The revolving door at Firehouse 51 never seems to stop spinning. Just as fans settle into the rhythm of the close-knit crew, a major character departure sends shockwaves through the One Chicago community. The latest name generating intense speculation and concern is Jake Lockett, who plays the compelling and complicated firefighter, Sam Carver.
Following the dramatic events of the Season 13 finale, Carver’s future on Chicago Fire has been left hanging by a thread. His recent promotion to Squad 3, coupled with a cryptic emotional send-off, has led many to believe that Lockett may not be returning for Chicago Fire Season 14 as a series regular. This uncertainty not only impacts Firehouse 51’s crew dynamics but leaves the fate of one of the show’s most popular new relationships completely up in the air.
The Carver Character Arc: From Troublemaker to Team Player
Sam Carver arrived at Firehouse 51 in Season 11, initially introduced as a rival to Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) from her days at the Fire Academy. His early tenure was marked by a cocky attitude, impulsive decisions, and a palpable tension with the existing crew. However, over two seasons, Carver proved to be far more than just a talented, hot-headed firefighter.
The Evolution: A New Layer of Vulnerability
The character quickly evolved, shedding the “bad boy” facade to reveal layers of deep-seated trauma and vulnerability. Carver’s emotional scars, particularly those linked to his family history and past mistakes, made him a complex and relatable figure. He demonstrated immense bravery, unquestionable skill on the job, and, most importantly, a capacity for loyalty to the 51 family.
His most defining relationship became his intense, on-again, off-again romance with Paramedic Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith). This pairing—dubbed “Carver and Violet” by fans—added a much-needed spark to the ambulance crew’s world, providing a romantic tension that filled the void left by other departures. The final episodes of Season 13 saw their relationship reach a new level of commitment, making a potential exit all the more devastating for viewers.
The Season 13 Finale Cliffhanger: Why Fans Are Worried
The biggest cause for concern surrounding Jake Lockett’s status stemmed from his character’s professional shift late in Season 13.
The Squad 3 Transfer
In a pivotal career move, Sam Carver was promoted and transferred to Squad 3 under the command of Lieutenant Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney). While a promotion to Squad is a badge of honor in the CFD, any transfer out of Engine 51 inherently reduces a character’s screen time and central narrative function. The move put distance between Carver and the core group on Engine and Truck, making his eventual phasing out much easier for the writers.
The Emotional Farewell
The final scenes involving Carver had an air of finality that felt like a deliberate setup for an exit. There were multiple deep, meaningful conversations—a character hallmark often used before a departure. He shared profound moments with Violet, promising to make their new arrangement work despite the transfer. Showrunners often employ these “closure” scenes to give an emotional send-off to a character who won’t be returning, even if the exit isn’t fatal.
Adding to the speculation was the official casting news released shortly after the finale. While many original cast members were confirmed to return, Lockett’s name was notably absent from early announcements regarding his status as a series regular, fueling the fan assumption that he would either return in a limited recurring capacity or not at all.
What We Know About Season 14: The Official Details
As of now, the official word on Jake Lockett’s return for Chicago Fire Season 14 remains ambiguous, which is often a strategic decision by the production team to maximize surprise. However, behind-the-scenes insights and character logistics offer key clues.
The Showrunner’s Intentions
Showrunner Andrea Newman has previously spoken about the necessity of maintaining “fresh blood” and adapting to the career paths of firefighters in a real-world setting. A promotion to Squad 3, while an advance, often means that character is now part of the wider CFD network rather than permanently housed at Firehouse 51.
Furthermore, Newman has acknowledged the strong fan response to the Carver and Violet relationship. It is highly unlikely the show would permanently dismantle such a popular new pairing off-screen. If Carver were to exit completely, it would demand a substantial explanation that provides closure to the romance, or worse, would result in Violet’s character being needlessly heartbroken again.
The Logistics of Squad 3
A crucial point is that Carver’s character is now tied to Severide’s Squad 3. Severide is a guaranteed fixture of the show. Therefore, for Squad 3 to function and for Severide to have a team to lead, Carver must appear, even if his screen time is reduced from his Engine 51 days. It is more probable that Lockett returns as a recurring cast member for at least the first half of Season 14, allowing the writers to complete his storyline with Violet or set up a more organic, permanent departure.
The alternative—an immediate, off-screen exit—would be poor storytelling, sacrificing two seasons of character development for a rushed plot device.
The Verdict: Hope for a Return, But Expect Change
While the speculation surrounding Jake Lockett’s full-time series regular status is justified by the Season 13 finale, the immediate and total departure of Sam Carver is unlikely.
The most probable scenario for Chicago Fire Season 14 is a reduced role for Carver. He will continue to serve on Squad 3, appearing primarily in scenes that involve Severide, the larger-scale action sequences, or, most critically, scenes with Violet. This transition allows Lockett, if he is pursuing other projects, to scale back his commitment, while giving the writers time to provide a satisfying, well-earned conclusion to his time in the One Chicago universe.
For fans hoping for a happy ending for Carver and Violet, keep the faith. Their relationship has too much potential to be discarded so easily. Sam Carver may not be in the Firehouse lounge every day, but the man who stole Violet’s heart and earned 51’s respect is too vital a presence to disappear without a fight.
