Warning! Spoilers ahead for Chicago Fire season 14, episode 12, “Frostbite Blue.”
Sam Carver will be back in season 14 of Chicago Fire, but the show has left his future uncertain. Before the 2025-2026 TV season, it was revealed that Jake Lockett, along with Daniel Kyri, would be leaving the NBC drama. Neither Carver nor Darren Ritter had a clear departure storyline in the Chicago Fire season 13 finale, leaving fans wondering how the show would explain their exits.
Ritter briefly reappeared to finish his storyline at the start of Chicago Fire season 14, but Carver’s exit was explained through characters simply talking about it. Even though he and Violet Mikami had made progress in their relationship, he still moved to Denver to join a different firehouse. In the episode “Frostbite Blue,” Carver comes back to Chicago, but what was meant to be a pleasant visit quickly turns sad and difficult.
Chicago Fire Season 14, Episode 12 Leaves Carver’s Fate More Complicated Than Ever
Carver and Violet’s reunion initially looked promising for a rekindled romance. They still had feelings for each other when Carver had to move away. However, while he was gone, Violet began a relationship with Sal Vasquez.
It’s no surprise that bringing Carver, Violet, and Vasquez together caused friction, ultimately leading to Carver’s abrupt departure from Firehouse 51 without a real goodbye. He mistakenly believes leaving will encourage Violet to try a long-distance relationship. However, the episode concludes with Violet kissing Vasquez, who promises he’s different from her previous partner.
Fans who followed Carver’s journey on Chicago Fire were let down by his recent return. Instead of giving his character a respectful conclusion, the show used him simply to move the plot forward and pair up Violet and Vasquez. It’s unclear if this new relationship will be successful, but it’s frustrating to see Carver, a character the show spent years developing, reduced to this role.
Is Carver Ever Returning To Firehouse 51 In Chicago Fire?
Lockett is currently not part of the show, and it’s unknown if he’ll return. However, keeping his exit open-ended allows for the possibility of Carver coming back. It’s still a mystery why Chicago Fire let him go, especially since he was developing a compelling storyline. Although the show doesn’t often bring back former main cast members, they did previously hire Michael Bradway as Jack Damon, who later left the One Chicago universe. This sets a precedent and makes Carver’s return to Firehouse 51 more likely.
Ultimately, how Carver’s return plays out depends on the writers of Chicago Fire. However, bringing him back offers some good opportunities for the show. It will create a new and engaging love triangle with Violet and Vasquez – a dynamic we haven’t seen before. Plus, viewers already care about Carver and were left wondering about his future when he left, so his return can finally resolve his storyline and give it a satisfying conclusion.
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2026-01-29 18:38