“Chicago Fire” has enjoyed a long run, with its 13th season kicking off in September. Over the years, the show has featured a large ensemble cast, with characters coming and going. Wolf Entertainment has done a commendable job of giving its characters the spotlight when they have a story to tell—except, it seems, when it comes to one key character: Darren Ritter, played by the incredibly talented Daniel Kyri.
Ritter was introduced in Season 7, during a high-stakes scene where Firehouse 51 responds to a massive high-rise fire. As a rookie firefighter, Ritter is belittled by his lieutenant, undermining his confidence in front of his peers. While Herrmann (David Eigenberg) steps in to defend him, Ritter freezes under pressure, only regaining his composure when Mouch (Christian Stolte) encourages him. He briefly leaves the Chicago Fire Department, but thanks to Mouch and Herrmann’s belief in him, he returns to Firehouse 51.
Darren Ritter: Chicago Fire’s Underappreciated Star
Ritter’s first few episodes set the stage for what could have been a strong character arc. However, after his introduction, his storylines have been disappointingly sparse. One of his few notable moments comes in Season 8, when he comes out as gay to Herrmann, who responds with one of his signature dad jokes. Though the scene is handled with care, it’s fleeting and nearly forgettable.
As the seasons progress, we learn more about Ritter through small, easily missed details. He joined the CFD in honor of his uncle, a firefighter who tragically died by suicide. We see that Ritter is thoughtful, funny, a loyal friend, and deeply committed to his family. He’s also shown himself to be an empathetic and emotionally intelligent firefighter, especially when it comes to recognizing depression in others. Despite these rich character traits, “Chicago Fire” has not given Ritter the depth or attention he deserves. His personal life, including his relationships, are barely touched upon in the show.
Instead of developing his story, Ritter is often relegated to the background, assisting other characters in their storylines. He frequently serves as the wingman for Blake Gallo (Alberto Rosende) and Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) but rarely gets the spotlight himself. This is an unfortunate oversight given Kyri’s immense acting abilities, which have gone largely untapped.
Daniel Kyri’s Talent Deserves the Spotlight
Daniel Kyri’s skills are evident in the few moments where Ritter has been allowed to shine. In one standout scene from Season 7, when Ritter is on the verge of quitting the CFD, Kyri’s performance captures his character’s internal struggle. The way he conveys Ritter’s determination and vulnerability as he explains his decision to Mouch is remarkable. Even more impressive is how Kyri holds his own in this scene alongside the seasoned Christian Stolte.
In Season 12, Kyri again delivers a moving performance, allowing Ritter to show more of his emotions during a farewell scene with Violet. His ability to portray Ritter’s growth and his place within Firehouse 51 is a testament to Kyri’s range as an actor.
With Firehouse 51 seeing a high turnover of firefighters in recent seasons, it seems like the perfect opportunity to elevate Ritter’s role. The first two episodes of Season 12 finally offered a glimmer of hope, as Ritter saw increased screen time. In one episode, Herrmann and Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) even competed over which team would get to keep Ritter on their crew, demonstrating how much the character is valued within the firehouse. However, this small shift still falls short of giving Ritter the full story arc he deserves.
Later in the season, Ritter’s relationship with a police officer is revealed, but instead of exploring this romantic plotline, the show minimizes it. Chicago Fire frames Ritter’s secrecy not as an issue of his identity but as a rivalry between firefighters and the police. This explanation feels odd, given the historical camaraderie between the two departments in the show.
Will Season 13 Finally Give Ritter His Due?
There is some hope for Ritter fans. In a TVLine interview, showrunner Andrea Newman hinted that Season 13 will be “Ritter-heavy.” For Daniel Kyri’s sake, let’s hope this promise materializes. Kyri has already started branching out beyond acting, recently modeling for Out Magazine and releasing his first single, “Dreamland Ave.” With these new ventures, Kyri has plenty of opportunities outside of “Chicago Fire,” and the show’s writers should recognize the value of keeping him around by giving Ritter the major storylines he’s earned.
For now, fans can catch Kyri’s underused but compelling performance as Darren Ritter when “Chicago Fire” streams on Peacock.
