The revolving doors of Firehouse 51 have spun again, leaving a void in the team and a question mark in the hearts of loyal viewers. Since his introduction in Season 11, Firefighter Sam Carver, portrayed by the talented Jake Lockett, became a cornerstone of the Chicago Fire narrative. His journey—marked by a complicated past, a fierce dedication to the job, and an undeniable chemistry with Paramedic Violet Mikami—was a captivating story of redemption.
So, when news broke that Jake Lockett would be departing the series following Season 13, the shockwaves were immediate and immense. Fans have been left scrambling for answers: Did Jake Lockett leave Chicago Fire? Yes, he has. And, perhaps more importantly, What happened to Sam Carver, and why is he really gone?
The answer is a blend of on-screen drama, personal struggles for the character, and, most disappointingly for many, off-screen production realities. Carver’s exit is a poignant reminder that even the most compelling characters can be subject to the tough decisions made in the television industry.
The On-Screen Story: Carver’s Battle and Denver Dream
The narrative writers for Chicago Fire crafted an emotional and complex exit for Sam Carver, culminating in the Season 13 finale. Carver’s character arc had recently been dominated by intense personal challenges, notably his renewed struggle with alcohol addiction.
The Struggle for Sobriety
Carver’s troubles intensified when he returned from a leave of absence earlier in the season, soon confessing to Lieutenant Stella Kidd that he had relapsed. He was a character deeply committed to his work—often taking double shifts at other firehouses because it was the only time he wasn’t drinking—but his personal demons were threatening to consume him. This storyline was a testament to the show’s commitment to tackling real-world issues, demonstrating the difficult, non-linear path of recovery.
To protect his job and, more importantly, himself, Carver took a furlough to enter an intense rehabilitation program. This move was initially set up as a temporary separation, with showrunner Andrea Newman teasing that Carver would be back, emphasizing that the addiction journey is a “bumpy road” and they wanted to do it justice.
A Fresh Start in Denver?
However, the reality of the actor’s departure necessitated a more permanent narrative conclusion. In the dramatic Chicago Fire Season 13 finale, Carver revealed he had requested a transfer to the Denver Fire Department. This decision represented a logical, in-character step: a desperate bid for a fresh start away from the painful memories and triggers that Chicago held for him. It was a clean break, allowing the character to prioritize his sobriety and well-being.
The Violet Cliffhanger
But, in true Chicago Fire fashion, the exit wasn’t seamless. The biggest casualty of this departure, from a fan perspective, was the burgeoning, tumultuous romance between Carver and Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith)—the beloved pairing often dubbed “Carv-let.”
Violet and Carver shared an intense, magnetic, and often frustrating connection. Just as Carver was about to leave for Denver, Violet finally opened up, giving him a letter that confessed her deep feelings for him. This emotional declaration caused Carver to race to her apartment, resulting in a passionate kiss and a declaration of love just as the episode faded out.
The finale left audiences with a massive, frustrating cliffhanger: Did Carver stick with his Denver transfer, or did Violet’s confession convince him to stay at Firehouse 51?
The Off-Screen Reality: Why Jake Lockett is Not Returning
While the on-screen drama provided a compelling (if unresolved) story, the true reason behind Jake Lockett’s departure is far more mundane and, frankly, frustrating for fans: budget cuts.
A Victim of Production Economics
In the increasingly tight economic landscape of network television, shows like those in the long-running One Chicago franchise are often forced to trim their budgets. One of the most common and immediate ways to do this is by reducing the number of series regulars.
Lockett’s departure, alongside that of fellow fan-favorite Daniel Kyri (who played Darren Ritter), was widely reported as a direct result of these production-level, cost-cutting measures. Lockett had only recently been promoted to a series regular for Season 13 after two seasons in a recurring role. This kind of sudden shift, particularly for a character just hitting their stride, is disappointing but not uncommon when a production studio is looking to renegotiate salaries or downsize their core cast.
An Emotional Farewell
Jake Lockett himself confirmed the news and shared a heartfelt goodbye with fans and the cast on social media. His emotional posts, filled with behind-the-scenes memories, expressed gratitude for the “honor” of bringing Sam Carver to life over his three seasons.
Lockett’s sentiments highlighted the tough reality of the business while emphasizing the genuine bonds formed on set: “While I don’t exactly know what the future looks like, I do know that it won’t be exactly what it was and I am going to miss the hell out of that. So much pride in this journey.”
Will Sam Carver Ever Return to Chicago Fire?
The ambiguity of the Season 13 finale—Carver’s transfer request juxtaposed with his last-minute kiss and love confession to Violet—leaves the door ajar, even if only slightly.
Following the finale, showrunner Andrea Newman addressed the character’s fate, confirming that Carver would not be a full-time cast member in the next season. However, she also hinted that the story of Carver and Violet is “far from over” and that he may be back for “a bunch of it,” suggesting a potential return in a recurring or guest role capacity.
For now, Sam Carver is gone from the main roster of Firehouse 51, having chosen a path of self-care and a fresh start in Denver. Yet, the possibility of a return to resolve his storyline with Violet remains a beacon of hope for fans. The door may be closed on Jake Lockett as a series regular, but it seems to be kept on the latch for a potential guest appearance that could finally provide closure to the beloved ‘Carv-let’ romance.
For viewers, the focus now shifts to how Firehouse 51 will adjust to the loss of both Carver and Ritter, and how Violet Mikami will cope with the uncertainty of her newly-declared, long-distance love. The legacy of Sam Carver is one of a flawed hero who fought hard to belong, and his time at Firehouse 51, though cut short, will undoubtedly be a memorable part of the Chicago Fire history.
