Chicago Fire Season 14’s Rumored Romance Could Burn the Whole Show Down

Chicago Fire is struggling in the romance department as of late, but that doesn’t mean the show should pair two characters who are completely wrong for each other in season 14. The NBC procedural drama has produced multiple epic love stories over the years. From Kidd and Severide to Casey and Brett, Chicago Fire has had its fair share of memorable relationships.

Unfortunately, when Chicago Fire returns with season 14, most of the series’ budding romances will be gone. Of course, Severide and Kidd will return and prepare to have a baby. Their connection is old news, though. It’s time for some new Firehouse 51 romances, but the writers should still avoid pursuing a potential couple that was slightly teased in season 13.

Michael Bradway’s Exit Signals The End Of Novak & Damon’s Fling

Bradway Won’t Return In Chicago Fire Season 14

Michael Bradway, who plays Damon in Chicago Fire, won’t return for season 14, according to Soaps.com. The actor was cast to play Charlie Florek in Prime Video’s upcoming TV series adaptation (Every Year After) of Carley Fortune’s best-selling novel Every Summer After. As such, Bradway will be busy filming the other TV show while Chicago Fire season 14 is in production.

While it’s sad to lose Damon because he’s Severide’s half-brother in Chicago Fire, Bradway’s departure is also disappointing because it means his character’s fling with Novak is over. Damon and Novak had chemistry from the moment they met. However, their relationship was never official. Now, Damon and Novak’s dynamic is being robbed of growing into something more than just a fling.

Bradway could still reprise his role as Damon in future episodes of Chicago Fire. His schedule may open up, allowing him to return to the Windy City. If that happens, the writers could circle back to Damon and Novak’s will-they/won’t-they relationship. Novak certainly won’t wait very long for Damon, though, meaning she will likely start dating again in season 14.

If Damon Is Gone, Chicago Fire Might Explore A Romance Between Novak & Pascal

Season 13 Hinted At A Novak & Pascal Romance

If Bradway weren’t leaving Chicago Fire ahead of season 14, the upcoming episodes would likely have continued exploring Damon and Novak’s connection. Since the actor is departing, though, the writers might want to find another love interest for Novak. Perhaps they will look no further than the Firehouse 51 crew and their relatively new chief, which would be the worst-case scenario.

As some may recall, Chicago Fire season 13 hinted at a possible romance between Novak and Chief Pascal. Novak made it clear (to Violet, at least) that she had a slight crush on Dermot Mulroney’s character. Meanwhile, Chief Pascal seemed to be fighting feelings for her, too. However, this would be a huge mistake for Novak and Pascal, and honestly, for Firehouse 51 as a whole.

Why Forcing Novak & Pascal’s Relationship Would Be A Big Mistake

There Are Many Reasons Why Novak & Pascal Shouldn’t Be Together

When Chicago Fire season 13 teased that Novak and Chief Pascal’s dynamic could become something more than platonic, it was immediately off-putting. For starters, Chief Pascal was married at the time. Yes, he and his wife, Monica, weren’t on the best of terms, but she still moved to Chicago with him. And a healthy romance should never start with cheating.

After Chicago Fire season 13, episode 15, though, Novak and Chief Pascal’s potential relationship ran into another problem. Monica tragically died in a car accident, leaving Chief Pascal depressed as he worked through his grief. Jumping into a relationship right after one’s spouse dies is never a good idea — it would just set Novak and Chief Pascal up for failure.

Aside from Monica, Novak and Chief Pascal’s biggest obstacle is their unbalanced power dynamic. He is her boss, which should explain itself. However, not only is Chief Pascal Novak’s superior, but he also hasn’t been working at Firehouse 51 for very long. Chief Pascal needs this job (as does Novak), and he is certainly not the kind to mix work with pleasure.

Novak also isn’t ready for a serious relationship. If she were to start dating Chief Pascal, their status would have to be serious because they would both be risking their careers for it. Based on Novak’s previous relationship, though, she seemingly doesn’t want a long-term commitment. But that’s what her relationship with Chief Pascal would have to be to make sense.

Ultimately, Damon’s exit from Chicago Fire can’t result in a romance between Novak and Chief Pascal. It would just never work, and the show would be wasting its time on a couple that has an expiration date. Hopefully, Novak can either stay single or find someone suitable to date in Chicago Fire season 14.