Joe Cruz (played by Joe Minoso) has long been a fan favorite on Chicago Fire. Known for his dedication and loyalty, the character has mostly managed to steer clear of serious trouble. However, the events of the Season 13 winter premiere have turned his world upside down, leaving him at a personal and professional low point.
Cruz’s Worst Decisions Yet
Cruz, a married man with two kids, had been living a relatively drama-free life in recent seasons. But in the winter premiere, a haunting mistake from his past re-emerged, forcing him into a series of questionable choices. He stole equipment from his firehouse and assisted an ex-convict in breaking into a property to commit theft. What started as a misguided attempt to help someone quickly spiraled out of control when a firefight broke out, leaving Cruz shot in the arm.
The episode ended with Cruz in tears, bleeding and reeling from the gravity of his actions. For a character who’s always been a moral compass in the series, this dramatic turn of events marks a significant departure—and one that won’t be easily resolved.
No Easy Way Out for Cruz
In an interview with Us Weekly, Joe Minoso confirmed that the fallout from Cruz’s actions will be felt for the rest of the season. “Cruz will not escape unscathed,” the actor revealed. “It’s going to be a hard road to navigate, especially with Severide and Pascal watching.”
Cruz now finds himself under intense scrutiny from two key figures. Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney), his trusted friend and colleague, and Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney), his new boss, are both investigating the stolen equipment. The fact that it was involved in a shooting only heightens the stakes. Cruz must balance maintaining his friendship with Severide and repairing his already shaky first impression with Pascal—all while trying to conceal his role in the theft.
Struggling to Keep Trust Intact
Minoso noted that Cruz’s paranoia will grow as the investigation unfolds. His biggest fear is betraying Severide’s trust. As one of Cruz’s closest allies, Severide’s perception of him weighs heavily on his mind. Minoso explained, “Cruz is deeply worried about how Severide and the rest of the team view him. If the truth comes out, it could destroy those relationships.”
The challenge with Pascal is equally daunting. As the new boss, Pascal is someone Cruz desperately wants to impress. Unfortunately, stealing firehouse equipment and getting involved in a robbery is far from an ideal first impression. “This is a really bad way to start things off,” Minoso admitted. “Cruz is hoping there’s a path to redemption by the end of this storyline.”
What’s Next for Cruz?
Cruz’s journey in the coming episodes promises to be one of redemption, self-reflection, and intense drama. Fans can expect to see how he handles the weight of his decisions, navigates strained relationships, and attempts to rebuild his life in the wake of his mistakes.
Can Cruz recover from this monumental setback? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: he’ll need every ounce of luck and determination to weather the storm ahead.
