When the promo for Chicago Fire season 14, episode 11, “Frostbite Blue,” was released, fans were stunned by the unexpected return of Jake Lockett, and understandably so.
Ahead of the season 13 finale, it was revealed that Lockett would not be coming back as a series regular for season 14 and would be exiting the show. The finale then paved the way for Carver's departure from Firehouse 51, revealing that Carver had taken a job in Denver in order to get a fresh start. It was not a decision made lightly, but one that Carver felt the need to make to prioritize his mental health.
With an exit storyline set, it became clear we likely would not see Carver appear in season 14 and that was indeed the case. In the season 14 premiere, we learned that Carver had since moved to Denver and had iced out Violet in an effort to give them both a clean break and move on. We thought that would be the last we’d see of Carver until his character popped up in the promo, teasing his return in episode 11.
While passing through Chicago, Carver linked up with Violet in hopes of learning more about her paramedic program and he enjoyed the chance to catch up with his former colleagues at 51. He was not as thrilled by the chemistry he picked up on between Violet and Vasquez, and he made that known before leaving town once more.
His return definitely failed to give fans any further closure on Carver’s exit, and sadly it doesn’t seem like there is a firm plan in place for Carver to appear in any additional episodes this season.
“I don’t know. I’m not inside those doors. I’m not in those offices. Who knows? I mean, I would love to come back and keep playing him,” Lockett told TV Insider when asked about whether fans might see him back again. “Like I said, it’s a pleasure. But as far as plans go, yeah, you’re talking to the wrong person.”
Of course, Lockett could just be playing coy and working to prevent any spoilers from leaking – his return in episode 11 was, after all, a well-kept secret – but there is also a very real possibility he danced around the question as there aren’t any plans in place. And honestly, we’re not sure we need another appearance this season.
Episode 11 ended with Violet and Vasquez finally giving in to the feelings that have been building between them, and fans deserve the chance to see where this relationship goes. While Carver might not have found the closure he wanted, his return clearly allowed Violet to close that door and open herself up to exploring a new relationship.
As much as Violet and Carver fans will hate to hear this, the couple are a perfect example of a couple that was never meant to be endgame. Yes, there were some amazing moments along the way, but there was also a lot of hardships, and the stars never really aligned. The timing was never right, and it was clear fate was not on their side.
With Lockett no longer a member of the core cast and Violet having gotten the closure she personally needed, there’s really no point in bringing Carver back this season for another guest spot. That’s not to say we don’t hope to see the character again, but the last thing we want is to see Carver showing up on Violet’s doorstep in the Chicago Fire season finale begging for another chance just as things are going good for Violet and Vasquez.