After we found out that three of our favorite supporting characters would be leaving Chicago Fire following season 13, we weren't expecting to see any of them back in season 14. However, the trailer for season 14 episode 11 gave One Chicago fans quite the pleasant surprise when it was officially announced that Jake Lockett would reprise his role as Sam Carver.
Chicago Fire season 14 episode 11 welcomed Carver back with open arms as he and Violet reunited while Carver was traveling through Chicago with his Denver Fire teammates. Carver wanted to bend Violet's ear about her paramedic program, but he inevitably became a bit jealous of Violet's new connection with Vasquez, especially since Carver and Violet didn't get closure.
Carver's quick trip back to Firehouse 51 to catch up with his former teammates once again didn't leave much room for closure, but in an interview with TV Insider about his return, Lockett shared that he hopes to see Carver come back again in the future and revealed the exciting trajectory he sees in the future for his character. Whether it's in Chicago or Denver, he sees him as a leader.
"He’s a leader in his action, but I think him being able to show that he can lead people is something that is next in his world, even if it’s off screen. I think that’s kind of his trajectory. Him being a lieutenant down the line one day is something I think he would want to do because I think he sees people. He doesn’t always know how to address it, but he sees people well," Lockett said.
The actor explained that he would want to get "back in the action" if he were to return again as Carver, as getting to learn "what the real heroes do" was one of his favorite aspects of working on Chicago Fire. It makes sense that Lockett would want to explore Carver becoming a leader and taking on a different position in the firehouse, since Carver had been pretty limited in the past.
Aside from the personal connection with Kidd that evolved during his time on the show and the lingering love that's left unresolved between him and Violet, Carver could definitely rise through the ranks to take what he's learned and become a lieutenant. He has the drive and the passion to step into that role and lead others with a steady hand. Obviously, he learned from the best (Kidd, of course).
Considering the revolving door of character exits that continues to swing in the direction of Chicago Fire (season 14 is about to get a temporary new captain and a familiar face back as a lieutenant), you can never say never to characters returning in recurring roles or even as main characters again. It's not out of the realm of possibility that Carver could be lieutenant at Firehouse 51 someday.
Still, when it comes to Carver actually making another pass through Chicago, even a longer appearance than just one episode, Lockett admitted that he doesn't know what the future holds in that regard. I can speak for Chicago Fire fans when I say we definitely want him to come back. There's too much left to explore for the character, both professionally and with Violet.
Chicago Fire airs new episodes Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC, also streaming on Peacock.