Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from Chicago Fire season 13, episode 9, "A Favor."

Carver was promoted to the main cast for Chicago Fire season 13. As a result, he had more screen time, but it came at a cost for the season's first eight episodes.

NBC releases new episodes of Chicago Fire season 13 on Wednesdays at 9 pm ET — the season is expected to have 22 episodes total.

Following Carver and Violet's fallout during Chicago Fire season 12's finale, the firefighter retreated to his hometown in Texas for several weeks. When Carver returned in the season 13 premiere, he had a new girlfriend, Tori, on his arm. Carver's relationship status devastated Violet, who had previously planned on confessing her feelings for him. However, it was clear Lockett's character wasn't happy with Tori. She was a bad influence on him. They fought and came close to breaking up many times before Tori decided to abruptly leave Chicago without telling Carver. If things couldn't get any worse, Violet is now dating someone new.

Carver Can Now Crack Jokes In Chicago Fire

Jake Lockett's Character Is Much Lighter In Season 13's Winter Premiere

After Tori left him in Chicago Fire season 13, episode 7, Carver was a bit lost. He continued being moody, but things began to change when he looked after a dog whose owner was in the hospital in episode 8. Then, in Chicago Fire season 13's winter 2025 return, Carver appears much lighter and carefree. He cracks a couple of jokes and doesn't even brood around the station.

Carver has come a long way from the man the audience saw Chicago Fire season 13 premiere. Instead of having a permanent frown on his face, Carver is teasing his fellow firefighters. While celebrating Herrmann and Mouch ing their CFD tests in episode 9, Carver tells them, "Of course, we all thought it was a mistake at first. Congrats, boys." Later in the hour, Carver is able to be alone with Violet without being completely awkward or dejected.

Carver's Relaxed Demeanor Signifies He Is Back To His Usual Self

He Spent The First Half Of The Season Brooding

Carver's character arc during the first half of NBC's Chicago Fire season 13 was quite annoying, to say the least. He was depressed, Violet was depressed, the audience was depressed, and so on. Carver was simply a shell of his former self. Tori's bad influence on him affected his mood and work — Kidd even dismissed Carver in Chicago Fire season 13, episode 6 after making several mistakes. So, it was time for Carver's reality check.

He's returning to the person he used to be, which is great news for Carver's remaining storyline in Chicago Fire season 13.

Kidd sending Carver home and Tori leaving were the two best things that could have happened to him in season 13. Carver has reconciled with his mistakes and is moving on, as seen in episode 9. He's returning to the person he used to be, which is great news for Carver's remaining storyline in Chicago Fire season 13.

Still, Carver & Violet Still Have A Long Way To Go To Fix Their Relationship

Carver & Violet's Interactions In Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 9 Are Tense

Unfortunately, although Carver is seemingly working on himself, his relationship with Violet is the furthest thing from being repaired. The two Chicago Fire season 13 characters' first interaction is filled with tension. Violet tries joking with Carver, but he doesn't get it, and she has to explain it to him. It's quite awkward, demonstrating how far the couple is from getting back the relationship they had in season 12. It also doesn't help that Violet is dating someone else in the NBC procedural drama series.

The good news is that (thanks to Novak's schemes) Carver and Violet share a moment in Chicago Fire season 13, episode 9 that isn't awkward at all. Although there's not much camaraderie, the former couple lightly tease one another and briefly discuss Carver and Tori's breakup. Carver and Violet still have a lot of work to do if they ever want to be together again. However, progress is made in Chicago Fire season 13's winter premiere, which is all anyone could ask for.