Despite the changes, Chicago Fire, and the rest of the One Chicago universe, maintains its core appeal, which is its characters. Unlike the Law & Order shows, its Midwestern cousins have put an emphasis on personal storylines more than the cases that they respond to every week. The result is a more dramatic take on the traditional procedural. With relationships at the center of its storytelling, Firehouse 51 members have had their respective personal arcs, and some of them are more controversial than others.

Casey’s Love Triangle With Dawson & Brett Was Messy

Romantic connections aren’t new in Chicago Fire. Firehouse 51’s love lives have been the focus of so many stories — from Kelly Severide’s playboy days to Mouch MacHolland’s romantic marriage to Trudy Platt. Casey’s romantic history in Chicago Fire was arguably the messiest, particularly when he split up and eventually divorced Gabby Dawson only for him to eventually get together with Sylvie Brett — his ex-wife’s closest co-worker.

Chicago Fire Season 14 Sets Up A Full-Blown Love Triangle Involving Novak, Vasquez, & Violet

However, since Gabby was already gone when Chicago Fire started developing Casey and Brett’s relationship, the show didn’t get the chance to have a full-blown love triangle. It wasn’t able to take advantage of the tension radiating in Firehouse 51 knowing that three of its members were locked in an awkward dynamic. Chicago Fire didn’t subject its characters to the awkwardness that comes with knowing that Casey and Brett were falling in love in front of everyone, including Gabby.Interestingly, Chicago Fire season 14 is seemingly setting up a new love triangle with Lyla Novak, Violet Mikami, and Firehouse 51 newcomer, Sal Vasquez. Novak established a connection with him first, making an effort to know him as he settled into his new team. She’s had similar interactions with Benny Severide’s secret son, Jack Damon, previously, and that resulted in a brief but passionate fling. In more recent episodes, however, Violet and Vasquez have gotten closer, resulting in their newfound bond that is on full display in the Chicago Fire season 14 midseason finale.