Fans tuning into Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 13, titled “Born of Fire,” may have noticed the absence of one familiar face from Firehouse 51. Darren Ritter, played by Daniel Kyri, was missing from this episode,

making him the latest character to take a temporary leave from the show. This season has seen several cast members sitting out episodes periodically, and this time, it was Kyri’s turn. The good news is

that Ritter’s absence is only temporary, and he is expected to be back very soon. However, that still leaves fans wondering—where was Ritter in this episode?

Ritter’s Brief Hiatus Explained

The show addressed Ritter’s absence through a brief mention in a conversation towards the end of the episode. According to Novak, Ritter has taken some time off for a much-needed vacation in the mountains. However, even while being away, he couldn’t fully disconnect—Novak revealed that Ritter had called hundreds of times to check in with the team, showing his dedication to Firehouse 51.

The mention of Ritter’s trip was subtle and could have easily been missed, but it served as a simple explanation for why he wasn’t part of the latest episode’s action. While there were no further details about his vacation, it doesn’t appear to be an extended break. Fans can likely expect Ritter’s return as early as Episode 14.

What’s Next for Ritter?

With Ritter’s brief time away, fans are eager to see what’s in store for him when he comes back. His friendship with Carver has been growing steadily this season, and we anticipate more moments between the two as Carver continues to mentor Ritter and help him sharpen his firefighting skills. Their dynamic has been a highlight of the season, with Ritter gaining valuable experience under Carver’s guidance.

On a personal level, things haven’t been as smooth for Ritter. His recent breakup with Dwayne left fans hoping he’ll get another shot at happiness. As Chicago Fire’s main LGBTQ+ representation, there’s hope that the show will explore more of Ritter’s love life, giving him a storyline filled with romance and joy. Like many of his Firehouse 51 colleagues, Ritter deserves a chance to find lasting love.