Is Sam Carver Leaving Chicago Fire for Good?
Warning! Spoilers ahead for Chicago Fire season 13, episode 5, “Bird of Prey.”
Chicago Fire season 13, episode 5, “Bird of Prey” may have written off Sam Carver for good. As one of the newer cast members of One Chicago, Jake Lockett has spent the past few years getting used to working at Firehouse 51. Barring a few hiccups, both professional and personal, he seems to have settled in perfectly with the tight-knit group. There have been a few instances in the past where it seemed like he was finally going to leave. So it’s sad that Carver may finally be leaving Firehouse 51 after Chicago Fire season 13, episode 5. In “Birds of Prey,” Firehouse 51 has to deal with a number of cases. Kelly Severide and Wallace Boden’s replacement, Dom Pascal, investigate a fire, Mouch McHolland deals with a bird strike at the Fire Station, while Violet Mikami and Lyla Novak take a man with stitches to the Med. Carver’s personal storyline may be the most interesting, though, as he continues to fall apart over his ongoing relationship with Tori. After dragging his feet all day, he’s finally reprimanded for his misbehavior, leading to what could be his last shift at Fire Station 51. Stella Kidd has noticed in a few episodes how much Carver has changed at work since returning from his most recent leave. With Pascal following Truck 81 after her team left, Kelly Severide’s wife can’t afford to make any more mistakes in succession this time around. So, Carver’s lack of dedication on every shift naturally became a problem. That said, all that partying and drinking every night to hang out with his girlfriend finally caught up with him in Chicago Fire season 13, episode 6. Kidd finally ran out of patience and sent Carver home in the middle of his shift.
By giving Carver a tool he forgot at home because of another late night out with his girlfriend, she urged him to leave Firehouse 51 and move to Austin, where there were more fire stations that were more suited to their lifestyle.
While Kidd didn’t fire his right-hand man for being lazy, Tori’s comments earlier in the episode may have resonated with him. By giving Carver a tool he forgot at home because of another late night out with his girlfriend, she urged him to leave Firehouse 51 and move to Austin, where there were more fire stations that were more suited to their lifestyle. Carver has denied it, but after what just happened between him and Kidd, he may start to seriously consider Tori’s suggestion. If that’s the case, then the Chicago Fire cast may have just lost another character.
Carver has been on the verge of leaving One Chicago many times before. In the season 12 finale of Chicago Fire, he once again took a leave of absence after a heartbreaking conversation with Violet about their situation. He eventually returned, but when he did, it was clear that he had changed. He had become a party animal and an irresponsible member of the group. All things considered, Kidd’s firing of Carver makes sense, but in the larger context, it may have been a result of all the times he’s almost left over the past few years.
Ultimately, Chief Dom Pascal’s decision to fire Jack Damon was great, but I have two issues with the decision, considering how it impacts the series.
Luckily, this incident is yet another Carver hoax. Chicago Fire recently promoted Jake Lockett to a series regular role, after only playing a supporting role for the first few years, despite appearing in a majority of episodes. The terms of his contract are not public, but considering this, it’s safe to assume that NBC and Wolf Entertainment have long-term plans for the character. This means that Carver will eventually reprise his role on Firehouse 51 and Truck 81. However, when that will happen is unclear.
At this point, One Chicago is used to spinning itself off. It’s sad to say goodbye to so many fan-favorite characters, but the show has used this to keep its shows fresh and exciting. However, it’s no secret that Chicago Fire has lost a number of key cast members over the past few years, including two original cast members, Chief Boden and Matt Casey. That’s not to mention saying goodbye to some of Firehouse 51’s longtime employees like Blake Gallo and Sylvie Brett.
It’s also worth noting that Carver’s removal means Chicago Fire will have to cut short his romance with Violet before anything happens.
With that in mind, Chicago Fire needs stability more than anything at this point, and letting Carver go won’t do it. Lockett is a great addition to the cast, and while we don’t want to see him go, losing him means Truck 81 will once again be on the hunt for a new member.
