Chicago Fire fans were left wondering about the fate of Sam Carver after a dramatic turn of events in Season 13. Following Chief Boden’s departure in the Season 12 finale, speculation has risen about whether Carver might also be exiting Firehouse 51. Let’s break down what happened and what Jake Lockett, the actor behind Sam Carver, has hinted about his character’s future on the show.
Trouble for Carver in Season 13
In Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 6, titled “Birds of Prey,” tension builds as Sam Carver makes a series of concerning mistakes. After failing to wake up for a call and neglecting to switch out his air tank after a mission, Carver gets into a heated argument with fellow firefighter Darren Ritter. Lieutenant Stella Kidd overhears the clash and decides to send Carver home, telling him not to return until he gets his act together. Kidd also mentions bringing in a temporary replacement, leaving fans questioning whether this could be the end for Carver.
Adding to his troubles, Carver’s behavior appears to be influenced by his rocky relationship with his ex-girlfriend, Tori. Tori is portrayed as impulsive and possessive, clearly a bad influence on Carver, which seems to be affecting his performance at the firehouse.
Is Sam Carver Leaving Chicago Fire?
Despite the speculation, it doesn’t look like Carver is leaving the show anytime soon. Jake Lockett, who has played Sam Carver since Season 11, still lists Chicago Fire in his social media profiles, hinting that he remains part of the cast. Furthermore, Lockett recently spoke to Parade about Carver’s evolving storyline, including a possible reunion with paramedic Violet Mikami. This potential rekindling of their romance gives fans hope that Carver’s character arc isn’t ending yet.
“I think there’s beauty in taking time and not rushing things,” Lockett said. “I love working with Hanako [Greensmith, who plays Violet], and I know a lot of fans are rooting for them to get back together. If you look at social media, there’s a lot of comments like, ‘What’s going on with Tori? Get it together, Carver!’”
He added, “As an actor, it’s exciting to explore the unstated and ambiguous parts of a character’s journey. It’s challenging, but I’m grateful to work with such talented cast members. I hope the writers keep giving us those moments.”
Carver’s Emotional Backstory
This isn’t the first time viewers have speculated about Carver’s exit. His past trauma and personal struggles have been key themes in the series. In the Season 12 finale, Carver’s unresolved issues resurfaced during a call at a restaurant fire, where he noticed signs of child abuse. The encounter was triggering for Carver, as it reminded him of his own painful childhood experiences. He ended up confronting the restaurant owner, leading to a physical altercation.
Carver’s troubled past was first explored in the Season 11 episode “Something for the Pain.” After surviving an explosion, Carver opened up to Lieutenant Kidd about the scars on his arms, revealing a dark story of abuse by his older brother, who pushed him into a bonfire when he was just 9 years old. His cries for help were ignored, and his brother was falsely celebrated as a hero, leaving deep emotional scars that still affect Carver today.
What’s Next for Carver?
While Carver’s future on Chicago Fire may seem uncertain, Jake Lockett’s recent comments suggest there’s more in store for his character. With hints of a renewed relationship with Violet and unresolved storylines, it seems likely that Carver’s journey is far from over. Fans will have to stay tuned to see how his story unfolds in the coming episodes of Season 13.
