Dick Wolf’s shows may air on different networks, but CBS’ upcoming FBI spinoff CIA could redeem one of the most tragic losses in NBC’s Chicago Fire by casting the right partner for Tom Ellis’ main character. Even better, it could create a much-deserved opportunity for a former member of the Chicago Fire cast who hasn’t been working as of late.
Talk of redemption typically skews toward how CIA can redeem FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International’s cancelations. CIA’s announcement after the loss of two beloved spinoffs was somewhat controversial, although Ellis’ casting eased concerns. But with two actors leaving after the Chicago Fire season 13 finale, it’s a reminder that one of the series’ previous actors is perfect for CIA.
Lauren German Is Tom Ellis’ Perfect FBI: CIA Partner
They’ve Already Nailed The Exact Relationship CIA Needs
Most Lucifer fans may have felt a tinge of familiarity when Tom Ellis’ CIA character Hart Hoxton was first described as a devil-may-care agent who plays by his own rules. Meanwhile, Hart’s partner is meant to be a more strait-laced FBI agent who operates by the book. In other words, Hoxton’s partner is the Chloe Dekker to his Lucifer Morningstar.
This would obviously make Lauren German’s CIA casting a perfect fit. She and Ellis perfected their chemistry over several years of doing Lucifer together, but it’s the earliest seasons of Lucifer that best resemble the presumed relationship they’d have on CIA. There’s an opportunity for romance to blossom, but the true hook is merely how they manage their professional relationship.
Although Lucifer found it boring to work by the book, while Dekker found Morningstar’s approach lawlessly frustrating, they begin to appreciate each other enough over time that they recognize the need for each other’s strengths. Since Hoxton and his partner will likely follow a similar trajectory in CIA, it’s sensible to cast a pair who’ve already navigated that arc before.
German Returning To The Dick Wolf Universe Can Make Up For Shay’s Chicago Fire Death
Her CIA Character Can Be More Than Just Chloe Dekker 2.0
Lauren German’s Leslie Shay brought a great deal of levity to the first two seasons of Chicago Fire. Like current firehouse teammate Lizzie Novak, Shay took relatively few things seriously outside of her work as a paramedic. But her light was extinguished when debris from an explosion struck her in the head and killed her in the season 2 finale.
Although Leslie Shay’s Chicago Fire death may have been tragic, her infectious sense of humor and warm friendship with Severide allowed her to wring the most out of life. Having German bring these qualities to Ellis’ partner in CIA would bring some semblance of Shay back to life, with the added benefit of differentiating her non-working persona from Chloe Dekker’s.
Why Shay’s Death Is Still The Most Heartbreaking Loss In Chicago Fire
The Pain Of Her Loss Caused A Ripple Effect Through The 51
Rebecca Jones’ self-inflicted death just a few episodes prior to Leslie Shay’s fatal injury was no doubt tragic, but there was at least an emotional storyline leading up to it. Shay died without foreshadowing in an explosion caused by an arsonist whose justice was delivered on another show, leaving any Chicago Fire fans who don’t follow the crossovers without closure.
Worse was simply losing one of Chicago Fire’s most likable characters. Shay was the fun-loving type who’d probably appreciate knowing her killer looked just like the coolest villain from Prison Break. In the absence of her mirth, Severide fell apart so badly that he became an unreliable binge-drinker who took advantage of a grieving woman to mask his own pain.
Future replacements Sylvie Brett and Lizzie Novak certainly brought presence to the 51, the former particularly filling a hole in Gabby and Kelly’s lives after losing Shay. But Leslie Shay’s ultimately proven irreplaceable since her death in Chicago Fire. If CIA can bring even a semblance of her spark back to the screen, it couldn’t happen a moment too soon.
