Chicago Fire spoilers: Which couple called it quits?

Chicago Fire dealt some heavy blows to the cast this week. There were major developments in the lives of Casey (Jesse Spencer) and Brett (Kara Killmer), but perhaps the most unexpected one happened to Ritter (Daniel Kyri).

Ritter has had a mild season 10 so far, serving more as a background character for the drama that’s been leveled at Cruz (Joe Minoso), Herrmann (David Eigenberg) and the aforementioned Casey. He took more of the spotlight in the episode “The Right Thing”, however, and his subplot made for some of the most heartbreaking scenes overall.

In addition to being harrassed for being openly gay, Ritter had to contend with the end of his lengthy romance with Eric (Curtis Edward Jackson).

Ritter and Eric split on Chicago Fire

The episode began in earnest, but things took a turn for the worse when Ritter and Eric met up for a drink at Herrmann’s bar. They share a brief kiss while sitting at a table, but a patron spots them from the bar and begins to make a scene. He proclaims that the bar should be for “firemen” only and nearly gets into a fight with Ritter before the rest of the 51 squad step in.

Herrmann immediately kicks the man out of the bar and apologizes to Ritter, but the tension only escalates from there. Ritter and Eric get a bottle thrown at them as they leave the bar, revealing that the man decided to wait around until close to attack them. He attempts to drive off but he crashes his car and flips over.

Ritter runs into wreckage and narrowly saves the man’s life before the card explodes. It’s a wildly heroic act on his part, even if the man in question refuses to thank him for his actions. Sadly, this act of heroism proves to be the final nail in the coffin for Ritter and Eric’s relationship.

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Eric shows up at the firehouse and gushes over how impressed he was by Ritter’s actions, but at the same time, is unable to connect with Ritter’s firefighter environment. The two tearfully exchange goodbyes.

This isn’t the first time Ritter and Eric’s relationship has ended. The couple split after they spent quarantine together in 2020, but they decided to patch things up when Ritter defended Eric during a date with Eric’s ex.

While their dynamic was far from perfect, it is sad to see such a long romance come to a close. Hopefully this means Ritter will be freed up to pursue a relationship that’s more suited to his firefighter lifestyle.

For the latest Chicago Fire season 10 spoilers and news, plus more on the entire series, follow the Chicago Fire category at One Chicago Center.