The tumultuous romance between Sam Carver and Violet Mikami has been a defining storyline for Chicago Fire over the past two seasons, a classic “will-they/won’t-they” that captivated viewers with its raw emotion and complicated history. Following a dramatic season 12 finale that saw their initial split, the pair spent much of season 13 navigating a complex dance of unspoken affection, missed opportunities, and the burden of Carver’s past struggles. Despite a hopeful, albeit abrupt, reunion in the season 13 finale, the looming reality of actor Jake Lockett’s departure from the series means that a definitive end to their romantic saga is inevitable in Chicago Fire season 14.

Their journey has been fraught with challenges from the outset. Violet, still reeling from the tragic loss of her previous love interest, Evan Hawkins, was initially hesitant to open her heart to another first responder. This reluctance created an emotional barrier that Carver, despite his clear devotion and admitted love for her, struggled to overcome. His personal demons, particularly his battle with alcoholism stemming from a traumatic past in Texas, added further layers of complexity, often pushing Violet away just as she seemed ready to lean in. The finale of season 13 left fans with a bittersweet moment: a passionate kiss and a mutual declaration of love, implying a new beginning. However, this hopeful conclusion is now overshadowed by Lockett’s confirmed exit, forcing the writers to craft a convincing and impactful way to sever their connection. The question isn’t if their romance will end, but how. Several possibilities could unfold, each carrying its own narrative weight and emotional consequences for the characters and Firehouse 51.

1. Carver Goes Through With His Move to Denver

One of the most straightforward and perhaps most anticipated resolutions is for Carver to finalize his transfer to the Denver Fire Department. This possibility was strongly hinted at throughout season 13, particularly as Carver grappled with his personal issues and expressed a desire for a fresh start. The idea of leaving Chicago represented an opportunity for him to escape the ghosts of his past and the complicated emotional landscape of Firehouse 51. While his hesitation to leave Violet in the season 13 finale suggested a wavering commitment to the move, his eventual departure for a new department would provide a clean, if heartbreaking, break.

This scenario would allow Carver to pursue his sobriety journey and personal healing in an entirely new environment, away from the daily reminders and emotional triggers associated with his time in Chicago. For Violet, it would mean another significant loss, one that could re-open old wounds from Hawkins’ death, potentially making her even more guarded in future relationships. It offers a definitive end to their romantic arc, respecting Carver’s need for personal growth while leaving Violet to process yet another departure from her life. The abruptness of such a move, coming so soon after their declarations of love, would undoubtedly add a poignant layer of tragedy, emphasizing the cruel timing that has plagued their relationship from the beginning.

2. Carver Returns to Texas to Confront His Past

Beyond Denver, another compelling reason for Carver’s exit could be a return to his roots in Texas. Jake Lockett’s character has a deeply troubled history tied to his home state, particularly the trauma that contributed to his struggles with alcohol. Choosing to go home, despite the painful memories, could be framed as a brave and necessary step in his journey toward lasting sobriety and self-acceptance. Confronting his past in the place where it originated might be the only way for Carver to truly heal.

This storyline would offer a powerful arc for Carver, emphasizing his commitment to personal recovery over romantic entanglement. His decision to leave Chicago and Violet would then be understood not as a rejection, but as a crucial act of self-preservation and growth. Such an exit would provide a sense of closure for his character, allowing him to embark on a new chapter focused entirely on his well-being. For Violet, it would be a different kind of heartbreak—understanding that his departure is for his own good, yet still feeling the sting of loss. This option lends itself to a more mature and introspective conclusion for Carver’s story, reflecting the show’s occasional dives into the deeper psychological burdens carried by its first responders.

3. Violet and Carver Attempt a Long-Distance Relationship

Given the loving declarations in the season 13 finale, a long-distance relationship could serve as an initial attempt to keep the couple together, at least temporarily. This approach would echo the narrative path taken by fan-favorite couple Matt Casey and Sylvie Brett, whose own relationship navigated the challenges of distance. Starting season 14 with Carver and Violet still together, albeit physically apart, would acknowledge the finale’s cliffhanger and avoid an abrupt breakup without explanation.

However, the inherent difficulties of a long-distance relationship, especially for characters with demanding careers like firefighters, would likely lead to its eventual demise. The emotional strain, missed milestones, and the practicalities of maintaining a connection across states would test their bond severely. Ultimately, Jake Lockett’s exit would necessitate a breaking point, perhaps with one or both realizing the relationship isn’t sustainable. This option could provide a gradual, more drawn-out conclusion to their romance, allowing for a few episodes of emotional struggle before the inevitable separation, thereby providing more emotional catharsis for viewers who were rooting for them. It would also highlight the unique challenges faced by first responders in maintaining personal relationships amidst constant danger and demanding schedules.

