Despite the emotional Season 13 finale showing Sam Carver (Jake Lockett) announcing his decision to transfer to the Denver Fire Department for his sobriety, and then sharing a passionate, “I love you” kiss with Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith), it’s now wholly possible that Carver doesn’t actually end up going to Denver between seasons 13 and 14.

Here’s why this is shocking and could lead to a major surprise for fans:

• The Showrunner’s Ambiguity: “Chicago Fire” showrunner Andrea Newman has been notably cagey about Carver’s permanent departure. When asked about Jake Lockett’s future as a series regular, Newman told NBC Insider: “We may not have Carver full-time next season, but we may have him for a bunch of it too, and I think there’s a lot left to figure out between [Violet and Carver].” This statement is crucial. “Not full-time” doesn’t mean “not at all.”
• The Love Confession Twist: The finale deliberately ended with Carver and Violet confessing their love for each other and sharing a passionate kiss. To have Carver then immediately pack up and leave for Denver would feel like an abrupt and unsatisfying conclusion to a storyline that finally paid off. It would be a “horrible blow to Violet’s storyline,” as one analyst put it.
• The “Messy” Relationship Tease: Newman also teased that the Carver/Violet romance will be “much messier” than previous relationships like Brett and Casey, suggesting their journey isn’t just about simple location. She implied it’s more complex: “Is it worth the risk to stay? Does Violet want that for him now? As much as she’s in love with him, doesn’t she want him to go to the place where he thinks he has the best chance of recovery?” This implies the decision is still very much in flux, even if he initially said he was leaving.
• Budgetary Vs. Narrative Exits: While Jake Lockett (and Daniel Kyri as Ritter) were confirmed to be exiting as series regulars due to budget cuts, the writers often find creative ways to explain these changes. It’s plausible that Carver could stay in Chicago but no longer be a full-time presence at Firehouse 51, perhaps in a recurring capacity, or working at a different house, allowing his relationship with Violet to continue.

• Unfinished Business: The “I love you” exchange leaves too much open. For Carver to leave immediately would leave a significant amount of “unfinished business” for both characters and their blossoming romance.

The “shocking news” is that what appeared to be a definitive exit for a major character might be far from it. Fans who were bracing for a heartbroken Violet and the end of “CarVio” might be in for a pleasant surprise, as “Chicago Fire” seems intent on exploring the complex fallout of Carver’s sobriety and his deep feelings for Violet, potentially keeping him very much in the Windy City.