In Chicago Fire, Blake Gallo was one of the most pivotal characters because of his energetic determination as a firefighter in Firehouse 51 and his friendly bonds with his colleagues, including Darren Ritter. The Chicago Fire character was never afraid of running towards danger during intense calls and fully supported his fellow firefighters, including ex-girlfriend Violet Mikami after she devastatingly lost paramedic field chief Evan Hawkins.
Gallo’s exit from the One Chicago show heavily impacted Firehouse 51 because he built several relationships during his time there, including gaining mentorship from Stella Kidd. His friendships with Violet and Ritter were also special because they bonded outside of firefighting, such as crafting their brand of beer. After Gallo left, Ritter didn’t have a right-hand man to talk with about personal issues and concerns. However, the latest Chicago Fire episode with Sam Carver highlights a developing friendship between Carver and Ritter.
Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 12 Pairs Up Ritter & Carver
Ritter Opens Up To Carver About His Personal Life
Firefighter Darren Ritter is generally a side character in Chicago Fire. However, season 13, episode 12 allows him to open up more, including about his relationship with officer Dwayne Monroe. This is shown when Ritter has an intriguing conversation with Carver about Monroe while getting assistance opening a car door with a cutting machine after a rough call. Ritter and Carver are generally friendly and have occasional small talk, but Ritter is comfortable telling Carver about his breakup with Monroe because his fellow firefighter has also been through break-ups.
Ritter’s openness and vulnerability in this episode signal an opportunity for the show to explore his character even further. For instance, Monroe decides to split from Ritter because he wants more in a relationship, including living under one roof. By contrast, Ritter is uncertain about what he’s looking for in a romantic partner and is hesitant about taking major steps like moving in together or getting married. With Carver, Ritter has encountered a friendly companion who’s willing to listen and support him in any way he can.
Carver’s Developing Friendship Gives Him The Chance To Replace Gallo
Carver Can Be Ritter’s Best Buddy Since Gallo
Despite the absence of Gallo, Ritter has Violet and Novak as good friends and colleagues. The trio always establishes some comic relief and banter about their romantic relationships in Chicago Fire. But Ritter is usually the one caught in between the two paramedics’ dilemmas, providing support to both women. Now that Ritter has opened up more to Carver about his work and relationship issues, he has finally found an effective buddy partner he hasn’t had in Firehouse 51 since Gallo.
If Ritter and Carver could discuss their vulnerabilities in their personal lives and at the workplace, their friendship could evolve even further.
Carver is also very reminiscent of Gallo in terms of his strength and energy during intense calls. Both firefighters have gone through tremendous obstacles in the past. Gallo lost his parents and younger sister in a fire when he was twelve years old, while Sam Carver faced tragedy in his Chicago Fire backstory when he was pushed into a fire by his elder brother Nathan when he was nine. If Ritter and Carver continue to discuss their vulnerabilities in their personal lives and at the workplace in Chicago Fire, their friendship could evolve even further, offering them and audiences something new.
