Chicago Fire Star Shuts Down Novak Romance Rumors—And Fans Are Relieved

Lyla Novak has been flirty with her boss for a few episodes…

Lyla Novak (Jocelyn Hudon) has really made a splash on Chicago Fire. She has become part of one of the show’s most beloved duos with Violet (Hanako Greensmith), and she brings a bubbly energy to 51 that had been lacking in recent seasons.

There’s a lot of about Novak that we still don’t know, which is something Joceyln Hudon addressed in a recent TV Line interview. The actress teased out various plot threads that will develop in season 13, including her character’s tragic past. The one plot thread she felt comfortable laying to bed, though, was the prospect of romance between Novak and Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney).

Novak has been flirty with the 51 Chief on a few of occasions, and there seems to be a connection that surpasses that of a typical boss and employee dynamic. Hudon acknowledged this, but felt that her character does not see a romantic future with Pascal.

Novak and Chief Pascal will not get involved

“I think Novak sometimes just shoots things out into the world,” the actress explained. “Like, she works hard, she plays hard. I don’t know if she takes too much stock into little comments like that. But I think, underneath, there’s a lot of playfulness and humor and levity to this character.” She confirmed a real connection between Novak and Pascal, but likened it more to a mentor and student.

“I think a relationship with the chief more so in a mentorship way is where her true thoughts lie,” Hudon told the outlet. We’re glad, frankly. A romance between Novak and Pascal would have been messy at best, and questionable at worst. Both have proven to be strong characters in their own right, and we feel they’d be better served as peers than lovers.

Novak’s love life has been a bit of a mystery to fans, barring a quick hookup with Stella Kidd’s cousin, but light will be shed upon this time in future episodes. “There is something that comes up, eventually, that gives us more of a sneak peek into her past and life and relationships,” the actress revealed. “And that might help answer that question a little.”

Jocelyn Hudon wants to explore Novak’s tragic past

It’s not all about romance, of course. Novak’s strongest connection on the show thus far has been with Violet and Hudon doubled down, citing it as the most important anchor in Novak’s life at the moment.

The secret to the Novak and Violet dynamic, in Hudon’s opinion, is balance. “[Violet] has a lot of responsibility, and she’s experienced a lot of darkness,” the actress posited. “I think that’s why, sometimes, my character’s light and flippant in some moments.” It’s definitely proven effective.

As for the darkness in Novak’s own life, well, we are going to have to wait to get more information. Hudon told the outlet that she was unaware of plans to delve into her character’s past, but hopes that Chicago Fire does at some point in the future. We do too. Especially given how the brief taste we got showcased a very different, and very surprising side of the character.

Rate this post