If there’s one thing Chicago Fire does better than almost any other network drama, it’s balancing the adrenaline of rescue scenes with the emotional punches of its character arcs. Season 13’s episode “The Bad Guy” is a prime example: an hour packed with decisions, turning points, and revelations that left viewers reeling.
For Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith), it was a night of truth — and heartbreak. After months of quiet discontent in her relationship with Flynn (Steven Strait), Violet finally said what fans had long suspected: her heart still belongs to Sam Carver (Jake Lockett). The problem? The timing couldn’t be worse.
A Confession Years in the Making
From the moment Violet and Carver first shared the screen, fans sensed chemistry. Their romance, while brief, carried the mix of intensity and vulnerability that makes for a One Chicago fan-favorite pairing. But since their split, Violet has struggled to move forward — and Flynn, despite his charm and best intentions, could never quite fill the void.
When Flynn introduced Violet to a medical consultant with hopes of steering her toward a new career path, it backfired spectacularly. Violet didn’t want med school; she wanted to stay with Firehouse 51, where she’s found her calling. Their disagreement escalated, and Violet finally admitted what she’d been suppressing:
“The truth is I’m in love with someone else. I’m sorry.”
For longtime fans, it was both a triumphant and devastating moment. Violet had finally owned her feelings — but she was confessing them just as Carver was preparing to walk out of her life for good.
Carver’s Imminent Exit
The timing of Violet’s revelation lands like a gut punch because Jake Lockett is confirmed to exit the series at the end of Season 13. Carver has already been absent in recent episodes, explained away in the script as rehab training, but his upcoming departure means there will be no happy reunion for this slow-burn pairing.
It’s a cruel twist for fans who have been rooting for Violet and Carver for two seasons, enduring every setback with the hope that fate would bring them back together. Instead, Violet’s honesty arrives just as the door is closing.
Why the Timing Hurts So Much
What makes this storyline sting isn’t just the breakup itself — it’s what it represents. In a franchise where relationships often weather impossible odds, Violet and Carver felt like they could be one of the success stories. Their differences made them stronger, their bond was tested by fire (literally), and their eventual reconciliation felt inevitable.
Instead, we’re left with a love story cut short, underscoring the unpredictability of Chicago Fire. Just like in real life, sometimes you don’t get the closure you want — and sometimes timing makes all the difference.
What’s Next for Violet
With Carver gone, Violet faces a crossroads. Will she throw herself deeper into her work, using her grief as fuel for her career? Or will the show introduce a new love interest, one who can help her heal but never replace what she had with Carver?
Hanako Greensmith has proven she can carry emotional storylines with nuance and strength, so whatever direction the writers take, Violet is poised to remain a centerpiece of Firehouse 51. But for now, fans will be mourning what could have been.
The Bottom Line
Chicago Fire thrives on drama, but Violet’s confession followed by Carver’s exit is one of the show’s most bittersweet turns in recent memory. For viewers, it’s a reminder that love stories — even the ones that feel destined — don’t always get their happy endings.
