After a particularly tumultuous year that was mired with so many character
exits, One Chicago is looking to return to its usual programming when it
comes back this fall as part of NBC’s 2024-2025 TV schedule. The Chicago
Fire season 12 finale set Firehouse 51 on a different path moving forward, as Chief Wallace Boden leaves the team. Despite him choosing Christopher Hermann as his replacement, NBC and Wolf Entertainment aren’t honoring his wishes.
The change at the top of Firehouse 51 is only one of the uncertainties coming into Chicago Fire season 13. Aside from Chief Boden’s exit, there were other plots in play in the season 12 finale, which included the revelation about Jack Damon’s true identity as Benny Severide’s son, not to mention Sam Carver’s unknown status at Truck 81. Amid all these questions, at least there’s one thing that Chicago Fire fans won’t have to worry about — Brett’s replacement as Violet Mikami’s Ambo 61 partner. Ahead of season 13, One Chicago has found its next paramedic.
Lyla Novak Officially Replaces Sylvie Brett In Chicago Fire Season 13
Violet Gets Her Permanent Ambo-61 Partner After Brett
As confirmed by the official casting news, Jocelyn Hudon has officially become a series regular for Chicago Fire season 13 as Lyla Novak. Despite Violet’s initial skepticism about her, considering Novak’s carefree demeanor, she eventually proved herself to be a perfect fit for Firehouse 51. It took Novak some convincing to stay at Firehouse 51 because she was not used to putting down roots. That said, even when Violet was able to convince her that being part of Ambo 61 was all that bad, it wasn’t until the casting update broke out that it became clear that Novak would be staying.
Admittedly, Brett’s departure from Firehouse 51 was difficult. By the time she left, she had already been with the team for 10 years. Aside from her professional relationships, she also developed life-long friendships, which continue beyond her stint in Chicago as proven by Sylvie Casey’s update in Chicago Fire season 12 finale. While she will never be forgotten, it’s great that One Chicago can finally move on with Novak as Violet’s new partner.
Novak & Violet’s Relationship Prevents Another Ambo 61 In-Fighting
Ambo-61 Has Had A Couple Of Replacement Conflict In The Last Couple Of Years
Aside from ending what can be a draining process of continuously looking for Brett’s replacement, deciding on Novak as Firehouse 51’s new paramedic officially solves one of the most frustrating and overused conflicts in the show. Joining Chief Boden’s tight-knit team can be unnerving for any newbie, but it always ends up being worth it, as seen most recently with Carver. That said, Ambo 61 has been particularly plagued with having to deal with personnel issues in recent years. Back in Chicago Fire season 10, Violet was briefly partnered with Emma Jacobs, who ended up trying everything to sabotage her.
Unless showrunner Andrew Newman has something planned for Novak, at this point, it seems like she and Violet are about to become good partners and friends.
On the heels of Brett’s marriage to Casey in Chicago Fire season 12, Violet was subsequently saddled with Jared Lennox, who ended up being a plant for Paramedic Chief Jude Robinson. In-show conflict isn’t bad. Not only is it normal, but it’s also a good way to introduce drama without having to involve other characters. That being said, using the same setup for the plot can eventually become draining and tiring. Unless showrunner Andrew Newman has something planned for Novak, at this point, it seems like she and Violet are about to become good partners and friends.
Why Novak’s A Great Addition To Chicago Fire Season 13 Beyond Being Violet’s Partner
Novak’s Budding Romance With Jack Damon Is An Interesting Plot To Look Forward To
Replacing Brett on a personal level will arguably be more difficult than finding her Ambo 61 successor. As previously mentioned, she also developed strong friendships in Firehouse 51 — something that Novak can do over time, as well. While that will take time, her burgeoning romance with Damon is an exciting plot that viewers can look forward to in Chicago Fire season 13. Considering Brett and Casey’s departure, as well as the tumultuous marriage of Kelly Severide and Stella Kidd, Firehouse 51 can surely use a fresh love story that can progress in the foreseeable future.
The good thing is, that One Chicago doesn’t have to manufacture the pair’s connection, since Damon and Noval already have an immediate common ground by being the newest additions to Firehouse 51.
Depending on how Chicago Fire season 13 moves Carver and Violet’s romance forward, it’s possible that Damon and Novak’s relationship may be the only love line left in Firehouse 51 next year. The good thing is, that One Chicago doesn’t have to manufacture the pair’s connection, since Damon and Noval already have an immediate common ground by being the newest additions to Firehouse 51. It is yet another benefit of promoting Novak as a series regular.
