In the latest episode of Chicago Fire (Season 13, Episode 6: “Birds of Prey”), fans noticed the absence of two original and beloved characters: Christopher Herrmann and Joe Cruz. Their sudden disappearance left viewers puzzled, as they’ve been key members of Firehouse 51 since the beginning. So, why were they missing, and what’s the story behind it? The answer might be simpler than you think.
Where Were Herrmann and Cruz?
The episode focused on major storylines involving other members of Firehouse 51. Lieutenant Kelly Severide was at odds with the new Chief Dom Pascal over a potentially shady fire investigation. Meanwhile, Sam Carver faced a suspension after making several rookie mistakes, and Mouch had an unexpected showdown with a persistent pigeon. However, neither Herrmann nor Cruz made an appearance, leaving fans questioning their whereabouts.
One popular theory among viewers is that their absence could be tied to ongoing storyline developments. In Season 12, Cruz shared his plans to take the lieutenant exam, aiming for a promotion. Similarly, former Chief Wallace Boden hinted at Herrmann stepping up to fill his shoes as the new head of the firehouse. Although Herrmann admitted in the Season 13 premiere that he wasn’t ready to take the captain’s exam, there’s still speculation that he might be considering a leadership role, especially as tensions rise with the new chief, Pascal, whose shady behavior is causing unease among the crew.
A Reddit user even joked, “I only realized they were missing because when Mouch complains, Herrmann is usually right there echoing him. Cruz wasn’t around either. They’ll probably say they were studying or something.”
The Real Reason Behind Their Absence: Budget Cuts
While the storyline explanation makes sense, the actual reason for their absence might be more practical. Budget constraints have been affecting many primetime TV shows, including those in the Dick Wolf universe, such as Chicago Fire. In April 2023, it was reported that six of Wolf’s popular series—including Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., Law & Order, and Law & Order: SVU—were renewed with significant budget adjustments. One of the key changes was a reduction in the guaranteed number of episodes for series regulars. This strategy allowed producers to save money without reducing the actors’ per-episode pay, instead cutting down the total number of episodes they appear in.
In May 2024, reports indicated similar changes for Wolf’s other series, including FBI and FBI: Most Wanted. Veteran cast members from Grey’s Anatomy also faced cuts to their episode counts as a cost-saving measure. Given this trend, it’s likely that Joe Minoso (Cruz) and David Eigenberg (Herrmann), both original cast members with higher salaries, were left out of Episode 6 to save on production costs. Their absence might have been a budgetary decision rather than a creative one, especially since newer cast members like Jake Lockett (Carver) and Dermot Mulroney (Pascal) likely have lower salaries, making them more affordable for frequent appearances.
What’s Next for Herrmann and Cruz?
While fans were disappointed not to see Herrmann and Cruz in this episode, it’s likely their absence will be temporary. Both characters are deeply woven into the fabric of Chicago Fire, and their promotions or new roles within the firehouse could play a significant part in upcoming episodes. For now, viewers will have to stay tuned to see when and how they’ll return to the storyline.
