‘Chicago Fire’ Showrunner Teases That Carver Will Soon Return To The Firehouse ‘With A Surprise’

Things are about to heat up again at Firehouse 51, and not just because of the flames. After weeks of absence, Sam Carver is finally making his way back to Chicago Fire. The firefighter has been off-screen since his emotional decision to enter rehab following a relapse in the February 26 episode. Now, he’s ready to return — and apparently, he’s not coming back empty-handed.

“Carver will be back in the next few episodes,” teased showrunner Andrea Newman in a chat with TVLine. “But he’s coming back with a surprise.”

The mystery surrounding his return has fans speculating. Has he found someone new? Is there news about his future with the team? Or maybe — just maybe — he’s bringing home a new four-legged friend. (Remember how sweet he was with that rescue dog?)

Carver’s Downward Spiral and Road to Recovery

Carver’s journey this season has been anything but smooth. Things started to spiral after he returned from Texas with Tori, a former flame who brought more chaos than comfort.

Carver and Tori’s short-lived reunion resulted in a few wild nights, some poor decisions at work, and eventually, a firm warning from Lieutenant Kidd. When Tori left town, Carver’s troubles didn’t disappear — instead, they led him straight to the doors of an AA meeting.

Violet’s Complicated Emotions

While Carver was focusing on getting his life back on track, Violet was sorting through her feelings. She wrote him a heartfelt letter — one she ultimately decided not to send, opting to give him the space he needed to heal.

Of course, now that he’s returning, she may have to face those feelings head-on. And the timing couldn’t be more complicated, considering she’s now seeing a lawyer named Flynn.

Despite the new romance, Carver’s feelings for Violet may not be a thing of the past. Jake Lockett, who portrays Carver, shared his perspective on the character’s heart during an interview with TVLine.

“I think it’d be hard not to be after how their relationship went last season,” Lockett admitted. “I think it’d be hard to walk away from that and, in a couple of months, just completely be over something like that. That’s something that, in my opinion, would take a little time.”

So, what’s next for Carver? And how will his surprise shake things up at Firehouse 51? We’ll find out soon enough.

Catch the next episode of Chicago Fire — which also marks the return of Chief Boden — on Wednesday, April 16 at 9/8c on NBC.

Be sure to catch up on everything happening on “Chicago Fire” right now. Come back here often for all “Chicago Fire” spoilers, news, and updates.