Chicago Fire Season 13 is back, and the second half of the season promises to deliver intense storylines and emotional twists. Among them, one arc rooted in events from the show’s first season could create the perfect opportunity for the return of fan-favorite character Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer). Casey’s history with Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso) and his unique understanding of Cruz’s struggles make him the ideal person to help his former colleague during a dire time.
The Long-Awaited Return of Matt Casey
Jesse Spencer departed Chicago Fire in Season 10, when Casey moved to Oregon to become the legal guardian of Andrew Darden’s sons. Though Spencer has made brief returns to the show, including to marry Sylvie Brett (Kara Killmer) in Season 12, Casey has yet to make an extended reappearance. However, Cruz’s current predicament might be the perfect reason for Casey to come back to Firehouse 51—if only for a visit.
Cruz’s Troubled Arc in Season 13
Cruz’s storyline this season has revisited his dark past. Back in Season 1, Cruz made the life-altering decision to leave Flaco, a gang leader controlling his brother, to die in a fire. While Cruz managed to move on, Flaco’s cousin, Junior, has returned to blackmail him. In a desperate attempt to satisfy Junior’s demands, Cruz was coerced into stealing money from criminals. The plan went horribly wrong, leading to a deadly shootout that left Junior dead and Cruz injured.
Despite surviving the ordeal, Cruz is far from safe. Wracked with guilt and unable to share his troubles with anyone at Firehouse 51, Cruz finds himself isolated. His precarious situation calls for someone who knows his past—and that person is Matt Casey.
Why Casey’s Return Makes Sense
Throughout Chicago Fire, Casey has been a mentor and confidant to Cruz. Casey was the only one Cruz trusted with his secret about Flaco, offering support and advice when Cruz felt overwhelmed. With Casey now in Oregon, Cruz lacks a similar figure to lean on. Even a brief return from Casey—whether in person or via phone—could provide Cruz with the guidance he desperately needs.
Joe Minoso, who plays Cruz, highlighted Casey’s importance in a recent interview. “Jesse Spencer [as Casey] was the one who he really tried to confess to and really knows, but he’s long gone,” Minoso explained. He also hinted that Cruz’s current troubles might be too big to hide, particularly from Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney), who is known for his sharp instincts and nosiness.
How Casey’s Return Could Elevate Cruz’s Storyline
Bringing Casey back for this arc wouldn’t feel forced; instead, it would deepen Cruz’s storyline and showcase the enduring bond of Firehouse 51. Casey’s presence could help Cruz navigate his guilt and find redemption, tying the events of Season 1 to the present in a meaningful way.
Even if Casey doesn’t return, Minoso hinted that Severide could step in to help Cruz, though it may take longer for Cruz to fully trust him. However, Casey’s established history with Cruz makes him the ideal candidate to help resolve this storyline.
What’s Next for Cruz and Firehouse 51?
As Chicago Fire Season 13 continues, Cruz’s arc is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic and emotional of the series. Whether Casey returns to help Cruz or someone else steps in, fans can expect plenty of tension and heartfelt moments as the storyline unfolds.
