Chicago Fire has been a beloved staple in the world of TV dramas, captivating audiences with its riveting storylines and complex characters. However, like many long-running shows, it has seen the departure of key characters, some of whom left under less-than-ideal circumstances. Whether due to a rushed exit or a sudden and unexplained departure, these characters deserved more attention and better farewells.

Here are the top seven characters from Chicago Fire whose exits were either abrupt, rushed, or simply unfair, and why they deserved more:

7. Monica Raymund – Gabriela Dawson

Gabriela Dawson’s (Monica Raymund) exit was both sudden and lackluster, considering the emotional highs and lows her character experienced over six seasons. In Season 7, Dawson decided to leave for Puerto Rico to assist with disaster relief. While this decision fit with her character’s altruistic nature, the abruptness of her departure, particularly her troubled marriage to Matthew Casey, felt rushed. After significant character development, Dawson deserved a more meaningful and conclusive farewell storyline rather than a quick exit.

6. Lauren German – Leslie Shay

Leslie Shay’s (Lauren German) exit in Chicago Fire was heartbreaking, but it also felt incomplete. Shay, who had a special bond with Severide (Taylor Kinney), was tragically killed off in Season 3. The emotional farewell Shay deserved was never fully realized, especially considering the deep relationship she had with Severide and the emotional weight of her loss. Severide was forced to move on with little to no resolution with Shay, and fans were left heartbroken by the lack of closure.

5. Rome Flynn – Derrick Gibson

Derrick Gibson’s (Rome Flynn) storyline was cut short far too early. His exit came abruptly due to his struggles with addiction and a troubled past, and while his departure was necessary for the character’s development, it was unfortunate that it wasn’t given the depth it deserved. A more meaningful and drawn-out exit for Derrick, one that acknowledged his struggles, would have allowed for a more impactful departure, but instead, he was written off in a quick and unsatisfying way.

4. Yuri Sardarov – Brian “Otis” Zvonecek

Otis’ (Yuri Sardarov) sudden death in Chicago Fire left fans devastated. His passing was a stark moment in the show, but the speed at which it happened was jarring. Otis had been a beloved, light-hearted character, and while his sacrifice during a heroic mission was poignant, his death felt too rushed. His story deserved more time to reach its natural conclusion, allowing his character to experience closure and his fellow firehouse members to mourn him properly.

3. Dora Madison – Jessica “Chili” Chilton

Jessica “Chili” Chilton (Dora Madison) had one of the most dramatic exits in Chicago Fire. Her struggle with alcoholism was a central plotline, and her dismissal from the team after her behavior spiraled out of control was heartbreaking. However, the circumstances surrounding her departure were rushed, leaving fans feeling that her character’s story arc was not fully resolved. Chili’s journey deserved more attention, and a more compassionate exit that reflected her struggles would have been ideal.

2. Charlie Barnett – Peter Mills

Peter Mills’ (Charlie Barnett) exit was abrupt, especially considering how far his character had come in the series. From a fresh recruit to a seasoned firefighter and paramedic, Mills’ development was a significant part of the show’s narrative. However, his sudden transfer away from Firehouse 51 felt unearned. His eventual exit was another hasty decision, and fans were left wondering what could have been for his character had his story been allowed to play out in a more satisfying manner.

1. Steven R. McQueen – Jimmy Borrelli

Jimmy Borrelli’s (Steven R. McQueen) exit was one of the most unfair on the show. After overcoming so many personal challenges, including his strained relationship with his brother, Jimmy had grown into a strong and reliable member of the team. Unfortunately, he was written out after a catastrophic accident in Season 5, where he lost his eye in a traffic collision. While his sacrifice was emotional, his departure was rushed and felt like a waste of his character development, leaving fans to mourn what could have been a much more meaningful goodbye.

While Chicago Fire has continued to thrive and evolve, these characters’ exits still remain a sore spot for many fans. Each of these characters contributed something special to the show, and their departures deserved more time, consideration, and closure. Hopefully, future exits will give fans the resolutions they deserve.