Is Carver leaving Chicago Fire? Jake Lockett's Firehouse 51 exit, explored in depth

Jake Lockett in Chicago Fire (Image via NBC)
Jake Lockett in Chicago Fire (Image via NBC)

Chicago Fire Episode 6 of season 13, titled Birds of Prey, left us wondering if Sam Carver is saying goodbye to Firehouse 51.

Carver, played by Jake Lockett, found himself on thin ice after some major slip-ups on the job. His goof-ups weren’t minor, either. He was sleeping through a call siren and forgetting to switch out his tank.

Kidd didn’t mince words. She dismissed Carver mid-shift. And told him not to come back until he had his act together. This led to a heated clash with Darren Ritter, loud enough for Stella Kidd to overhear.

All this drama comes hot on the heels of Carver rekindling a toxic romance with his ex, Tori. That’s a mix of impulsivity, possessiveness, and bad decisions. With all this chaos, fans are left wondering if Carver is gone for good?

Let’s get into the details and see what’s really happening with Jake Lockett’s Carver and his Chicago Fire future.

Disclaimer: The article contains spoilers for Chicago Fire. It also reflects the author's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.


Why did Kidd send Carver packing?

Stella Kidd isn’t one to tolerate slacking. Especially when the situation is tense. Carver’s recent behavior, late nights, partying, and letting Tori’s chaotic influence take over isn’t exactly team player behavior.

His mistakes in episode 6 pushed Kidd to her limit. Handing him a tool that Carver forgot at home, Kidd suggested, albeit sarcastically, that maybe Carver should relocate to Austin. That’s where his lifestyle might fit in better. While this wasn’t an outright firing, it was a wake-up call that was loud enough.


Is Carver really leaving Chicago Fire?

Jake Lockett has brought Carver to life since season 11. He still has Chicago Fire proudly displayed in his Instagram bio. That’s not something you’d expect from someone planning to leave the series.

Plus, Lockett has hinted at exciting developments for Carver’s character. Particularly with his on-and-off relationship with Violet Mikami.

In an interview with Parade, Lockett teased a possible reunion between Carver and Violet. This comes as a pleasant surprise to many fans. They’ve been rooting for the duo.

If Violet and Carver rekindle their flame, it could be the perfect motivation for him to ditch Tori. That’ll also allow him to refocus on his career. Lockett’s words suggest he’s far from done with Firehouse 51.


A history of near exits

This isn’t the first time Carver’s future with Chicago Fire has seemed uncertain. In the season 12 finale, Carver temporarily stepped away. That happened after a gut-wrenching conversation with Violet about their relationship.

The first half of that finale also revisited Carver’s traumatic past. Seeing an abusive father triggered painful memories of Carver’s own childhood. His older brother had pushed him into a bonfire. Not only that, he even gaslit him about it later. The emotional weight of that incident still seemed to hang over him.

These glimpses into Carver’s backstory have added layers to his character. It also highlighted how much he struggles with balancing his personal problems and professional responsibilities. His return after the season 12 finale showed a man who had changed but not necessarily for the better.

Also read: Did Herrmann leave Chicago Fire? The fate of David Eisenberg's character on the procedural show explored in-depth


What’s next for Carver in Chicago Fire?

Carver’s recent behavior has undoubtedly been a letdown for his teammates. Especially Stella Kidd. But could this latest hiccup actually set the stage for a redemption arc?

If Carver decides to cut ties with Tori and recommit to his job, there’s still a chance for him to regain the trust of his crew, and then there’s Violet Mikami. If their romance rekindles, Carver might get the grounding influence he desperately needs now.

For now, Carver’s exit doesn’t seem to be happening. However, his storyline remains unpredictable. And fans can’t rule out the possibility of more dramatic twists.

What we do know is that Carver has been on the brink of leaving Firehouse 51 before. But only to return stronger or messier each time.

Also read: Is Kelly Severide leaving Chicago Fire? Possibility of character's exit from the procedural drama, explored


Stay tuned to SoapCentral for more updates and detailed coverage.

comment icon
Comment
Edited by Sezal Srivastava