Evolution
More than just romance, Season 14 looks set to continue Violet’s journey through grief, resilience, and maturity. The paramedic has endured an almost relentless string of heartbreaks, from losing her partner Evan Hawkins to weathering the challenges of leadership and strained friendships.
Greensmith teased that Violet is now entering a new phase:
“I feel as if I am witnessing her walk into a new phase of her life where she’s learning to live with these disappointments in a different way… A part of growing up is learning like how to live with it as opposed to live against it.”
It suggests Violet will emerge from Carver’s departure not broken, but reshaped — carrying her experiences as part of her growth rather than as burdens.
The Bigger Picture at Firehouse 51
Carver isn’t the only character stepping away. Daniel Kyri, who has played firefighter Darren Ritter since Season 7, also announced his departure earlier this year. Unlike Lockett, Kyri will return in a limited capacity in Season 14, giving fans a chance at closure.
As for Carver, the door may not be closed entirely. His Season 13 transfer request left his storyline open-ended, raising hope that he could return for a guest arc — especially to give fans and Violet the closure they deserve.
Why Carver & Violet Deserve More
The romance between Violet and Carver wasn’t just a fleeting subplot; it was carefully nurtured across seasons. Their chemistry balanced Violet’s firecracker personality with Carver’s more guarded, layered presence. Cutting the storyline short without a meaningful resolution would risk undermining that buildup.
Procedurals have a history of resolving major exits with either dramatic farewells or frustratingly quick dismissals. Fans are hoping Chicago Fire opts for the former, allowing Carver’s exit to feel as earned as his journey into Violet’s heart.
What Season 14 Promises
If Greensmith’s words are anything to go by, fans won’t be left hanging for long. The time jump and immediate answers should provide clarity early in the season. Whether or not Carver appears on-screen again, Violet’s story is headed toward a new, more mature era — one where she continues to navigate love, loss, and leadership in equal measure.
Still, for many, the question lingers: Will Carver return one last time, even briefly, to say goodbye properly?
Because after years of waiting, Violet and Carver’s story deserves more than just an ellipsis.
