‘Chicago Fire’ Season 14 Sets the Stage for Darren Ritter’s Emotional Return
Firehouse 51 Faces More Change
Chicago Fire has seen its share of emotional farewells, but the second episode of Season 14 quietly reignited hope for one beloved firefighter. Following a string of departures — including Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter), Jake Lockett (Sam Carver), and Michael Bradway (Jack Damon) — fans feared the series had lost too many familiar faces.
However, Ritter’s storyline in “Primary Search” proved his exit isn’t a goodbye, but rather a pause — setting up a perfect path for his eventual return.
Ritter’s Heart Leads Him Back to Dwayne
At the end of Season 13, Ritter’s love life hit turbulence when he and his ex-boyfriend Dwayne Morris parted ways after Ritter hesitated to move in together. But in Season 14’s opening episodes, tragedy pulled them back into each other’s orbit.
When Ritter learned that Dwayne, now working as an NYFD firefighter, had been shot in the line of duty, he rushed to New York to be by his bedside. The heartfelt reunion scene revealed that Ritter’s feelings never truly faded.
After Dwayne’s recovery, the two agreed to give their relationship another chance. Ritter chose to take a furlough — not a resignation — from the Chicago Fire Department to stay with Dwayne and rebuild their bond.
A Door Left Wide Open
Unlike many previous exits, Ritter’s departure felt temporary. He didn’t transfer or retire — he simply took time off. That decision leaves the door wide open for Daniel Kyri to step back into Firehouse 51 at any point.
It also aligns perfectly with showrunner Andrea Newman’s comments following the premiere. In an interview with TV Insider, Newman teased:
“Ritter’s there at the beginning of the season, and we hope to see him back at some point later in the season. This is what we do on Chicago Fire — we’ll say our goodbyes, and then we’ll see people again.”
That optimism suggests Kyri’s story isn’t finished — and his character’s deep roots at 51 make his return not just likely, but necessary.
The Possibility of a Chicago Homecoming
There’s also a strong narrative reason to bring Ritter back. With Firehouse 51 still adjusting to multiple vacancies, his absence leaves a noticeable emotional void. The writers could easily bring him and Dwayne back to Chicago together — giving the series both a romantic redemption arc and a much-needed sense of stability.
Ritter’s calm nature, empathy, and friendship with Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) and Mouch (Christian Stolte) have long made him one of the show’s most grounded characters. His return would restore that balance and help fill the emotional gaps left by the recent wave of exits.
Final Thoughts
For now, Ritter’s future remains technically uncertain — but all signs point toward a heartfelt comeback before Season 14 ends. Whether he returns for a full arc or a guest appearance, Firehouse 51 hasn’t seen the last of Darren Ritter.
In the world of Chicago Fire, goodbyes are rarely final — and sometimes, the strongest flames find their way home.