Chicago Fire said goodbye to one of its most beloved characters in the season 12 finale.
Technically. While the show treated the exit of Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker) as though it was his last episode, the character will still be around in a limited capacity in season 13.
This was confirmed by the writers and showrunners well before the season finale aired. The character whose fate is much less clear heading into season 13, however, is Sam Carver (Jake Lockett). The 51 firefighter has become one of the most important characters on the show over the last two seasons, and yet, his temper got him in trouble.
Carver went on furlough during the season 12 finale
Chicago Fire – Season 12
CHICAGO FIRE — “Port in the Storm” Episode 12006 — Pictured: (l-r) Jake Lockett as Sam Carver, Hanako Greensmith as Violet Mikami —
The character interrupted a fight between Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) and Jack Damon (Michael Bradway) and overstepped a boundary in the process. He was penalized for his actions, especially since he’d gotten in trouble for another altercation in season 12 (remember Kidd’s stalker?!).
Carver ended season 12 on furlough, without giving or being given a specifc time on when he will be returning to 51. It didn’t help that Carver got into a spat with Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) as he was packing up his things in the locker room. Violet accused Carver of harboring feelings for Kidd, and despite insisting that he only has feelings for Violet, things between the two of them were left shaky.
The writers purposely left Carver’s future open
Chicago Fire – Season 12
CHICAGO FIRE — “Never Say Goodbye” Episode 12013 — Pictured: (l-r) Christian Stolte as Randy “Mouch” McHolland, Michael Bradway as Damon, Jake Lockett as Sam Carver, Miranda Rae Mayo as Stella Kidd —
Not the best episode for Carver, to say the least. The character was at a personal and professional low point by the time the credits rolled on the finale, and the show did nothing to assure fans that he would be coming back for season 13. Now, there are some context clues that suggest he will be back to repair everything that went down.
For one, Carver’s arc was left purposely open in season 12, presumably to give writers the freedom to either bring him back or write him off. At this point in time, it could go either way. That being said, he’s become a popular character and his relationship with Violet was the most exciting romantic subplot of the entire season.
We believe Carver will return. Ideally, his furlough will span the period of time between seasons 12 and 13, but even if it goes beyond that, we’re hopeful the character will be back in action and putting out fires in no time.
