The highly anticipated One Chicago crossover is just around the corner, marking the franchise’s first three-part storyline since 2019. The event will bring together the casts of Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago PD to tackle a major disaster. While the crossover promises action-packed drama, one storyline already boiling over is Joe Cruz’s (Joe Minoso) precarious situation.
Over the past few episodes of Chicago Fire, Cruz has found himself caught in an escalating web of poor decisions and dangerous consequences. From committing a robbery to stealing firehouse equipment and getting caught in a shootout, Cruz is teetering on the edge of disaster. With his career and freedom at stake, the stakes couldn’t be higher as his arc culminates in the crossover event.
Cruz’s Role in the Crossover
Cruz’s recent actions have left him in an unenviable position. His involvement in the shootout, during which he was wounded, has forced him to craft an alibi to protect himself. However, this is not a mess that can be swept under the rug. His future as a firefighter—and his reputation—hangs in the balance.
Joe Minoso, who portrays Cruz, shed light on the storyline during an interview with Screen Rant, confirming that his character’s current arc will play a major role in the upcoming crossover.
“You’ll see this storyline kind of find its conclusion before the crossover, but yes, it will go on for a bit,” Minoso revealed. “Cruz is, and always will be, concerned about protecting his family first. He will go to any lengths to do that. Unfortunately, he’s going to get tangled up in a big old mess, but let’s hope he comes out the other side of it. I will say it will not be unscathed.”
The crossover event will see Cruz’s story reach its climax amidst the chaos of the larger disaster, tying his personal struggles to the broader narrative.
A Long-Awaited Resolution
Cruz’s current arc is notable for its deep roots in the show’s history. The conflict between Cruz and the Insane Kings gang stretches all the way back to Chicago Fire’s first season, when Cruz faced off against gang leader Flaco (Jose Antonio Garcia). At the time, Cruz made the controversial decision to leave Flaco to die in a fire, seemingly closing the chapter on that storyline.
However, the reemergence of Cruz’s cousin Junior (Richard Cabral) has brought these past demons roaring back to life, forcing Cruz to confront the consequences of his actions. His decisions over the last few episodes have placed him in a moral and professional crisis, making this one of the most compelling and consequential arcs in Chicago Fire’s recent history.
Cruz’s Fight for Redemption
Despite Cruz’s questionable choices, fans are rooting for him to find redemption. His unwavering commitment to protecting his family—even when it leads to missteps—has made him one of the most beloved characters on the show.
The upcoming crossover presents a critical turning point for Cruz. Will he be able to extricate himself from this tangled web without losing his career, reputation, or the trust of his colleagues at Firehouse 51? While Minoso has hinted that Cruz will not emerge unscathed, there’s hope that the firefighter will learn from his mistakes and find a way to move forward.
One thing is certain: Chicago Fire wouldn’t be the same without Cruz. His loyalty, bravery, and occasional vulnerability have made him a cornerstone of the show, and fans are eager to see how his journey unfolds.
