Why Was Daniel Kyri’s Ritter Missing on Chicago Fire Tonight (April 2)?

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As a passionate viewer of Chicago Fire, I found myself puzzled by the absence of Darren Ritter, played skillfully by Daniel Kyri, during the episode that aired on April 2, 2025. It’s been a rollercoaster season with heart-stopping rescues, emotional trials, and a significant injury for our favorite characters. However, the absence of Ritter in Season 13 Episode 17 has left fans scratching their heads. Yet, with the intricate plotlines that this series is known for, there’s a strong suspicion that his return might be imminent.

Let’s discuss the reasons behind Ritter’s absence, the hurdles he encountered during this season, and the expected date of his return to Firehouse 51.

Where was Daniel Kyri’s Darren Ritter in Chicago Fire Season 13 Episode 17?

In the latest episode of Chicago Fire Season 13, I noticed that my character, Darren Ritter, wasn’t part of the action. It seemed like he took a well-deserved break on set, but there was no explicit reason given in the show for his absence. Throughout the entire episode, there were no scenes featuring him at all.

Ritter’s recent leave follows a very busy season for him. During Season 13, an incident occurred while he was at work that left him injured. Remarkably, he managed to heal from his injuries and resumed work in later episodes. However, after some time, he decided to take this break.

In 2024, Daniel Kyri shared with Us Weekly that Ritter’s impact at the firehouse – his emotional and professional worth, how people perceive him, and his effectiveness as a firefighter – become strikingly clear following his injury. This highlights the significant role his character plays within Firehouse 51.

Beyond the hurdles he encountered physically, Ritter experienced personal hardships during this season as well. One such struggle was a tough separation, which added depth to his character and perhaps influenced the writers to momentarily exclude him from this particular episode.

During Season 13, Ritter frequently collaborated with his closest companions, Violet Mikami, portrayed by Hanako Greensmith, and Lyla “Lizzie” Novak, played by Jocelyn Hudon. Despite their recurring roles in each episode, Ritter’s absence was noticeable to fans who were accustomed to his consistent presence.

In the coming episodes, you’ll see Ritter make a comeback. The network, NBC, is broadcasting Chicago Fire’s Season 13 every Wednesday at 9/8 central time, and each episode will be available for streaming on Peacock the day after.

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2025-04-03 08:40