Sam Carver’s (Jake Lockett) exit in Chicago Fire season 13, episode 14, titled “Bar Time,” again underscores how unfairly the firehouse procedural treats this character. Carver is one of the newest members of Firehouse 51, having first transferred from Firehouse 132 in Chicago Fire season 11. In his short time, however, he has had more than his fair share of tragedy, and Chicago Fire season 13 has been especially difficult for him.
Carver’s main storyline in season 13 has been his involvement with Tori, which is one of the most toxic love interest stories in Chicago Fire to date. Carver’s relationship with Tori directly led to him drinking too much, which threatened his job in the past. “Bar Time” brings that storyline up again, as Carver takes extra shifts to keep his mind off his desire to drink, which leads him into trouble. Violet suspects Carver is drinking again, which forces him to re-evaluate how well he is managing his life.
Carver’s Impending Absence Is Once Again Rooted In Tragedy
Carver decides to step away from Firehouse 51 after the incident in which Violet accuses him of drinking on the job. Early in the episode, he reveals that he has stopped going to AA and distanced himself from everyone he loves because of the man who broke into Violet’s house and claimed to be acting on Carver’s behalf. It makes sense in terms of the story that he chooses to leave Firehouse 51 to protect his sobriety. However, this arc falls flat because it is the latest in a string of negative and heartbreaking stories for Carver.
Carver was established as a tragic character from the beginning of his stint in One Chicago. Unfortunately, this is reflected every time he is written out temporarily. He left at the end of Chicago Fire season 12 to clear his head after breaking up with Violet (Hanako Greensmith), only to get sucked into Tori’s orbit. Additionally, this exit story is the second time Carver was forced to leave because of alcohol use in the same season. He was already temporarily suspended after getting in trouble with Kidd in episode 6, and now he is voluntarily leaving for the same reason.
