Exploring the Future of Violet and Novak’s Romance in Chicago Fire
Are Chicago Fire’s Violet and Novak on the brink of romance after their mutual love interest Vasquez rescued them?
Warning: Spoilers alert from season 14, episode 18 of Chicago Fire.
In the episode that aired on Wednesday, April 22, the paramedics Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith) and Lyla Novak (Jocelyn Hudon) found themselves trapped in a basement bunker after a man claimed that his wife was in labor.
As their captor, who was holding his pregnant tenant hostage, began to lose control, firefighter Sal Vasquez (Brandon Larracuente) teamed up with the police to locate Violet and Novak.
Even though Vasquez’s familiarity with the women led to their rescue, Greensmith, 29, and Hudon, 31, told Us Weekly that neither paramedic is ready to consider him as a new partner.
“I think [the episode] is more about strengthening friendships, particularly between Violet and Novak,” Hudon explained, emphasizing their focus on collaboration rather than Vasquez.
Jocelyn Hudon, Gloria Cole, Hanako Greensmith. Peter Gordon/NBC
The actress highlighted that surviving the ordeal together showed that Novak and Violet are “realigning our priorities, allowing for openness while processing unsettled feelings.”
Before their kidnapping, Novak expressed disappointment over Violet not being forthcoming about her brief fling with Vasquez. (Violet and Vasquez had a one-night stand earlier in the season, but Violet ceased pursuing it after sensing Novak’s deeper feelings for him.)
Once they were out of danger, Novak and Violet shared an honest conversation in the back of an ambulance, committing to always be truthful with each other.
“[They were like], ‘Okay, we trust one another professionally and personally. Let’s move ahead,’” Hudon commented on the scene.
Greensmith concurred, stating that the partnership between Violet and Novak is “the most essential aspect” for both characters.
She hinted that regarding Vasquez, viewers will “spend much of the remainder of the season” delving deeper into his character and understanding his motivations.
Hanako Greensmith, Brandon Larracuente, Jocelyn Hudon. Peter Gordon/NBC
“He’s a very private character, and his internal thoughts remain largely unseen,” Greensmith explained. “You may or may not see more insight into his character later on.”
Hudon indicated that more about Novak’s backstory and potential romantic future will be revealed this season, though she remained ambiguous about whether it would involve Vasquez. (Novak previously shut down Vasquez’s interest by telling him that her connection with Violet was a priority.)
On the other hand, Greensmith noted that Violet is relatively open about her feelings, yet she is wrestling with figuring out her needs after her brief fling with Vasquez and her prior romance with Sam Carver (Jake Lockett), who now works in Denver.
Violet in Chicago Fire has faced numerous romantic hardships, and her connection with Carver doesn’t seem to be any different. “Violet has undergone significant emotional turmoil and disappointment,” Hanako Greensmith mentioned in an interview with Entertainment Weekly on August 27, hinting about her relationship with firefighter Carver (Jake […]
“She’s navigating her feelings and what she’s ready for. She tends to be hesitant about fully committing,” the actress commented to Us. “Ultimately, her only true commitment is to her friendship with Novak, which she has genuinely needed all along.”
Greensmith added that as the remaining episodes unfold, Violet will be “trying to discern her needs and what resonates with her at this point.”
“What’s crucial is her desire to be a good friend to Novak, and this episode significantly illustrates where she can improve in that aspect,” she remarked. “I hope these are the priorities for her moving forward.”
Chicago Fire airs on NBC Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET.
