After five years, One Chicago returned with a high-stakes crossover that delivered relentless action, unexpected character team-ups, and moments that left fans on the edge of their seats. From a massive underground explosion to shocking betrayals, the event tested Chicago’s finest like never before. But as the dust settled, who made it out alive?
A Disaster Sparks Chaos Across Chicago
The crossover unfolded across three episodes—Chicago Fire (S13E11, “In the Trenches Part I”), Chicago Med (S10E11, “In the Trenches Part II”), and Chicago P.D. (S12E11, “In the Trenches Part III”). It all began with a catastrophic underground explosion, triggering fires, structural collapses, and secondary blasts. Firehouse 51 rushed to the scene, led by Chief Dom Pascal, while Intelligence and Med scrambled to assist.
As Severide and Herrmann investigated, they uncovered the fire’s true cause—arson. The explosion originated in a subbasement housing the Employee Pension Fund’s server room, where criminals had stolen $250 million in cryptocurrency. The attack wasn’t just an act of terror—it was a calculated heist. One of the badly burned victims turned out to be an accomplice, and while Dr. Asher stabilized her, Burgess and Voight battled with Dr. Lennox over questioning her too soon.
Kidd & Ruzek Face Certain Death
As chaos erupted above, Lieutenant Stella Kidd and Officer Adam Ruzek found themselves trapped underground. Kidd’s team had rushed to evacuate a train stalled in the subway beneath the blast, only for the tunnel to collapse, sealing them inside. Ruzek, in pursuit of a suspect, barely made it onto the train before disaster struck.
With no escape and dwindling oxygen, Kidd and Ruzek worked together to keep the wounded stable, including a child struggling to breathe. Unable to communicate, they used Morse code through the train’s system to relay their situation to Dr. Archer. But their real test came when the true offender revealed himself—gun drawn. In a desperate struggle, Kidd headbutted the man while Ruzek fought for control. Just as things seemed grim, Severide, Pascal, and their team broke through, ending the standoff. The suspect was killed, and remarkably, Ruzek even recovered the stolen hard drive.
Severide & Burgess Race Against Time
Before the disaster, Severide and Kidd had discussed taking time off—a moment of peace shattered when the explosion trapped her underground. Determined to reach her, Severide ignored orders to retreat, finding every entry blocked. Meanwhile, Burgess learned that Ruzek was likely trapped as well, adding to the growing tension.
Despite the obstacles, both men refused to give up. Their persistence paid off when a crucial clue—a hotel key card found on a suspect—led Intelligence to blueprints of Chicago’s hidden Capone tunnels. Using the tunnels, Severide, Pascal, and a rescue team reached the collapsed subway, pulling Kidd, Ruzek, and the train passengers to safety.
Platt’s Life Hangs in the Balance
The most shocking moment of the crossover came when Sergeant Trudy Platt was shot while investigating the arson suspects. With the building on the verge of collapse, Mouch and Severide defied orders to evacuate, racing to save her. Rushed to Med, Platt’s condition deteriorated fast—until Dr. Ripley suggested an experimental cooling technique to buy time for surgery.
As Mouch wrestled with guilt for forgetting Platt’s birthday and almost losing her, the procedure miraculously worked. Not only did she survive, but she also provided the key clue to finding the suspects—leading to the final rescue mission.
A Hard-Fought Victory—But What’s Next?
By the end, Voight and Pascal shook hands, acknowledging the quiet moment before the next storm. Severide and Kidd, reunited, finally agreed to take that long-awaited trip, while Burgess and Ruzek shared a relieved embrace. But in true One Chicago fashion, one question remains: what’s coming next?
