As Chicago Fire fans brace themselves for another season of heart-pounding drama and heroic rescues, there’s a cloud hanging over Firehouse 51. The recent departures of Daniel Cury (Ritter) and Jake Lockett (Carver) in the season 13 finale have left fans wondering: who will step into their boots for the upcoming season 14? It seems the showrunners might already have the answer, and the solution might be right under our noses.

Ritter’s Departure: A Shock No One Saw Coming

The Chicago Fire season 13 finale left much to be desired in terms of closure for Ritter, a beloved character who has been with the show since season 8. Fans had hoped the creative team would offer a more fitting send-off for Ritter and Carver, but that didn’t quite happen. While there were hints about Ritter’s future departure, the finale offered no substantial closure for either character.

Ritter’s exit, while shocking, sets the stage for a new dynamic at Firehouse 51. As Ritter steps away from the truck, it’s clear that a replacement will be needed, but the timing of his departure leaves fans questioning what happens next.

The timing of Ritter’s exit feels particularly difficult, as he had just made the transition to truck, a new and exciting chapter in his firefighting career. His departure now leaves a void not only in the truck but within the team dynamics that have become so familiar to fans over the years. However, there’s a silver lining—Chicago Fire’s latest casting update hints that Ritter’s replacement may already be a familiar face.

Kylie’s Time to Shine

Enter Kylie (played by Caitlyn Shennet), who, after making her mark in season 13, seems poised to fill the void left by Ritter. While her time on the show has been relatively brief, Kylie has proven herself to be an essential part of Firehouse 51. Her hardworking nature, resourcefulness, and ability to work well under pressure have already made her a fan favourite, and it’s clear that Kylie’s potential as a series regular is evident.

Kylie is young and relatively new to the team, much like Ritter when he first started. However, she’s already shown tremendous growth, both as a firefighter and as an integral part of the team. Her relationships with colleagues, including Kid Miranda and Herman, have also added depth to her character, making her an excellent fit for a more permanent role at the firehouse.

Perhaps the biggest argument in Kylie’s favour is her track record. From playing a vital role in helping Herman track down the source of citywide hydrant thefts to showing tremendous leadership and courage during intense firefighting calls, Kylie has demonstrated that she’s more than ready to step up. Her resourcefulness and strong work ethic make her the ideal candidate to fill the void left by Ritter’s departure.

The Question of Where Kylie Belongs

While Kylie’s promotion to a series regular seems likely, there are still questions about her role moving forward. Will she remain on Engine 51, or will she make the move to Truck, potentially replacing Ritter there? If Sam Carver remains a fixture on the show, it’s likely that Kylie will continue with Engine. But with the addition of Brandon Larquent’s Jack Damon, there may not be enough room on Engine for both him and Kylie, leaving the show to figure out where to best place her.

One solution could be for Damon to remain a recurring character, allowing Kylie to fully step into a more permanent position. If Damon’s lung complications are more severe than expected, it could even lead to him taking a less dangerous role within Firehouse 51, opening the door for Kylie to shine.

A Bright Future Ahead

Although Chicago Fire season 14 will have its challenges, including finding a proper replacement for Ritter, the future looks bright for Kylie. With her unwavering dedication, strong relationships, and a growing fanbase, she has the potential to become one of Firehouse 51’s standout characters in the years to come.

As the firehouse continues to battle the heat, both literally and figuratively, the loss of Ritter will be felt—but Kylie’s rise may provide the fresh energy the show needs. For now, all eyes are on how the writers will navigate the exit of one beloved character and the introduction of another.