4. Carver Transfers to a Different Firehouse in Chicago

A less drastic but equally effective way to end their romance would be for Carver to transfer to another firehouse within the Chicago Fire Department. This option allows him to remain in the city but creates the necessary distance from Violet and Firehouse 51. Throughout season 13, it was alluded that being in constant proximity to Violet while they were not together contributed to Carver’s struggles, even inadvertently fueling his alcoholism in moments of weakness. The emotional burden of seeing her daily, wanting to be with her but being unable to, was a significant strain.

Choosing to stay in Chicago but not at Firehouse 51 would demonstrate Carver’s commitment to his sobriety and personal healing while still maintaining his career. It offers a compromise—he doesn’t abandon his life or profession entirely, but he removes himself from a situation that proved detrimental to his mental health. For Violet, this would mean knowing Carver is still in the city, which could create a different kind of emotional tension—the bittersweet knowledge of his presence without the hope of reconciliation. This scenario provides a more nuanced separation, one born out of necessity for individual well-being rather than a complete geographical departure. It also allows for potential, albeit awkward, run-ins in future seasons, keeping the door ajar for speculation but firmly closing the chapter on their active romance.

5. Carver Quits Firefighting Entirely

Carver’s difficult season 13, marked by intense emotional turmoil and a near-fatal incident, could logically lead him to question his entire career. The psychological toll of firefighting, especially when coupled with personal demons, can be immense. Carver might decide that for his long-term health and sobriety, he needs to leave the profession behind completely. This decision, while drastic, would provide a powerful catalyst for his departure from both Firehouse 51 and Violet’s life.

Adding weight to this theory is the backdrop of season 13’s narrative, which introduced the threat of looming layoffs and forced retirements due to budget cuts within the Chicago Fire Department. Carver could become one of the firefighters affected, either by choice (taking an early out to save others) or by force. Being involuntarily removed from the CFD would push him to seek work elsewhere, potentially in a completely different field and city, thereby concluding his relationship with Violet and his time on the show. This option connects his personal story to a broader departmental crisis, giving his exit a more grounded and systemic justification, much like how actor exits are often integrated into the show’s ongoing storylines. It would be a stark reminder that even the most dedicated firefighters can reach a breaking point.

6. Violet Finds a New Love Interest

While Lockett’s departure dictates Carver’s exit, the ending of the romance doesn’t solely rely on his physical absence. Chicago Fire writers could choose to move Violet’s storyline forward by introducing a new love interest for her. This approach, though potentially challenging given Violet’s deep feelings for Carver, would serve to demonstrate her resilience and capacity for finding happiness again. The show has a history of bringing in compelling new characters to fill voids and create new dynamics within the firehouse.

For this option to be successful, the new character would need to possess immediate charm, strong chemistry with Violet (played by Hanako Greensmith), and a storyline that seamlessly integrates into Firehouse 51. The challenge for the writers would be to make this new relationship feel earned and not simply a way to hastily write off Carver. It would also showcase Violet’s journey of healing and her willingness to open up after multiple heartbreaks. This path allows Violet to continue her journey without being perpetually tied to the “what if” of Carver’s return, ultimately focusing on her growth and future within the series.

7. Carver’s Off-Screen Death

Though perhaps the most dramatic and least likely, the possibility of Carver’s off-screen death cannot be entirely ruled out in a show known for its high-stakes drama. Chicago Fire has never shied away from killing off main characters, often to create impactful emotional storylines and drive narrative shifts. However, for Carver, such an outcome would feel particularly jarring given the hopeful note on which season 13 concluded; there was no foreshadowing or imminent danger.

An off-screen death, necessitated by Lockett’s departure, would also pose significant narrative challenges. It would be a disservice to a character who has undergone substantial growth, denying him a proper on-screen send-off. Furthermore, to subject Violet to yet another tragic loss of a love interest, after the devastating death of Evan Hawkins, would be incredibly cruel and potentially repetitive for her character arc. While death provides an undeniable finality to their romance, its execution would need to be handled with extreme care to avoid feeling cheap or unearned, and to avoid inflicting unnecessary trauma on a character who has already endured so much. For these reasons, while a possibility in the broader context of a dramatic series, it remains a less probable and less satisfying conclusion for fans.

Ultimately, the impending Chicago Fire season 14 premiere holds the answers to how Carver and Violet’s complicated love story will finally conclude. The writers face the challenging task of respectfully writing out Jake Lockett’s character while providing a meaningful and emotionally resonant end to one of the show’s most compelling relationships. Whether through a move, a career change, or an unforeseen twist of fate, the embers of Carver and Violet’s romance are destined to fade, leaving Firehouse 51, and particularly Violet, to navigate a future without him.