It's almost time for a new season of Chicago Fire, and unfortunately when season 14 premieres, we won't be seeing Jake Lockett back as Sam Carver. However, the NBC drama series has already introduced One Chicago fans to his equally handsome and very cocky replacement!
While we'll be losing Carver in Chicago Fire season 14, Firehouse 51 will be gaining a new character joining the main cast. Brandon Larracuente plays Sal Vasquez, a new firefighter joining the team, and he will have a lot to prove to the established team. They aren't strangers to welcoming newcomers into the fold, but Sal's attitude might have them questioning if he's the right fit for the house.
In a teaser video shared on the One Chicago Instagram, Sal meets Kidd for the first time and she informs him that he's replacing "a hell of a good driver." Rather than asking his new lieutenant follow-up questions, Sal displays some cocky confidence by replying, "Not as good as me." Let's just say that his response doesn't do much to charm Kidd with this first impression. Watch Sal's intro below!
Brandon Larracuente's new character clashes with Kidd and flirts with Novak in Chicago Fire season 14 teaser
Miranda Rae Mayo gave some insight into the dynamic between Kidd and Vasquez in the new season: "Kidd is just kind of annoyed by the cockiness that he portrays." However, Larracuente defended his character and said some of the other firefighters confuse his confidence for cockiness, and believe Sal's attitude stems from wanting to be the best firefighter he can be.
In the preview clip, we have a chance to see Sal getting to work as a driver and how he assists the team, and he appears to be a little reckless and not quick to follow orders. We have seen team members like Damon who have previously decided not to listen to directives from captains and lieutenants and how that works out for them. But Sal seems like he can be molded into a great team member by Kidd, Mouch, and the rest of the house — even if he's a bit impulsive now.
Joceyln Hudon, who plays paramedic Lizzie Novak, describes Sal as "mysterious" and "dangerous," and a clip from season 14 shows Sal seemingly flirting with Novak. Will there be a spark between them, or will Novak actually be romancing someone on Chicago Med this season? We're definitely here for either option, and from the looks of it, Sal and Novak have great chemistry already.
Apart from all the intrigue surrounding his character, Larracuente's cast members had nothing but amazing things to say to his addition to the cast. He also shared that the cast welcomed him to not just the set but Chicago with open arms. Again, it's going to be tough to say goodbye to Carver, as well as Damon and eventually Ritter, but we're instantly obsessed with Brandon Larracuente and Vasquez's addition in the One Chicago family!
Chicago Fire season 14 premieres Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 9/8c on NBC.