Chicago Fire has been a staple on television for over a decade, and with that kind of longevity comes a fair share of character exits, relationship endings, and even some dramatic returns. Over the seasons, certain departures and shifts in romantic dynamics have resonated deeply with viewers, leading to feelings of regret, sadness, or outright disappointment.
The Most Regretted Character Departures and Breakups
Here are some of the partings and relationship changes that have arguably left Chicago Fire audiences with the most lingering regret:
Gabriela Dawson (Monica Raymund) and Matthew Casey (Jesse Spencer) – “Dawsey” Crumbles & Dawson’s Exit: This is arguably the most impactful and regretted romantic breakup in Chicago Fire history. “Dawsey” was the show’s central romance for many seasons. Their on-again, off-again dynamic, their eventual marriage, and their struggles to start a family deeply invested viewers. When Gabriela Dawson decided to leave Chicago for Puerto Rico in Season 7, it felt abrupt and forced, particularly how quickly her marriage to Casey dissolved. Fans had rooted for them for so long, and her exit, followed by their divorce, left a significant void and a lot of unfinished business that many wished had been handled differently.
Leslie Shay (Lauren German) – A Tragic Loss: While not a romantic breakup, Shay’s death in the Season 3 premiere was a devastating blow that many viewers still mourn. Shay was a beloved character, a fierce paramedic, and an integral part of Firehouse 51, especially her deep friendship with Kelly Severide. Her sudden and tragic death in the line of duty was shocking and heartbreaking, and many fans felt she deserved a more substantial and less abrupt farewell. Her absence continued to be felt for many seasons, particularly by Severide.
Brian “Otis” Zvonecek (Yuri Sardarov) – A Shocking Death: Otis was a light-hearted, endearing, and consistently funny character who provided much-needed comic relief and a strong sense of family within Firehouse 51. His sudden death in the Season 8 premiere, after suffering injuries in a factory fire, was incredibly impactful. It was a genuinely shocking moment that left both the characters and the audience reeling. Many fans felt his character development was cut short and that such a beloved figure deserved a less abrupt and more heroic end. His last words in Russian to Cruz, “Brother, I will be with you always,” were particularly poignant and a source of deep sadness for viewers
Evan Hawkins (Jimmy Nicholas) – An Unexpected Demise: The death of Paramedic Field Chief Evan Hawkins in Season 11 was another impactful loss, particularly for Violet Mikami. Their relationship had just started to blossom, and fans were invested in their sweet and supportive dynamic. His sudden death during a call, happening right in front of Violet, felt like a tragic and unnecessary end to a character who had a lot of untapped potential. Many viewers expressed regret that their budding romance was cut short in such a devastating way, especially as they had just publicly reunited and declared their love.
Sylvie Brett (Kara Killmer) and Matthew Casey (Jesse Spencer) – “Brettsey” Long-Distance Breakup: After the “Dawsey” era, fans invested heavily in the slow-burn romance between Sylvie Brett and Matt Casey. When Casey moved to Oregon in Season 10 to care for Andy Darden’s sons, they attempted a long-distance relationship. However, the inevitable happened, and Brett eventually broke up with him in Season 11 due to the overwhelming challenges of the distance. While their recent marriage and Brett’s subsequent move to Oregon provided a happy ending for “Brettsey,” the extended period of their long-distance struggle and eventual breakup was a source of frustration and regret for fans who desperately wanted them to be together sooner.
Sam Carver (Jake Lockett) and Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) – An Ongoing Will-They-Won’t-They: More recently, the dynamic between Carver and Violet has been a significant storyline. They had a brief fling, and their on-again, off-again nature has been a source of discussion. Carver’s strong feelings for Violet and his distress over their initial breakup, combined with his ex-girlfriend Tori’s interference, left fans feeling for him. The ongoing uncertainty of their relationship, especially with Carver’s potential exit to Denver, has led to regret for those hoping to see them officially become a solid, stable couple.
