Jake Lockett as Sam Carver in Chicago Fire.
Sam Carver returns in Chicago Fire season 14, but the show leaves his fate more confusing than ever. Ahead of the 2025-2026 TV cycle, it was announced that Jake Lockett, alongside Daniel Kyri, were exiting the NBC and Wolf Entertainment procedural.
Both Carver and Darren Ritter didn't have any exit story set-up in the Chicago Fire season 13 finale, raising questions about how they were going to be written out. While Ritter returned temporarily to wrap up his story in the Chicago Fire season 14 premiere, Carver's departure was established via expository dialogue. Despite his relationship breakthrough with Violet Mikami, he pushed forward with moving to Denver for a different firehouse. In"Frostbite Blue," however, Carver returns to the Windy City. However, what's supposed to be a fun visit ends in tears and more misery. Chicago Fire Season 14, Episode 12 Leaves Carver's Fate More Complicated Than Ever The reunion between Carver and Violet originally seemed like the perfect way to rekindle their romance. After all, the pair still loved each other when they were forced to part ways due to his relocation. Unfortunately, throughout his time away, Violet also started developing a dynamic with Sal Vasquez. Getting all three of them together in one room unsurprisingly created tension, leading to Carver leaving Firehouse 51 with barely a proper goodbye. If he thinks that his absence will convince Violet to more actively pursue a potential long-distance relationship, however, he is sorely mistaken. Chicago Fire season 14, episode 12 ends with her sharing a kiss with Vasquez, who vows that he isn't like her ex-flame. Related One Chicago 2026's Crossover Changes Its Winning Formula For The First Time Ever New details about the 2026 One Chicago crossover confirms that NBC is changing its winning formula for the special for the first time in its history. Posts By Ana Dumaraog For those who followed Carver's story in Chicago Fire, seeing him return this way is disappointing. Instead of giving him a proper exit, NBC and Wolf Entertainment vilifies the character as a plot device to get Violet and Vasquez together. Whether their romance is built to last is difficult to say at this point. However, it's quite disappointing that after all the years that the show devoted to developing Carver's character, he ends up being cast in this light. Is Carver Ever Returning To Firehouse 51 In Chicago Fire? Technically, Lockett is already out of the show, and there's no word on his possible re-emergence. The good thing is that leaving his fate ambiguous keeps the door open for Carver to return. It's still unclear why Chicago Fire got rid of him, considering that he was in the middle of an interesting personal arc when it was abruptly cut. While it's rare for the show to bring back previous cast members who left as series regulars, there's a precedent to it when they recruited Michael Bradway as Jack Damon. Granted that he eventually left One Chicago again, but it increases the chances of Carver reclaiming his spot with Firehouse 51. Understandably, this will all boil down to the creative decisions by the writers of Chicago Fire. That said, bringing Carver back has a few benefits to the show. Firstly, it will create a new love triangle in Firehouse 51 involving him, Violet, and Vasquez. It's a more interesting way to tell a fresh romance, as the show has never had a properly-established dynamic like this. Secondly, viewers are already invested in the character, and when he left, he was at a critical point in his arc. Carver's comeback can finally payoff all the narrative struggles that he's had on the show. Subscribe to the Network TV newsletter for inside TV scoop Curious about character twists like Carver's fate? Subscribe to the Network TV newsletter for inside scoops from actors and showrunners, behind-the-scenes context, and clear analysis of the network shows you follow. Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime. Enjoy ScreenRant's primetime coverage? Click below to sign up for my weekly Network TV newsletter and get the inside scoop from actors and showrunners on your favorite series. Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star Rate Now 0/10 Leave a Review Your comment has not been saved Like Follow Followed Chicago Fire TV-14 Drama 350 8.9/10 Release Date October 10, 2012 Network NBC Showrunner Andrea Newman Directors Michael Brandt Cast See All Powered by Expand Collapse
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