Fans of Chicago Fire were left reeling when news broke that two beloved cast members, Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter) and Jake Lockett (Carver), would be exiting the show in Season 13. However, the latest update on Kyri’s departure adds a twist: he’s returning in Season 14 for a limited time. While this may sound like good news, it also raises questions about Ritter’s fate. Could this be the show’s way of preparing for a heartbreaking loss?

Ritter’s Sudden Exit and Kyri’s Return

Kyri’s departure in Season 13 came as a surprise, especially considering Ritter’s role in the show and his relationships with other key characters like Violet. The finale of Season 13 gave little indication that Ritter was leaving the firehouse. He didn’t receive any significant goodbye scenes, and his departure wasn’t set up through any personal storyline developments. In fact, Ritter showed no signs of wanting to leave Firehouse 51 or even the city of Chicago, making his off-screen exit all the more puzzling.

Now, with Kyri returning for a limited run in Season 14, fans are wondering what this means for Ritter. Could his return be a precursor to his final story arc? If Ritter is brought back solely to close out his character’s storyline, it’s increasingly likely that his fate involves death—especially given how the series handles dramatic exits.

Why Ritter’s Death Makes Sense for Chicago Fire

Ritter’s potential death would have a profound emotional impact on Chicago Fire, and it would change the dynamics of the entire team. As one of the newer members of Firehouse 51, Ritter’s journey has been filled with ups and downs, including his deep bond with his best friend, Violet. Killing off Ritter would leave her—and the rest of the crew—grieving a deep loss. Ritter’s death would also have ramifications for the other characters, like Herrmann, Mouch, and Novak, who have built strong relationships with him throughout his time at the firehouse.

If Chicago Fire does decide to kill off Ritter, it would be a huge turning point for the show. Losing a beloved character, especially one who has been a part of the team for several seasons, would change the emotional landscape of the series. It could also signal a shift in the team’s cohesion, as they would need to cope with the aftermath of such a traumatic event.

A Farewell to Ritter or a New Beginning?

While it might be hard for fans to accept Ritter’s potential death, it makes sense from a storytelling perspective. The show has always been known for high-stakes drama, and losing a character like Ritter would create powerful storytelling opportunities for the remaining cast. Violet, in particular, would be devastated by her best friend’s death, which could open the door for new emotional arcs for her character. Ritter’s death could also trigger new storylines surrounding the remaining firefighters, as they try to move forward in the wake of such a loss.

However, there’s also the possibility that Ritter could simply leave the firehouse, though this option seems less likely given the impact such a departure would have on his character’s storyline. A death would be a more fitting conclusion to Ritter’s journey, offering a sense of closure for fans who have grown attached to him over the seasons.

The Future of Chicago Fire

Kyri’s limited return in Season 14 may be the beginning of Ritter’s final chapter. If Chicago Fire kills off Ritter, it would add a layer of emotional depth to the show, reminding viewers of the risks first responders face on a daily basis. His death could set the stage for new dynamics within Firehouse 51, pushing the remaining characters to come together in the face of tragedy. Fans will likely feel the loss of Ritter, but it will serve as an important moment in the series, making his eventual farewell all the more poignant.

As we eagerly await Chicago Fire’s 14th season, Ritter’s return adds anticipation and raises important questions: How will his story conclude? Will he survive, or will he meet a tragic end? Fans will have to tune in to see how the show handles this pivotal moment for both Ritter and Chicago Fire as a whole.