In an unexpected turn of events, fans of Chicago Fire may not have to say goodbye to Sam Carver (Jake Lockett) after all. Despite what appeared to be a dramatic and final farewell in the Season 13 finale, with Carver announcing his transfer to the Denver Fire Department for the sake of his sobriety, showrunner Andrea Newman has hinted that Carver’s departure might not be as permanent as it seemed. Here’s why the future of Carver—and his relationship with Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith)—could be far more complicated than fans initially thought.

Carver’s “Exit” May Be a Twist, Not a Goodbye

In the explosive Season 13 finale, Carver made a heartfelt decision to leave Firehouse 51 and move to Denver, with the intention of giving his sobriety the best chance of success. His emotional farewell to Violet, culminating in a passionate “I love you” kiss, left fans heartbroken and uncertain about the future of the beloved CarVio relationship. But now, showrunner Andrea Newman’s cryptic comments suggest that this storyline might not be so straightforward.

When asked about Jake Lockett’s future on the show, Newman shared, “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 leaves the door open for Carver’s return, though not necessarily in the same capacity. While it’s unclear whether Carver will still remain a series regular, Newman’s remarks make it clear that his journey with Violet and his recovery isn’t over yet.

The Love Confession Twist

One of the most striking elements of Carver’s supposed exit is his confession of love for Violet. After seasons of building up their connection, Carver’s decision to leave right after finally declaring his feelings for Violet feels abrupt and unsatisfying. Fans have invested in their relationship, and the finale’s cliffhanger left too much unresolved for Carver to walk away immediately. The passionate kiss, followed by Carver’s departure, seems like an incomplete chapter, one that would do a disservice to both characters and their growing romance. It’s clear that the writers are aware of this, and fans might be in for a surprising twist that will continue to explore their love story in a meaningful way.

A “Messy” Relationship

In addition to the love confession, Newman teased that the relationship between Carver and Violet would be “much messier” than previous on-screen romances like Brett and Casey. This suggests that Carver’s decision to leave may not be as simple as it seems. Newman alluded to the complexity of their relationship, asking whether Violet, despite being in love with him, truly wants Carver to stay in Chicago if it jeopardizes his sobriety. The ongoing tension of this situation opens up a lot of narrative possibilities for future seasons, with the characters grappling with their feelings, their careers, and the challenges of navigating sobriety and love.

Budget Cuts or Narrative Choice?

While Lockett’s departure as a series regular (along with Daniel Kyri’s exit as Ritter) has been attributed to budget cuts, Chicago Fire has a history of finding creative ways to keep characters on-screen, even in reduced roles. It’s entirely possible that Carver could continue to be a recurring character, perhaps working at a different firehouse or even taking on a smaller role within Firehouse 51. This approach would allow the show to explore his character’s growth while still keeping him tied to Violet and the larger Chicago Fire universe.

Unfinished Business for CarVio

The unresolved nature of Carver and Violet’s relationship is too significant to simply brush aside. The “I love you” exchange between the two characters is a moment that demands further exploration. It leaves so much to unpack, and for Carver to leave immediately after this confession would not only feel rushed but also do a disservice to both characters and their emotional journeys.

A Potential Surprise for Fans

What initially appeared to be a devastating farewell for Violet and Carver may now be leading into a much more layered and compelling storyline. Chicago Fire seems committed to exploring the complexities of Carver’s sobriety, his feelings for Violet, and how his future with her might unfold. Fans may be in for a pleasant surprise as Carver’s journey takes unexpected turns, and the once-anticipated “CarVio” breakup might turn into a powerful reconciliation instead.

As Chicago Fire Season 14 approaches, it’s clear that Carver’s future is up in the air—but one thing is certain: his character’s potential for growth and depth has only just begun. Stay tuned for more twists, turns, and emotional moments that will keep us all on the edge of our seats. The relationship drama for Carver and Violet is far from over, and fans will not want to miss what happens next.