Spoilers for “Chicago Fire” Season 12, Episode 13 – “Never Say Goodbye”
The Chicago Fire Season 12 finale delivers an emotional rollercoaster as Violet Mikami and Sam Carver grapple with the past and their future. In this poignant episode, personal struggles and unresolved grief collide, leaving the firehouse family and fans with an emotionally charged cliffhanger.
A Picture of the Past Sparks Conflict
Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) and Sam Carver (Jake Lockett) have been navigating a complex, on-again-off-again relationship peppered with romantic highs and emotional lows. While their hookups are becoming a regular occurrence, their connection is tested when Carver discovers a framed photo of Violet’s late boyfriend, Evan Hawkins (Jimmy Nicholas), at her apartment. Hawkins, a fellow firefighter who died heroically in the line of duty, casts a long shadow over Violet’s current relationships.
Carver’s reaction is visceral. Spotting Hawkins’ photo, he is visibly upset, underscoring his struggle to compete with a memory that Violet has yet to fully process. This moment sets the tone for the episode’s unraveling drama.
Anger Erupts in the Line of Duty
Still reeling from the discovery, Carver’s pent-up emotions manifest during a call involving a domestic abuse case. His anger boils over as he confronts an abusive brother and father, resorting to physical violence to protect the youngest member of the household. While his actions are altruistic in nature, they put him at risk of being reprimanded—or even removed—from Stella Kidd’s (Miranda Rae Mayo) truck.
Carver’s impulsiveness raises questions about his emotional stability and highlights the toll his unresolved feelings for Violet are taking on his professional life.
A Confession Changes Everything
Back at Firehouse 51, Violet confronts Carver about his violent outburst, and the tension between them reaches a breaking point. In a moment of raw vulnerability, Carver confesses his love for Violet. His declaration leaves Violet in tears, but it doesn’t lead to reconciliation. Instead, the two decide to separate, acknowledging the emotional baggage they each carry.
Carver’s love confession underscores the depth of his feelings, but it also reveals the fundamental barriers between them: Violet is still haunted by Hawkins’ tragic death, and Carver refuses to play second fiddle to a memory.
The Lingering Ghost of Evan Hawkins
Evan Hawkins’ legacy looms large over Violet’s life, and her inability to fully let go of him hinders her ability to move forward with Carver—or anyone else. Hawkins died tragically in the line of duty while working alongside Violet, making his memory both a source of comfort and pain.
For Carver, the situation is untenable. Competing with a ghost is a losing battle, especially when Violet hasn’t reached a place of closure. The dynamic between them suggests that, until Violet can find peace with Hawkins’ passing, her relationships will remain fraught.
What’s Next for Violet and Carver?
As Chicago Fire prepares for its return in Season 13, the future of Violet and Carver’s relationship hangs in the balance. Can Violet let go of Hawkins and embrace a new chapter? Will Carver find the patience to wait for Violet to heal, or will their separation become permanent?
One thing is certain: the emotional complexity of their storyline ensures plenty of drama and heartbreak as Firehouse 51 moves forward. With Violet and Carver at a crossroads, Season 13 promises to delve deeper into themes of love, loss, and the resilience needed to rebuild after tragedy.
