The “Chicago Fire” Season 13 finale left fans reeling with an emotional declaration of love between Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) and Sam Carver (Jake Lockett). However, the joy was short-lived as Carver also revealed he’d put in for a transfer to the Denver Fire Department, casting a huge shadow over their future. Now, all signs point to Violet and Carver attempting a long-distance relationship in Season 14, a path previously trodden (and ultimately failed) by beloved couple Casey and Brett.

Here’s why this is shocking and the drama it sets up:

• The Unexpected “Happily Ever After”… Briefly: After a season of intense “will-they-won’t-they” tension, Carver and Violet finally confessed their love. This heartfelt moment, however, was immediately complicated by Carver’s decision to seek a “fresh start” for his sobriety in Denver.
• Following (and Fearing) Casey & Brett’s Fate: The immediate comparison on fans’ minds is to Sylvie Brett and Matthew Casey, who famously tried a long-distance relationship when Casey moved to Oregon. Their relationship, despite deep love, eventually succumbed to the distance. The shocking question now is: can Violet and Carver succeed where “Brettsey” ultimately failed?
• Showrunner Teases “Messier” Dynamic: “Chicago Fire” showrunner Andrea Newman has explicitly stated that Carver and Violet’s relationship will be “much messier” than Brett and Casey’s. She emphasized that for Carver, it’s a “life thing” – his sobriety is tied to getting away from triggers in Chicago. This adds a far more complex layer of emotional and psychological stakes to their long-distance attempt.

Jake Lockett’s Series Regular Status: While Jake Lockett (Carver) is confirmed not to be a full-time series regular in Season 14 (due to budget cuts), Newman has indicated he “may have him for a bunch of it too.” This suggests a recurring role, making a long-distance storyline a very plausible way to keep “CarVio” alive, albeit in a strained state.

• Violet’s Potential Heartbreak (Again): Violet has already endured immense heartbreak, particularly the tragic loss of Chief Hawkins. To finally open her heart fully to Carver, only for him to potentially leave or for their long-distance efforts to fail, would be another devastating blow.

The “shocking news” is that what initially seemed like a clear exit for Carver might evolve into a complex, high-stakes long-distance romance. Fans will be on the edge of their seats to see if Violet and Carver can defy the odds and make their relationship work across state lines, or if their love, like Brett and Casey’s, will ultimately be broken by the distance.