Ritter’s Return Brings Hope for Closure

Chicago Fire fans are bracing for a bittersweet season 14. While budget cuts forced the exit of both Darren Ritter and Sam Carver, there’s one silver lining — Ritter is coming back.

Daniel Kyri, who has portrayed the beloved firefighter for seven years, is set to reprise his role for a proper farewell. His return comes after a disappointing season 13 finale that gave him barely any screen time. For a character so integral to Firehouse 51, it felt like an injustice.

Now, the writers have the chance to make it right. Ritter deserves more than a quiet fade-out. His journey has been full of loyalty, bravery, and growth. Season 14 can finally give him the closure he earned.

How Will Ritter Leave?

The big question is how Chicago Fire will handle Ritter’s departure. The show has never shied away from shocking deaths, so it’s possible the writers could go down that route. Losing Ritter in the line of duty would hit fans hard, but it wouldn’t be unprecedented.

Another option ties into season 13’s setup: the looming threat of layoffs. Ritter could be written out as part of the department’s cuts, which would reflect real-world struggles firefighters face. While less dramatic than a tragic death, it would still highlight the sacrifices of the job.

Either way, Ritter’s exit will not be easy for longtime viewers. But at least this time, he will get a proper send-off.

Carver’s Exit Leaves Fans Hanging

Unfortunately, Sam Carver won’t get the same treatment. Jake Lockett’s character won’t appear in season 14, meaning his last scene was in the season 13 finale. That reveal left fans stunned.

Carver’s storyline ended on a hopeful note. He declared his love for Violet Mikami, and she finally returned his feelings. Their kiss felt like the start of something big. Yet, instead of staying in Chicago, Carver will be gone when the show returns.

Behind the scenes, the decision ties back to budget cuts. But within the story, it leaves a jarring gap. Violet will move on, but the lack of closure makes Carver’s departure even more frustrating.

Violet Faces a New Chapter Without Carver

Hanako Greensmith, who plays Violet, confirmed in an interview that her character will enter season 14 in a new dating pool. That means Violet and Carver’s romance is officially over.

This shift adds another layer of heartbreak for Violet. She lost Evan Hawkins in season 11, struggled with her grief, and only recently opened her heart to Carver. Their final “I love you” moment suggested stability. Instead, it now feels like an unfinished chapter ripped away too soon.

A Promising Storyline Cut Short

Carver’s sudden departure feels especially baffling because season 13 set up his best arc yet. After years of self-doubt and conflict, he found his place at Firehouse 51. He earned respect from his crew and finally stepped into a healthy relationship.

Moving him to Denver, as the show hints, doesn’t line up with his emotional progress. It feels like a step backward after all the growth viewers invested in. Carver had the job, the friends, and the love he wanted. To see him walk away is a loss for the show as much as the fans.

What to Expect From Season 14

Chicago Fire season 14 kicks off on Wednesday, October 1, with a time jump that places the characters directly in their new realities. Ritter’s storyline will unfold as he prepares to exit Firehouse 51, while Violet adjusts to life without Carver.

It’s a season of change, full of heartbreak and goodbyes. Ritter’s farewell may bring healing, but Carver’s abrupt absence will remain a sore point. For fans, the premiere promises to be an emotional rollercoaster that proves, once again, that no one in Chicago Fire leaves quietly.