Many characters have come and gone from Firehouse 51 throughout Chicago Fire, and although two were supposed to join that group after the season 13 finale, the episode indicated they weren’t going anywhere. In season 13, episode 22, the first responders were seemingly more focused on other predicaments to worry about possible exits. The Chicago Fire season 13 finale ended without any clear resolution concerning what would happen to the two aforementioned characters, making many viewers wonder if the firefighters are actually leaving the NBC procedural drama.
“It Had to End This Way” picked up where the previous hour left off, with Chief Pascal in the hot seat. He was the top suspect in an attempted murder case, and Severide was determined to prove Pascal’s innocence. Thankfully, the two Chicago Fire season 13 characters discovered the real culprit by the finale’s conclusion, clearing Pascal’s name. Elsewhere, Kidd learned something that would change her and Severide’s lives forever. Herrmann also decided not to take the chief’s test and demoted himself so that Mouch could take over as Engine 51’s lieutenant, and Carver contemplated his future in Chicago.
Jake Lockett & Daniel Kyri Are Confirmed To Leave After Chicago Fire Season 13
Carver & Ritter Aren’t Supposed To Return
Weeks before NBC aired the finale, news broke that two series regulars would leave Chicago Fire after season 13 — Jake Lockett and Daniel Kyri. Lockett has starred as Sam Carver in the NBC procedural drama since season 11. Meanwhile, Kyri made his first appearance as Darren Ritter in season 7. So, many were shocked that the two men would be exiting Chicago Fire, and they were disappointed, given that Carver and Ritter had become fan favorites throughout their time on the show. Unfortunately, none of that mattered because, by all accounts, they would be gone by the season 14 premiere.
In the wake of the news of Lockett and Kyri’s departures, the two Chicago Fire actors took to social media to address their apparent exits. Lockett posted a video on his Instagram. It features a montage of behind-the-scenes moments with Lockett and his costars, and the caption reads:
While I don’t exactly know what the future looks like, I do know that it won’t be exactly what it was and I am going to miss the hell out of that. So much pride in this journey.
It’s been an honor bringing Sam to life and to every one of you, thank you for the love and support over the past three years.
And most importantly, the people that I was on the ground with day and night… thank you for the family you are and times you have been and will be there for me. If you’re not in one of these clips, there will be more to follow. So many cherished memories.
As for Kyri, the star shared a message concerning his exit from Chicago Fire on his Instagram Stories. He wrote:
I’ll miss this character, and it’s time to move on … Thank you to the cast, crew, & the awesome fans.
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Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 22 Doesn’t Explicitly Write Out Carver & Ritter
Neither Character Had Clear Exits
Heading into the finale, many fans wondered how Chicago Fire season 13’s confirmed Firehouse 51 exits could happen. Perhaps either Carver or Ritter would die (or even both of them). Or they could move out of Chicago or transfer to a different firehouse for one reason or another. However, when the finale aired, nothing of the sort happened. Neither Carver nor Ritter died, and they didn’t depart from the city, leaving the audience wondering what comes next for the two characters.
| Chicago Fire Season 13 Cast | Character |
|---|---|
| Taylor Kinney | Kelly Severide |
| Miranda Rae Mayo | Stella Kidd |
| David Eigenberg | Christopher Herrmann |
| Christian Stolte | Randall “Mouch” McHolland |
| Joe Minoso | Joe Cruz |
| Daniel Kyri | Darren Ritter |
| Hanako Greensmith | Violet Mikami |
| Jocelyn Hudon | Lizzie Novak |
| Dermot Mulroney | Dom Pascal |
| Jake Lockett | Sam Carver |
| Michael Bradway | Jack Damon |
While the Chicago Fire season 13 finale seemingly tried (and failed) to set up Carver’s exit, the episode did nothing to address Ritter’s impending departure.
Towards the end of the season 13 finale, Carver waited outside Violet’s apartment for her. When she arrived, he kissed her and told her he loved her. Violet confessed her love for Carver, too, and the episode concluded with them kissing and basking in their newfound happiness on the sidewalk. Based on this scene, one would think Carver was choosing to stay in Chicago to be with Violet. However, perhaps that will change when Chicago Fire season 14 premieres.
How Chicago Fire Can Still Write Out Carver & Ritter Ahead Of Season 14
The Show Can Explain Their Absences In The Season 14 Premiere
If NBC is adamant about Carver and Ritter leaving Chicago Fire for good, the writers can still find a way to write the characters out of the show. Perhaps Carver (despite declaring his love for Violet) decides it would be best for him to move to Denver. By the time season 14 rolls around, he could be gone already.
As for Ritter, the upcoming premiere could explain his absence, whether he died, left the city, or something else. Whatever the case, it would be a disservice to Carver and Ritter if the series only made offhand comments to excuse why they’re gone. Carver and Ritter should at least return in the season 14 premiere to give their characters proper endings. But only time will tell if Chicago Fire does right by them.
