"The Bad Guy" was a busy Chicago Fire episode. It seemed like everywhere we turned, a character was making a big decision or revealing previously unknown information about themselves. Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) decided to do both, and while we were happy to see it, we were also saddened by the timing of her revelation.
Violet has been dating Flynn (Steven Strait) for months, and while things seemed to be going well on the surface, Violet was growing increasingly disenchanted with the relationship. It was obvious Violet still had feelings for her ex, Sam Carver (Jake Lockett). She never articulated these feelings, however, until her argument with Flynn in "The Bad Guy."
Violet admits she's in love with Carver
Flynn arranged for Violet to meet with a medical consultant, and the latter obliged, thinking she could land some extra side work. It turned out that the consultant was trying to recruit Violet into a program and help her transition to medical school. Violet turned the offer down, and made it clear to Flynn that she was perfectly happy working as a medic.
Things escalated from there, and before we knew it, Flynn and Violet were broken up. The former was confused by the sudden turn of events, and told Violet she should be honest about the reason for the break up. Violet gave him his wish. "You're right," the medic said. "The truth is I'm in love with someone else. I'm sorry."
It was an uncomfortable scene but a necessary one, given that Violet's feelings for Carver haven't waned since their split. Flynn was never going to be the right fit for her, and we're happy to see that she's come to grips with this. Unfortunately, the timing could not be worse. Carver is set to leave the show in exactly one episode. He won't be back for season 14, meaning the romance with Violet is not going anywhere.
Carver won't be returning for season 14
To make matters even worse, Carver has been absent from the last couple episodes. Despite only having a few more opportunities to spend time his 51 peers, the character was MIA during "Cut Me Open" and "The Bad Guy." The onscreen reason for his absence is that he's completing his program for rehab, which makes sense, but Violet bearing her soul while he's gone makes the whole thing feel even more hopeless.
We've been pulling for Violet and Carver for two seasons now, and the various setbacks they have experienced seemed justified because there was a sense they would find their way back to being a couple. Carver's premature exit, however, means that this fan favorite pairing will never be. And that's a tough pill to swallow.