Chicago Fire Squashes Criticism of New Character Sal Vasquez

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The biggest criticism of Chicago Fire season 14 is that the new character Sal Vasquez is too similar to the recently departed Sam Carver. However, NBC has effectively squashed this criticism with just one line of dialogue. In a recent episode, Vasquez tells Violet that "I'm not Carver," directly addressing the comparisons between the two characters. The show now has the responsibility to prove that Vasquez is a compelling character in his own right and not just a carbon copy of Carver.

Why it matters

Chicago Fire is one of the most successful shows in the One Chicago franchise, which remains a ratings winner for NBC. However, the show has faced challenges in recent years due to cast reshuffling. The comparison between Vasquez and Carver highlights the tendency for the show to recycle similar character arcs, which can frustrate loyal fans. By addressing this criticism head-on, the show has an opportunity to establish Vasquez as a unique and engaging character.

The details

In Chicago Fire season 14, episode 11, "Frostbite Blue," the return of Carver and his reunion with Violet highlighted the similarities between him and the new Truck 81 member, Vasquez. This exacerbated comparisons between the two characters, leading Vasquez to directly address the issue, telling Violet, "I'm not Carver." This declaration was seen as a meta-commentary on the criticism that Vasquez was simply a modified version of Carver.

• Chicago Fire season 14 is currently airing.
• Episode 11, "Frostbite Blue," aired on February 19, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Chicago Fire writers now have the responsibility to prove that Vasquez is a unique and compelling character, and not just a carbon copy of Carver. This could involve giving Vasquez his own distinct storylines and arcs that don't simply rehash what was done with Carver.