The One Chicago universe has a knack for heartwarming stories about found families, but it also has a habit of recycling adoption storylines. Time and again, viewers have seen adoptions in peril as biological relatives suddenly appear to contest custody, creating emotional turmoil for beloved characters. In Chicago Fire Season 12, Episode 10, titled “The Wrong Guy,” the show set up a similar scenario involving Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso) and his adopted son Javi (Carlos S. Sanchez). However, a refreshing twist saved the episode from falling into the same repetitive trap.
A Threat to Cruz’s Family
The drama unfolds when Javi’s so-called uncle appears, claiming a right to the boy and threatening to derail the adoption. Cruz, understandably shaken, is informed that the man has the legal ability to contest the process. Reluctantly, Cruz agrees to a meeting, but during Javi’s basketball game, the situation takes a dark turn. The supposed relative demands a large sum of money to leave Javi with the Cruz family.
Instead of giving in, Cruz contacts the authorities, only to learn that the “uncle” is part of a larger scam targeting adoptive families of foreign-born children. In a satisfying resolution, the scammers are apprehended, and it’s revealed that the man is not related to Javi at all. This turn of events not only protects Javi’s place in the Cruz household but also sidesteps the overused storyline of legitimate biological relatives disrupting adoptions.
Breaking the Cycle of Adoption Tragedies
Cruz’s story is a rare win in the One Chicago universe, where adoption arcs often end in heartbreak. Previous shows in the franchise have featured numerous cases where biological relatives emerge at the last moment, unraveling hard-earned family bonds.
In Chicago Fire, Gabriela Dawson (Monica Raymund) and Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer) faced a devastating loss when they attempted to adopt Louie in Season 4. After Louie’s biological father contested custody, the couple was forced to give him up, a blow that contributed to the eventual collapse of their marriage. Many fans felt the storyline didn’t serve the characters’ broader arcs, leaving a bitter taste.
Over on Chicago Med, Maggie Lockwood (Marlyne Barrett) and her then-husband Ben (Charles Malik Whitfield) faced a similar heartbreak. They tried to adopt Auggie Roberts (Christopher Farrar), only to realize that reuniting Auggie with his biological brother was in his best interest, even if it broke their hearts.
Meanwhile, Chicago P.D. offered a slightly happier, albeit still challenging, adoption arc. Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati) and Adam Ruzek (Patrick John Flueger) adopted Makayla Ward (Ramona Edith Williams), a child who survived the murder of her entire family. While the adoption was ultimately successful, it wasn’t without complications, including a legal challenge from her biological uncle.
Why Cruz’s Story Feels Different
What sets Cruz’s storyline apart is its fresh approach. Instead of another custody battle with a legitimate relative, the show opted for a scam-related twist. This not only kept the story engaging but also avoided adding unnecessary emotional weight to Cruz’s family dynamic. By resolving the conflict quickly and decisively, the show allowed viewers to celebrate Cruz’s happiness without lingering tension.
This plot decision reflects a subtle shift in how One Chicago handles adoption arcs, steering away from predictable tragedies toward more nuanced storytelling. For Cruz, a character known for his loyalty and love for his family, this resolution feels like a well-deserved victory.
A Hopeful Future
While adoption arcs have historically been fraught with drama in the One Chicago universe, Cruz’s story provides a refreshing example of hope and stability. Fans can now look forward to seeing Javi grow within a loving family, free from the shadow of uncertain custody battles.
As Chicago Fire continues, this storyline serves as a reminder that even in a franchise known for its high-stakes drama, there’s room for heartfelt moments of triumph.
