Chicago Fire season 13, episode 5, “Bird of Prey” may have just written out Sam Carver for good. As one of the newer players in One Chicago, Jake Lockett’s character has spent the last couple of years getting used to working in Firehouse 51. Bar some mishaps, both professionally and personally, he appears to have fully settled in with the tight-knit group. Previously, there have been a few instances where he seemed to be finally leaving. So it’s sad that Carver may finally walk away from Firehouse 51 after Chicago Fire season 13, episode 5.
In “Birds of Prey,” Firehouse 51 juggles several cases. Kelly Severide and Chief Wallace Boden’s replacement, Dom Pascal, investigate a fire case, Mouch McHolland deals with a bird attack at the Firehouse, while Violet Mikami and Lyla Novak rush a man with his abdominal stitches bursting out to Med. That being said, Carver’s personal storyline may be the most interesting, as he continues to spiral due to his ongoing relationship with Tori. After dragging his feet throughout the day, he is finally reprimanded for his transgressions, resulting in what could be his last shift at Firehouse 51.
Stella Kidd Dismisses Sam Carver For The Day In Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 6
For a few episodes now, Stella Kidd has noticed how much Carver has changed at work since coming back from his last furlough. With Pascal watching Truck 81 following consecutive departures from her team, Kelly Severide’s wife cannot afford any mistakes at this point. So Carver not giving it his all every shift, naturally becomes a problem. That said, all the partying and drinking every night to hang out with his girlfriend finally catches up with him in Chicago Fire season 13, episode 6. Kidd finally runs out of patience and sends Carver home in the middle of the shift.
Upon handing Carver a tool that he forgot at home because of another late night out with his girlfriend, she urged him to leave Firehouse 51 and relocate to Austin, where many firehouses would be more suitable for the kind of lifestyle that they have.
While Kidd doesn’t outright fire his right-hand person for slacking, Tori’s comments earlier in the episode could resonate with him. Upon handing Carver a tool that he forgot at home because of another late night out with his girlfriend, she urged him to leave Firehouse 51 and relocate to Austin, where many firehouses would be more suitable for the kind of lifestyle that they have. Carver dismisses it, but after what just happened between him and Kidd, he may start seriously considering Tori’s suggestions. If this is the case, then the Chicago Fire cast may have just lost another character.
Is This The End For Caver In Firehouse 51?
Carver has been on the brink of leaving One Chicago so many times before. Just in the Chicago Fire season 12 finale, he once again went on furlough following his heartbreaking conversation with Violet about the status of their relationship. He eventually returned, but when he did, it was clear that he was a changed man. He became a party-goer and irresponsible team member. Considering all these, Kidd kicking Carver out is warranted, but in the bigger scheme of things, it may be the fruition of every single almost-exit that he has had in the last several years.
Fortunately, this mishap is once again another fakeout for Carver. Chicago Fire just promoted Jake Lockett to a series regular, after being in a recurring character role in his first few years, despite appearing in the majority of the episodes. The terms of his contract are not made public, but considering this, it’s safe to say that NBC and Wolf Entertainment have long-term plans for the character. This means that eventually, Carver will reclaim his place in Firehouse 51 and Truck 81. When that will happen is, however, unclear.
Why Chicago Fire Can’t Afford To Lose Sam Carver Now
At this point, One Chicago is used to character exits. As sad as it is to say goodbye to many fan favorites, the TV franchise has used this to keep their shows fresh and intriguing. That said, it is no secret that in the last couple of years, Chicago Fire has lost some major players — including two original cast members in Chief Boden and Matt Casey. That’s on top of bidding farewell to some long-time Firehouse 51 personnel such as Blake Gallo and Sylvie Brett.
It’s also worth noting that writing Carver out means that Chicago Fire will have to cut his romance with Violet short even before something comes out of it.
With those, Chicago Fire needs stability more than anything at this point, and letting Carver go will not do that. Lockett has been a great addition to the cast, and aside from not wanting to see him go, losing him means that Truck 81 will once again be on the hunt for a new member. It’s also worth noting that writing Carver out means that Chicago Fire will have to cut his romance with Violet short even before something comes out of it.
