When Chicago Fire recently welcomed Hanako Greensmith and Jocelyn Hudon — as paramedics Violet Mikami and Lyla “Lizzy” Novak respectively — the firehouse walls pretty much shook with new energy. Their candid conversation on the latest episode of One Chicago Podcast captured all the sizzling chemistry onscreen and off, the grueling training behind-the-scenes, and the weight of the life-and-death work they portray.

A Journey into the Line of Duty

Greensmith’s journey as Violet began in Season 8 — first as a recurring character, then solidifying her place as a series regular by Season 10. With that promotion, Violet blossomed from an outsider paramedic into the heart and backbone of Ambulance 61 at Firehouse 51. Her devotion, quiet competence, and intensity made her indispensable.

Hudon, meanwhile, made her debut in Season 12 as Lizzy Novak — a vivacious, unpredictable, free-spirited paramedic. From the moment Novak walked into Firehouse 51, she disrupted the status quo: open, flirty, full of charisma, and unafraid to stir the pot.

On the podcast, the actresses reflected on how daunting it was to step into a long-running legacy show like Chicago Fire. As Jocelyn put it, it felt like “a unicorn job” — rare, thrilling, and full of weight. Hanako added that blending into such an established ensemble required humility, patience, and true commitment to the craft.

Firehouse 51 Gets a Wildcard — And It Changes Everything

The arrival of Lizzy Novak meant that Violet, the usually stoic and controlled paramedic-in-charge, now had to share responsibilities with someone very different: someone impulsive, outspoken, and unbridled. Their differences could have sparked friction — but instead, they sparked chemistry.

Novak’s breezy confidence — flirting, bantering, casually exploring romantic interests — is a far cry from Violet’s driven, disciplined, and often emotionally guarded persona. During one pivotal early mission, on their very first call together, Violet hesitated. But Novak acted — calm under pressure, quick to act, but also compassionate. She de-escalated a tense situation, pacified a child holding a weapon, and allowed Violet to save the patient without chaos. That moment transformed Violet’s hesitation into respect. Suddenly, Novak wasn’t just a wildcard — she was a capable, courageous partner who could handle the pressure of Firehouse 51’s ambulance crew.

The result: instead of tension, we got trust. A complicated cadence of mutual dependence, professional admiration — and given Novak’s flirtatious nature, a bit of jealousy from Violet when Novak set her sights on coworkers. Yet behind-the-scenes, Hanako and Jocelyn revealed on the podcast that their real-life bond helped make the onscreen partnership feel natural, grounded, and electrifying.

High Stakes, Rock-Bottom Moments — And Redemption

Violet’s journey hasn’t been without heartbreak. Over the years, she’s faced devastating loss and near-career breakdowns. In Season 13, episodes forced fans to question whether Violet would lose her job after a morally fraught decision in an emergency.

On that fateful call, Violet and Novak arrived after a woman had already died — but discovered her unborn baby was still alive. With no time to wait for the hospital, Violet proposed an emergency field delivery — something that was arguably beyond protocol but driven by compassion. The medical board threatened to strip Violet of her license.

Yet just when it seemed all was lost, redemption came through improbable channels: a new chief, public pressure, and — crucially — the very life Violet saved. In dramatic courtroom-like hearings with city officials and the family she saved in attendance, Violet’s license was reinstated. The city owed a life to Violet — and she owed nothing but respect and relief.

For Novak, that moment sealed the deal: she wasn’t the reckless newcomer. She was a trustworthy paramedic, a partner who had Violet’s back under pressure. Their bond, tested under fire — literally and figuratively — earned her a permanent spot at Firehouse 51.

Real Lives Behind the Uniform — Actresses Reflect

In their One Chicago Podcast interview, both actresses acknowledged the challenges of portraying paramedics — the emotional grit, mental stamina, and the physical demands of rescue work. Hudon admitted that when she first got the job, she felt extremely lucky — aware she was joining a show with legacy, tradition, and expectation.

Greensmith echoed that sense of responsibility: stepping into Violet’s shoes wasn’t just about playing a character — it was about honoring a tradition of heroism, precision, and emotional realism. Their real-life friendship, off-screen humour, and mutual respect naturally translated into the onscreen rhythm of Violet and Novak’s partnership. That authenticity, they both believe, is part of what resonates with fans.

What’s Next — Firehouse Dynamics Shifting

As the show heads into Season 14, the departure of some key characters reshuffles the dynamics at Firehouse 51. According to recent interviews, Violet is entering a “new phase of her life,” learning to live with loss and disappointment — but also hopeful for new beginnings.

With Novak now firmly established as Violet’s partner — and possibly even roommate — the doors are open for deeper exploration of their friendship and working dynamic. Meanwhile, other storylines promise to stir the pot: a pregnant Stella (one of the few other women at the firehouse), new interpersonal tensions, and perhaps even unexpected romantic sparks for Violet.

On the podcast, Jocelyn hinted that Novak might “pop up” in Chicago Med — a crossover that could deepen the narrative threads and test Novak’s resolve in a hospital setting rather than a fire scene.

For fans, that means more than just adrenaline-packed rescues. It means character arcs that feel lived-in, relationships that crackle with realism, and the kind of tension — professional, romantic, emotional — that has made Firehouse 51 a home away from home. As Hudon summed it up: this really is “a unicorn job” — one where every call, every scene, every quiet conversation behind the scenes matters.

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Why This Partnership Matters

The pairing of Violet Mikami and Lizzy Novak isn’t just a creative casting twist — it represents a deeper shift in the heart of Firehouse 51. In Violet, we have someone shaped by discipline, loss, and resilience. In Novak, we have youthful energy, unpredictability, and empathy. Their clash, chemistry, and ultimately their trust in one another reflect something far bigger: the constant tension between order and spontaneity, trauma and healing, stability and change.

For the show, their partnership revitalizes the paramedic dynamic — bringing in fresh perspectives, emotional stakes, and a layered realism. For the audience, it delivers catharsis, hope, and the promise that even in a world built on danger and heroism, healing and growth remain possible.

As Season 14 looms, with its time jumps, shifting relationships, and unexpected developments, one thing feels certain: with Hanako Greensmith and Jocelyn Hudon at the helm, Violet and Novak’s ride is far from over. And fans of Chicago Fire should buckle up — because Firehouse 51 is about to get hotter than ever.