Why did Brett and Casey break up on Chicago Fire?

The season 11 premiere of Chicago Fire ended on a heartbreaking note. After weeks of keeping a long distance relationship going, Sylvie Brett (Kara Killmer) decided to call up Casey (Jesse Spencer) and break up with him.

It may have appeared sudden on the surface, but there were lots of details throughout the episode that contributed to Brett’s decision. The producers and writers behind Fire have also shed light on the relationship, and whether there’s a chance we could see Brettsey get back together.

Did Brett and Casey break up on Chicago Fire?

The 51’s decision to bring back Kyle Sheffield (Teddy Sears), Brett’s ex-fiance, was a turning point. Brett was regaled with stories about Kyle’s current fiance, and how the “stars aligned” for them to get back together. It clearly struck a chord with the character, as she applied it to her own situation with Casey and how the stars between them seem to be in disarray.

Fire showrunner Andrea Newman also pointed out that Brett’s decision to leave Chicago to be with Sheffield backfired, and that the character has grown beyond the point of making decisions based on the men in her life.

"“She’s made a lot of decisions based on these relationships, and she’s become this stronger, more independent woman”, Newman told TV Line. “No matter how much she loves Casey, and it’s undeniable, she’s making decisions now that are for her own future and for her life with this paramedicine cause.”"

Watch One Chicago on fuboTV: Watch over 67 live sports and entertainment channels with a 7-day FREE trial!

Then there’s Violet (Hanako Greensmith), who revitalizes her romance with Chief Hawkins (Jimmy Nichols) once he gets transferred to a different firehouse. Seeing the couple together seemed to be the last straw for Brett, as long distance was not something she wanted to go through.

The analogy about the stars come back in the climactic phone call. “Our stars just didn’t align, that’s all”, Brett explains. “But Matt, maybe some day…” The final line hints at the idea that the couple could pick things up in the future, though.

As tough as it was to watch, we can’t fault Brett’s decision to call it quits. She has to focus on herself, and hopefully her and Casey will be better off the next time they see one another.

What do you hope to see in the Chicago Fire season 11 premiere? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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