The One Chicago franchise is gearing up for its first major crossover event in five years, but Chicago Fire fans are left wondering whether Joe Cruz will be part of it after the explosive events of Season 13, Episode 10, aptly titled “Chaos Theory.” While Cruz’s fate remains uncertain, actor Joe Miñoso’s lighthearted take on the upcoming crossover offers fans a comedic perspective on the high-stakes drama.
Will Cruz Be Missing from the Crossover?
In “Chaos Theory,” Cruz faced a reckoning with his past, admitting to leaving a gang member, Flaco, to die in a fire more than a decade ago. After being shot in the arm during the episode, guilt finally drove him to confess his actions to Severide and later to Chicago P.D.’s Atwater. Despite his honesty, Chief Pascal suspended Cruz for two weeks without pay for his past deception.
Cruz’s suspension raises questions about his involvement in the One Chicago crossover, scheduled for January 29—just one week after the events of this episode. While Pascal promised to see Cruz in two weeks, NBC’s scheduling adjustments suggest he could potentially appear. However, his suspension might mean he’ll take a backseat during the high-stakes, three-show event.
Whether Cruz plays a role in the chaos or not, the crossover promises an intense storyline featuring a gas explosion and over 50 victims, bringing together the teams from Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D..
Joe Miñoso on the Crossover Chaos
Miñoso, a franchise veteran, shared his humorous perspective on crossover events during an interview. Reflecting on his experiences, he joked that cast members should aim for smaller storylines during crossovers to maximize their downtime. He likened the collaboration to “visiting your cousin’s house and playing with their toys.”
Commenting on the quirks of each show, Miñoso playfully noted the stark differences between Chicago Fire and Chicago Med. “Hopefully, we don’t tear down Med’s set,” he quipped, highlighting Fire’s tendency for destruction. He added, “Steven Weber [Dr. Dean Archer] has it so good. Everything is so clean over there, mostly heated all the time. They’re walking around in comfy scrubs… We call it ‘Club Med.’”
Miñoso also teased Med’s cushy environment compared to the intense physical demands of Fire, saying, “They’re basically in pajamas and slippers while we’re running into burning buildings. They don’t need my advice; they’re doing just fine.”
“TV’s Avengers” Crossover
When Chicago Med star Steven Weber described the crossover as the franchise’s “Avengers: Endgame” moment, Miñoso couldn’t resist chiming in. Laughing, he said, “It’s funny because when we first started the show and did our first crossover, I called it ‘TV’s Avengers.’ But I was talking about the first Avengers movie. Of course, Steven Weber would steal my line. That sounds just like him.”
Despite the jokes, Miñoso expressed excitement about the ambitious crossover, calling it an action-packed event that will unite all three shows in a way fans haven’t seen since the pre-pandemic “Infection” crossover in 2019.
Cruz’s Redemption and the Crossover Stakes
Whether or not Cruz plays a significant role, his storyline in “Chaos Theory” showcased his growth as a character. Choosing to confess, despite knowing he could keep his past a secret, Cruz told Severide, “I want to be the man my son thinks I am.” The moment reflected his commitment to redemption and fatherhood.
As the January 29 crossover approaches, fans eagerly anticipate a high-stakes, emotional event that will push the teams to their limits. While Cruz’s fate remains uncertain, the franchise’s signature blend of drama, action, and heartfelt moments promises an unforgettable night of television.
