For more than a decade, Chicago Fire has built a reputation not only for its high-stakes rescues but also for its ability to craft slow-burn romances that keep fans hooked. From the enduring spark between Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) to the swoon-worthy journey of Casey and Brett, Firehouse 51 has been the backdrop for some of television’s most memorable love stories.
But as Season 14 looms, the NBC procedural finds itself in a romance slump. Several fan-favorite relationships have either fizzled out or been left in limbo, and with cast changes shaking up the ensemble, the writers have room to explore new connections. Still, not every flirtation should be pursued—and one potential couple could spell disaster for both the characters involved and the overall tone of the series.
Season 13 Left Novak’s Love Life in Limbo
Lizzie Novak (Jocelyn Hudon) arrived at Firehouse 51 last season with grit, charm, and a spark of mischief. She also quickly clicked with Jack Damon (Michael Bradway), Severide’s younger half-brother. The two shared an undeniable chemistry, but their fling never blossomed into a fully fledged romance before Season 13 ended.
Fans hoping to see that connection deepen in Season 14 are in for disappointment. Bradway won’t return this year, having signed on for Prime Video’s upcoming adaptation of Carley Fortune’s Every Summer After. That means Damon’s arc—and his budding relationship with Novak—will be left unresolved.
A Replacement Romance Could Backfire
With Damon gone, the writers might be tempted to pivot Novak toward another eligible bachelor within 51. Unfortunately, Season 13 offered a hint at what that detour could look like—and it’s one many fans hope the show avoids.
Enter Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney), a relatively new leader at the firehouse. Early on, Novak confided to Violet (Hanako Greensmith) that she found Pascal attractive, and the Chief himself seemed to be fighting his own interest in her. On paper, it’s a setup for workplace drama. In reality, it’s a powder keg that could blow up in all the wrong ways.
Why Novak and Pascal Should Stay Far Apart
Several red flags make a Novak–Pascal romance a nonstarter:
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The ghost of infidelity – When Novak’s crush surfaced, Pascal was still married to Monica. Their marriage was rocky, but she had uprooted her life to join him in Chicago. A romance that begins under the shadow of a failing marriage is shaky ground at best.
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Grief complicates everything – By Episode 15, Monica’s tragic death in a car accident left Pascal reeling. Jumping into a relationship while grieving a spouse is rarely healthy, and it would all but doom any emotional connection to Novak from the start.
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A messy power dynamic – Pascal is Novak’s boss, making any romance a potential HR nightmare. He hasn’t even been at 51 long enough to establish deep trust with the crew, and getting personally involved with a subordinate would erode his credibility as a leader.
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Mismatch in intentions – Novak has shown little interest in long-term commitments. Pascal, given the stakes of dating within the chain of command, would need their relationship to be serious from day one. That’s a pressure cooker neither is ready for.
The Bigger Risk for Firehouse 51
Firehouse romances work best when they’re built on trust, shared experience, and a slow burn—think Casey and Dawson or Brett and Casey. A Pascal–Novak storyline would skip those foundations in favor of rushed tension, putting both characters at risk of being written into a corner.
Instead of creating compelling emotional drama, the show could end up with a relationship that feels forced, short-lived, and ultimately distracting from the stronger arcs Season 14 could explore—like Stella and Severide preparing for adoption, or the mysterious backstory of new recruit Sal Vasquez (Brandon Larracuente).
The Verdict
Damon’s exit is a loss, but it doesn’t have to derail Novak’s growth. She could easily remain single for now, focusing on her role at 51 and building bonds with her fellow firefighters. When she does date again, it should be with someone who matches her energy, isn’t her superior, and doesn’t come with a mountain of emotional baggage.
Because if Chicago Fire has taught us anything over the years, it’s that the best love stories take time—and the wrong pairing can burn the whole house down.
