‘Chicago Fire’ Promoting Jake Lockett to Series Regular Is a Great Choice

On the one hand, it’s reassuring to know that Chicago Fire’s popularity equates to a guaranteed renewal. On the other hand, it’s often nerve-wracking to wonder which of our favorite characters will exit after some time. In truth, we get it—as much as these actors love their jobs and characters, it’s natural to want something else. So, while we can never be optimistic that our favorite characters will stay for as long as the show airs, it always gives us a bit of hope when someone is promoted to series regular. Such is the case with Jake Lockett and his character, Sam Carver. 

When we first meet Carver in Season 11, Episode 1, “Hold On Tight,” it’s hard to appreciate him. There’s a bit too much unnecessary drama surrounding his character, and it was unclear whether the showrunners would give him thoughtful storylines to play with. Plus, we’d still been dealing with the Dalton of it all. Thankfully, much of that changed, and today, it’s anything but hard to want more of his character. Further, with the One Chicago shows, it’s always best when we have more than one couple on our screens and with Brettsey gone, we’re hoping Jake Lockett’s status as series regular could guarantee more of Violet and Carver. 

Chicago Fire Season 13 Could Give Jake Lockett More to Work With 

While we don’t know too much about Sam Carver still, we know enough to understand that he carries a hefty amount of trauma. He has issues with his family, and because of this, it makes it difficult for him to trust people fully. In the glimpses we get of his past, Lockett shows viewers that he can deliver believable vulnerability that results in great character moments. 

Today, much of his vulnerability is also tied to his relationship with Violet and the fact that he cares for her more than she shows. He wants to make their relationship public while she is understandably still grieving and trying to work through Evan Hawkins’ tragic death. The two of them are teetering around some heavy topics and doubts, which could give us sumptuous material that will help strengthen them as a couple. It’s not just fears about death for Violet, but it’s doubts about his intentions, too. Yet, if nothing else, Carver spends the majority of Season 12 proving himself to everybody. 

When the show comes back, and he returns from leave, it could be fascinating to see how he dealt with the emotions ballooning inside of him. It could give viewers new revelations about his character that would help us understand his coping mechanisms better. Depending on where this narrative goes and how the series allows two completely different characters to come together romantically, Chicago Fire could give us compelling narratives that focus on what healing truly means.

If there’s one thing Chicago Fire does an excellent job of, it’s how it allows characters to grow through displays of vulnerability. This is essentially why Kelly Severide continually has one of the best arcs because when the series allowed him to open up instead of keeping things bottled inside, the entire show improved exponentially. When the show focuses on its characters and how their journeys shape others, it makes the series more riveting and worthy of its long runtime. Plus, it’s always more admirable when we see men breaking the chains of toxic masculinity to allow themselves to be vulnerable, so the more the merrier in that regard. We can’t wait to see how Jake Lockett’s promotion will improve the series and evolve the relationships.

What are your thoughts on where Sam Carver’s arc can go in Chicago Fire Season 13? Let us know in the comments below.
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