One gets a goodbye, the other vanishes. Is Chicago Fire mishandling its most compelling firefighter arcs?

“Kicking Down Doors” Sets the Stage for Heartache

Season 14 of Chicago Fire kicked off with major emotional swings—and even bigger character exits. Fans already knew change was coming after offseason news confirmed the departures of Daniel Kyri (Ritter), Jake Lockett (Carver), and Michael Bradway (Damon). But the premiere episode made it painfully clear just how uneven these farewells would be.

Ritter’s storyline is getting the slow-burn goodbye it deserves. He’s in New York, by the hospital bedside of ex-boyfriend Dwayne, who’s recovering from a gunshot wound. The reunion is tender and filled with unfinished emotion—clear signs that Ritter’s eventual decision to stay in NYC is coming soon.

But Carver? Already gone. No screen time. No send-off. No explanation beyond a blink-and-miss mention of a transfer.

And for many fans, that’s just not good enough.

Why Ritter’s Exit Works (Even If It Hurts)

Daniel Kyri has been part of Chicago Fire since Season 7, and Ritter has become a fan-favorite at Firehouse 51 for his heart, vulnerability, and quiet strength. The writers seem committed to giving him a proper farewell—even as they acknowledge it’s not goodbye forever.

Showrunner Andrea Newman told TV Insider:

“We hope to see him back later in the season. This is what we do on Chicago Fire… We say goodbye, and then we see people again.”

That return won’t be as a series regular, but it’s something. It gives fans time to emotionally prepare, and allows Ritter’s relationships—with Mouch, Gallo, and others—to evolve naturally toward a conclusion.

But Carver’s Abrupt Exit Makes No Sense

Carver’s storyline, on the other hand, ended with a whisper, not a bang. In Season 13’s finale, he declared his love for Violet Mikami in a long-awaited moment of emotional vulnerability. Then—just like that—he transferred to Denver, and in Season 14, it’s like he never existed.

No goodbye. No follow-up with Violet. No closure.

Given how much time the show spent building up their bond, the off-screen breakup feels like a betrayal to viewers—and to Carver’s growth. Fans deserved more than a one-line mention of his transfer. So did Jake Lockett.

Will Carver Return?

Right now, no plans have been announced for Lockett to return as Carver. But the door is technically open. His transfer wasn’t a death or permanent exit—just a relocation. If Ritter can come back for closure, Carver should too. Even one short arc to give Violet and Carver a proper farewell would go a long way.