Chicago Fire has long been beloved for its heart, camaraderie, and the close-knit family of Firehouse 51. But in recent seasons, fans have noticed something unsettling: the constant reshuffling of characters.
Season 14 picks up right where season 13 left off, with storylines like Stella Kidd and Kelly Severide expecting their first child, and Chief Dom Pascal overcoming personal tragedy. Yet, despite these high points, the show struggles to maintain its momentum. The culprit? Turnover at Firehouse 51.
New recruit Sal Vasquez steps in for Sam Carver, only to face skepticism from veteran Mouch McHolland, who bluntly admits, “I get to know Carver, he leaves. I get to know Damon, he’s transferred. I figure, I ignore this guy, he’ll stick around.” This frank statement mirrors viewers’ frustrations: with characters constantly coming and going, it’s hard to form lasting attachments.
Over the years, Firehouse 51 has lost Blake Gallo, Derrick Gibson, Sylvie Brett, Matt Casey, Wallace Boden, and soon Darren Ritter. The revolving door disrupts the show’s signature dynamic, forcing writers to rely heavily on older characters while struggling to integrate new ones. For fans, this constant change makes it difficult to invest in the heart of Chicago Fire: the people behind the badges.
