There is no doubt that Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri) is leaving Chicago Fire in Season 14.
After the announcement that Kyri was leaving the show, we hoped for a change. We wished that NBC would reconsider its decision and keep its only gay character on the firefighter drama.
But the storyline is set and the departure is imminent, with the season just around the corner.
Kyri returned to the Chicago Fire set for a limited time to film the final scenes for his character. He shared a farewell message that made his departure a reality.
The character is expected to appear in several episodes before being given a fitting sendoff.
And while Chicago Fire has never concerned itself with giving Ritter the best storylines, this is the final opportunity to right all the wrongs that have been committed against him.
The fact that he’ll get an exit arc instead of being unceremoniously written out is a step in the right direction.
However, for this exit to remain faithful to the character, it needs to keep his job as a firefighter, even if it’s in another city. Additionally, Ritter needs a stable romantic relationship.
Ritter Should Get Married in ‘Chicago Fire’ Season 14
The drama show has seen several weddings over the years, so we are due for a gay wedding, and no one better than Ritter to get married.
I know he is single because all his relationships have not worked out, but what if he got back together with Officer Dwayne Monroe (Samuel B. Jackson)?
They seemed to have great chemistry together, but they broke up when Ritter said he wasn’t looking for a long-term relationship.
Nonetheless, everyone deserves a great love story, and Dwayne was willing to do everything with Ritter.
My ideal scenario, as a hopeless romantic, would include Dwayne returning. He would propose to Ritter, and Ritter would agree to marry him.
TV gods, do you hear me?
Daniel Kyri Says Goodbye to ‘Chicago Fire’
“Okay,” Kyri began in a lengthy farewell message posted on his Instagram.
“Yesterday, I filmed my last scenes as Ritter & I’m still so amazed that my first-ever TV gig—a role that was originally meant for just three episodes—turned into seven incredible years (SEVEN?!?!! Whatttt???!) and spanned eight seasons of this iconic show!
“While I know I may never find another cast and crew as amazing as this one, I intend to carry what I’ve learned from you to every set in the future,” the actor reflected. He discussed playing Ritter and what that meant to him.
“Chicago Fire changed my life. Bringing Darren Ritter to the screen has transformed & healed me in equal measure. He is a man who embodies empathy, humility, compassion, and unwavering bravery to save lives,” Kyri wrote, adding,
“His heroism is further fortified by the way he navigates the world—a gay Black firefighter who is proud, fierce, loyal, & whole—a possibility I never got to see onscreen in my childhood but desperately craved…
“I am so humbled & proud to have portrayed you. I’m thrilled that my inner child would have looked at you each week in awe of everything you represent. You made history. Thank you so much, Darren Ritter. And goodbye.”
We can’t wait to see what the writers have cooked up for Ritter when Chicago Fire returns on Wednesday, October 1.