Sam Carver Returns to Chicago Fire—But He’s Bringing More Than Just Baggage
Things are about to get even more intense at Firehouse 51—and not just because of the flames. After weeks away from the firehouse and off our screens, Sam Carver (Jake Lockett) is finally making his long-anticipated return to Chicago Fire. But according to showrunner Andrea Newman, the firefighter isn’t just coming back—he’s coming back with a surprise that could shake up everything.
“Carver will be back in the next few episodes,” Newman told TVLine. “But he’s coming back with a surprise.”
Naturally, fans are already in full speculation mode. Will the surprise be personal or professional? Could Carver have met someone new during his time away? Is he returning with life-changing news—or maybe even a new furry friend, considering his soft spot for dogs was spotlighted earlier in the season?
Regardless of what the twist may be, one thing is clear: Carver’s story is far from over.
Carver’s Season 13 Spiral: From Chaos to Clarity
Carver’s journey in Season 13 has been a turbulent one. After returning from Texas with Tori, a former flame who brought more recklessness than romance, his personal and professional life began to spiral. Late nights, poor decisions on duty, and emotional instability culminated in a stern warning from Lieutenant Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo), who urged him to take responsibility before things got worse.
When Tori abruptly exited his life, Carver was left to face the consequences of his actions alone. The breaking point came in the February 26 episode, when he voluntarily entered rehab after acknowledging a relapse. It was a deeply emotional and humanizing moment for the usually guarded firefighter, who had previously kept much of his inner turmoil bottled up.
His absence from Firehouse 51 since then has been felt—especially by those closest to him.
Violet’s Silence Speaks Volumes
Perhaps no one has been more emotionally affected by Carver’s departure than Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith). The paramedic, who shared an intense romantic connection with Carver last season, has struggled with her feelings during his absence.
In one particularly poignant moment, Violet penned a heartfelt letter to Carver—only to ultimately decide against sending it. She wanted to give him space to heal, recognizing that pushing him too soon could do more harm than good. That decision may have been the right one, but it didn’t make things any easier.
Complicating matters further is Violet’s budding relationship with Flynn, a charming lawyer she met while Carver was away. On the surface, her new romance seems like a fresh start—but emotions in the Chicago Fire universe are rarely that simple.
Jake Lockett himself weighed in on Carver’s lingering feelings for Violet during an interview. “I think it’d be hard not to [have feelings] after how their relationship went last season,” he said. “It’d be hard to walk away from that and, in a couple of months, just completely be over something like that.”
With Carver back in the mix, unresolved feelings and emotional tension are bound to come to the surface.
What’s Carver’s Big Surprise?
So what exactly is this “surprise” Carver is bringing with him?
While the showrunner has kept things deliberately vague, Chicago Fire has a history of using character returns to introduce major shifts in the narrative. That could mean anything from a new personal revelation to a professional reassignment—or even a romantic curveball that complicates life at 51.
Given Carver’s recent vulnerability and growth, it’s possible that the surprise is less about shock value and more about demonstrating how much he’s changed. He may return with a renewed sense of purpose, a commitment to sobriety, or a new role that challenges his comfort zone. On the other hand, if the show leans into lighter territory, we wouldn’t be surprised to see him reappear with a dog in tow—especially considering the show’s tendency to balance emotional arcs with heartwarming moments.
Firehouse 51 Braces for Big Changes
Carver’s return isn’t the only major event unfolding at Firehouse 51. The upcoming April 16 episode also marks the return of Chief Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker), who steps back into leadership amid serious fallout from a deadly call. The episode, titled “Post Mortem,” is already being teased as one of the most emotionally charged installments of the season—with at least one firefighter’s life potentially hanging in the balance.
With high stakes, shifting loyalties, and emotional reunions on the horizon, Chicago Fire is building toward a dramatic close to its thirteenth season.
When to Watch
Don’t miss Sam Carver’s highly anticipated return—and his mysterious surprise—when Chicago Fire returns with a new episode on Wednesday, April 16 at 9/8c on NBC.
Stay tuned for more breaking updates, spoilers, and deep dives into everything happening at Firehouse 51.
