Chicago Fire Season 13 has officially sparked a new romance at Firehouse 51, and fans are already swooning over the chemistry between Lizzie Novak and Jack Damon. But while the pairing brings a fresh dynamic to the show, it also comes with a big red flag — one that has derailed more than a few promising TV relationships in the past.
Novak & Damon’s Romance Ignites Quickly
Introduced as Severide’s brother, Jack Damon made a strong first impression with his heroic instincts and natural charm. But it wasn’t until Episode 16, “A Beast Like This,” that the tension between Jack and paramedic Lizzie Novak finally boiled over. After sharing a night together, the duo’s flirty banter and electric chemistry transitioned seamlessly from Molly’s bar to Firehouse 51.
In Episode 17, we see their connection deepen. From waking up in bed together to exchanging smiles on shift, Novak and Damon are magnetic. They click in a way that feels earned, not forced — and for once, a new Chicago Fire couple seems like it could have staying power.
But Is This Heading Toward the ‘Will They/Won’t They’ Trap?
Here’s where things get tricky.
Immediately after their night together, Jack pulls the brakes. Citing his recent arrival at Engine 51 and concerns about crossing professional lines, he insists it’s better they don’t pursue anything further — a decision Lizzie accepts with surprising grace. But her cool reaction rattles Jack, and the spark between them refuses to die. Their goodbye kiss says it all: this story is far from over.
The problem? This is classic setup for the overused will they/won’t they trope — a narrative crutch TV writers have leaned on for decades. While the tension of “will they or won’t they” can be fun, it’s also incredibly overdone, especially in shows like Chicago Fire, which already has one slow-burn pairing in Carver and Violet.
At this point, drawing out Novak and Damon’s romance would feel less like good storytelling and more like déjà vu.
There’s a Better Way Forward — And Chicago Fire Already Knows How
The fear with putting two characters together too quickly is what fans call “shipping death” — the idea that once a couple is official, the tension disappears. But Chicago Fire has already proven that happy couples don’t have to be boring. Just look at Stellaride.
Severide and Kidd have weathered it all — long-distance, near-breakups, high-stakes calls, even talks of adoption — and yet their relationship remains one of the most compelling elements of the show. The writers didn’t drag things out with will-they drama. Instead, they found ways to test the couple while still allowing them to grow together.
That same approach could work beautifully for Novak and Damon.
Why This Relationship Has Real Staying Power
Damon’s hesitation isn’t unfounded, but even Herrmann reassures him in Episode 17 that his place at Firehouse 51 is solid. With that fear out of the way, there’s no need for unnecessary back-and-forth. More importantly, Damon’s journey with Severide — still unfolding as the brothers explore their bond — opens the door to meaningful storylines that could naturally affect his relationship with Novak.
And let’s be honest: Novak and Damon have more than just physical chemistry. There’s genuine compatibility, mutual respect, and a shared emotional depth that deserves to be explored without resorting to tired plot devices.
The Bottom Line
Chicago Fire struck gold with Lizzie Novak and Jack Damon. Their romance is fresh, grounded, and already emotionally engaging. But the series needs to resist the urge to stall their relationship for drama’s sake. There are smarter, more emotionally resonant ways to keep things interesting — ones that don’t involve circling the same “will they/won’t they” loop we’ve seen too many times before.
Here’s hoping Firehouse 51 lets this love story burn bright — not fizzle out in trope fatigue.
