The Crossover Blueprint: How Chicago Fire Season 13 Set Up an Actor’s Dream
The One Chicago universe is built on the foundation of its thrilling crossovers, where the heroes of Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med come together to tackle the city’s biggest crises. These events are a fan-favorite tradition, but they’re often born from complex, multi-show storylines. Now, a recent interview has revealed that the blueprint for a future crossover isn’t just a fan theory; it’s a specific hope from an actor who believes her dream is already in the works. Jocelyn Hudon, who plays the plucky and sharp-witted paramedic Lizzie Novak, has publicly expressed her desire for a crossover with Law & Order: SVU, and a closer look at the events of Chicago Fire Season 13 shows that the groundwork for this exact scenario has already been meticulously laid.
Novak’s character, a relatively new addition to Firehouse 51, has been a standout for her quick thinking and ability to handle high-pressure situations with a confident wit. But in a recent interview, Hudon shared that she wants to see a deeper, more action-packed storyline for her character, one that would pair her with the legendary Olivia Benson from SVU. Hudon’s hope isn’t just a wild idea; it’s a brilliant narrative waiting to happen, and the show’s writers seem to have already laid the groundwork.
The Blueprint: A Season 13 Patient’s Case
The most significant clue came in a seemingly simple scene in the middle of Season 13. Novak and her partner, Violet Mikami, respond to a call at a high-end apartment building. A young woman has been found unconscious, and the initial report is an overdose. However, Novak’s keen eye and medical expertise quickly notice something more sinister. She observes subtle signs of trauma that don’t align with a typical overdose case. She believes the woman was a victim of sexual assault. This revelation, which was quickly handed off to the Chicago Police Department’s Sex Crimes unit, was a crucial, if understated, piece of a much larger puzzle.
While the storyline was quickly resolved for the firehouse team, it set up a perfect entry point for an SVU crossover. The case’s high-profile nature and the delicate details of the crime are exactly the kind of situation that would bring Olivia Benson and her team to Chicago. It’s a case that transcends a typical Chicago police investigation and requires the specialized expertise of an SVU unit. The storyline, which left Novak feeling frustrated that she couldn’t do more, is the perfect catalyst for her to be pulled into a larger, more involved investigation.
Why This Crossover Makes Perfect Sense
A crossover featuring Novak and Olivia Benson would be a departure from the typical One Chicago format, and that’s exactly what makes it so exciting. Most crossovers between Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D. involve a large-scale event—a fire, an explosion, or a major manhunt. The paramedic’s role is usually limited to triage and on-site medical care.
A case focused on a sexual assault, however, would put Novak front and center. It would allow her to use her medical knowledge and intuitive skills in a more investigative capacity. It would also force her to confront the psychological toll of a crime that is often overlooked in the chaos of a three-part crossover event. This kind of storyline would provide a rich and emotionally complex narrative that would allow for a deeper exploration of Novak’s character.
Moreover, the dynamic between Novak and Benson would be television gold. Both are strong, empathetic women who are dedicated to their jobs. Benson’s years of experience in the field would be a source of both mentorship and inspiration for the younger, eager Novak. It would be fascinating to watch them work together, with Benson’s seasoned, no-nonsense approach clashing with Novak’s more youthful and sometimes impulsive energy. Their conversations would be a masterclass in how to handle the trauma and the psychological aftermath of these types of cases.
The Narrative Implications for Both Shows
A crossover of this magnitude would have a ripple effect on both Chicago Fire and Law & Order: SVU. For Fire, it would give Novak a compelling, personal storyline that elevates her from a supporting character to a true series lead. It would allow the audience to see a different side of her, one that is not just focused on putting out fires but also on seeking justice for victims. This crossover could set up a whole new arc for her in Season 14 and beyond.
For SVU, a case in Chicago would be a welcome change of scenery. It would allow Benson and her team to operate outside of their usual New York environment, testing their skills in a new and unfamiliar city. It would also provide a great opportunity to explore the differences in how each city’s legal and investigative systems handle these kinds of crimes. The collaboration between the two cities’ first responders would add a layer of realism and complexity that would be a treat for fans of both shows.
The Future of One Chicago and Crossovers
The fact that the show’s writers laid the groundwork for this specific crossover in Season 13, even before the actor’s interview, is a testament to the forward-thinking nature of the One Chicago franchise. They know that the key to keeping these shows fresh and engaging is by constantly creating new opportunities for their characters to interact and grow. The idea of a crossover that is driven by a character’s personal ambition, rather than a large-scale disaster, is a brilliant and refreshing change of pace.
Jocelyn Hudon’s hope for a crossover is not just a pipe dream; it’s an exciting and logical next step for the franchise. The blueprint is there, and the narrative possibilities are endless. This isn’t just about a one-off event; it’s about the potential for a new kind of storytelling that could change the face of the entire One Chicago universe. As fans, we can only hope that her dream comes true, because if the writers follow the blueprint they’ve already laid, Season 14 of Chicago Fire is going to be unforgettable.
