Chicago Fire season 12 finale has a heavily overlooked character exit that is much bigger than losing Chief Wallace Boden. One Chicago’s year may be unusually short because of the dual Hollywood strikes of 2023, but Wolf Entertainment and NBC made the most out of it by packing it with so many big developments — many of them will define what’s next for the franchise. Of all three shows, Chicago Fire season 12 is arguably the most eventful, primarily because of the sheer number of character departures for Firehouse 51, with the finale having two people leave the house.

Ahead of Boden’s exit, Chicago Fire season 12’s latest departure was Derrick Gibson — a transfer who was seemingly settling in until he was unexpectedly written out of the show. Before him, Blake Gallo and Sylvie Brett also said goodbye to Firehouse 51 for personal reasons. Considering Eammon Walker’s history with the franchise, being the very first actor to be cast in the Wolf Entertainment franchise, there was a big focus on his swan song, which turned out to be for the best. In the Chicago Fire season 12 finale, “Never Say Goodbye,” Boden leaves to be the new CFD leader.

Sam Carver Goes MIA In Chicago Fire Season 12 Finale

Kidd Reveals That Carver Goes On Another Furlough.

Firehouse 51 losing Boden is massive for its future, but he isn’t the only one who leaves in the capper. Towards the end of the Chicago Fire season 12 finale, Stella Kidd reveals that Sam Carver took another furlough on the heels of a bad call where he and Kelly Severide’s half-brother, Jack Damon, got into a brawl. The disastrous shift was made so much worse by his argument with Violet Mikami in the locker room. They have been casually dating, but Carver admitted that he has developed feelings for her while she accused him of pining over Kidd.

There’s always a possibility that Carver returns in Chicago Fire season 13. After all, Kidd says that he’s just on furlough. However, considering One Chicago’s history with unexpected exits over the years, it’s also not outside the realm of possibility that this is it for the character.

Why Carver’s Exit Is Much Bigger Than Boden’s Chicago Fire Exit

Boden’s Departure From Firehouse 51 Has Been A Long Time Coming.

As heartbreaking as it is losing Boden in Chicago Fire season 12, it’s difficult to argue with this development for the character. Being promoted to be the new CFD leader seemed like a long time coming for the beloved Battalion Chief. He did everything in his power to keep out of politics, but it’s simply his time to step up. Things are different with Carver, however. While he has been a fairly new addition to One Chicago, his role in the first-responder procedural has significantly expanded, with the potential to become so much bigger moving forward.

For starters, as the dynamics change with several key departures like Matt Casey, Carver is positioned to be one of the next faces of One Chicago. This is particularly important with persistent rumors that Taylor Kinney’s Kelly Severide may also be stepping away from the show. Carver could be the support that more veteran characters such as Kidd and Violet need in case there’s another round of ensemble changes. Secondly, Carver’s romance with Violet is shaping to be the best love line that Chicago Fire has seen in a long time. It would be disappointing for that to abruptly end.