The long-awaited One Chicago crossover event is finally here, and Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 11, “In the Trenches, Part 1,” sets the stage for an intense, action-packed three-hour spectacle. As the first major crossover in years, expectations are sky-high, and this episode wastes no time diving into chaos.
While the premiere of the crossover delivers plenty of action and brings characters from Chicago Med and Chicago PD into the mix right away, it also faces the challenge of balancing exposition with storytelling. As the opening act of a three-part saga, it successfully builds tension but struggles to escape the weight of setting up the larger narrative.
A Familiar But Effective Setup
Every One Chicago crossover hinges on a catastrophic event, and this time, it’s a gas explosion at a government building—triggered by thieves trying to cover up the theft of a bitcoin-filled hard drive. Unlike previous crossovers centered around serial killers, biological threats, or massive fires, this storyline adds a unique tech-driven twist.
While this fresh angle keeps things interesting, it also complicates the plot. The script juggles multiple elements—bitcoin, gas leaks, a stranded subway train—resulting in a lot of exposition. As the firefighters and paramedics scramble to respond, audiences are bombarded with technical explanations that slow the pacing.
However, the action is intense, and the scale of the disaster justifies the franchise-wide collaboration. The episode quickly moves from the initial explosion to the hospital’s mass casualty response, and finally to the Chicago PD investigation, setting the stage for a gripping three-part journey.
Powerful Performances, But Some Faces Are Missing
Crossover episodes are fan-favorites because they bring together characters who don’t normally interact. “In the Trenches, Part 1” delivers on this, throwing Chicago Med and Chicago PD characters into the mix early on. Dr. John Frost’s ride-along with Ambulance 61 may not be the most believable setup, but it provides Med’s Darren Barnet with some great dramatic moments. Trudy Platt (Amy Morton) also gets more screen time than usual, though her storyline feels somewhat repetitive.
Taylor Kinney once again shines as Severide, stepping up as a leader in the crisis. But it’s Dermot Mulroney’s Chief Dom Pascal who takes command, barking orders and pushing the narrative forward. His performance reinforces that Pascal is a stark contrast to Chief Boden—tough, authoritative, but lacking Boden’s signature warmth.
Unfortunately, as with any crossover, some characters are sidelined. Firehouse 51’s paramedics and firefighter Darren Ritter have only brief appearances, while Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso) is absent altogether, a decision tied to his suspension in the previous episode. For longtime fans, this omission is disappointing, especially given Minoso’s status as an original cast member.
Predictable Twists, But Solid Drama
While the crossover event is thrilling, it does fall into some One Chicago storytelling patterns. The episode predictably puts main characters in danger—Trudy Platt, in particular, seems to be playing the same role she had in past crossovers. Additionally, Stella Kidd’s early conversation with Severide about “getting away” practically guarantees that she’ll end up in peril.
Because this is only Part 1 of the event, no real resolution is offered. Instead, the story escalates, with smart characters making questionable choices to keep the tension high. And for eagle-eyed viewers, the identity of the thieves’ inside man is fairly easy to guess before the episode ends.
Despite these familiar beats, the episode succeeds in delivering what fans love: high-stakes action, intense character moments, and the rare opportunity to see One Chicago’s heroes working together in a single storyline. While it may not be the franchise’s most shocking crossover, it’s a welcome return to form and well worth the five-year wait.
