Former Chicago Fire standout Monica Raymund is stepping back into the television spotlight—but not in the way fans might expect. Instead of donning her paramedic gear as Gabriela Dawson, Raymund is returning to prime-time drama from behind the scenes, taking on the director’s chair for an upcoming episode of CBS’s Boston Blue, the highly anticipated spinoff of Blue Bloods. Her involvement marks an exciting crossover moment between two major TV worlds, signaling a creative collision that has fans buzzing.
CBS has officially confirmed that Raymund directed Season 1, Episode 7 of Boston Blue, scheduled to air on Friday, December 5 at 10/9c. This episode is already shaping up to be a standout hour, packed with character-driven twists and emotionally charged storylines. At the center of the drama will be an unexpected role reversal between Danny and Lena—two characters whose dynamic has been rooted in a balance of instinct and discipline. While CBS has kept the details tightly under wraps, this shift in their roles promises fresh tension and an exploration of the pair’s vulnerabilities in a way audiences haven’t yet seen.
Beyond the Danny-Lena storyline, Episode 7 will juggle several other compelling arcs. Sarah will find herself confronting a personal dilemma that forces her to weigh her ethics against her emotions. Meanwhile, Mae faces mounting political pressure that threatens her stability both on and off the job. And what begins as a routine investigation for Sean and Jonah quickly spirals into something far more complex, reminding viewers that in the Blue Bloods universe, no case is ever as simple as it seems. Raymund’s steady, character-focused directing style is expected to amplify these plots, delivering an episode rich with emotional depth and narrative tension.
Although this is Raymund’s debut within the Blue Bloods franchise, she is no rookie when it comes to shaping compelling episodes of television. Since departing Chicago Fire after six seasons, Raymund has cultivated an impressive directing résumé. She has helmed episodes of Dexter: Resurrection, Dexter: Original Sins, FBI, Law & Order: Organized Crime, and Law & Order: SVU, proving her versatility across genres and her ability to work within tight-knit franchise universes.
What surprises many fans, however, is that Raymund has not yet returned to the One Chicago franchise on the other side of the camera, even as numerous former costars have stepped back onto the set to direct. This season alone, Jesse Lee Soffer—known for his longtime role as Jay Halstead on Chicago PD—returned to direct an episode of Season 13, joining a growing list of actors who have transitioned into directing within the One Chicago world. Given Raymund’s wide range of directing credits, many expected she would eventually take the natural step of returning to Chicago Fire or one of its sister shows in a directorial role.
Her continued distance may be intentional. Raymund’s exit from Chicago Fire in 2018 marked a clear turning point for her career. After portraying Gabriela Dawson from the series premiere through Season 6, she chose to depart as a series regular to pursue new creative opportunities. While she later made two notable guest appearances—one in Season 7 and another in Season 8—she has not returned since 2019. The clean break allowed her to shape a new professional path, and stepping into directing across multiple major franchises appears to be a central part of that evolution.
Still, hope remains among fans that Dawson might someday return to Firehouse 51, even briefly, to offer closure or updates on her character’s life. Her chemistry with the cast, especially her longstanding bond with Captain Matt Casey, left a lasting mark on viewers. But for now, Raymund seems focused on expanding her directorial footprint, and Boston Blue serves as her latest—and perhaps most high-profile—stage.
Her involvement in Episode 7 is especially intriguing given the Blue Bloods franchise’s emphasis on family, duty, and moral conflict—themes Raymund has navigated both as an actor and director. Her ability to guide emotional performances while elevating tension makes her a natural fit for the show’s grounded, character-centered storytelling. Fans of both Chicago Fire and Blue Bloods will no doubt be eager to see how her signature style influences the tone and pacing of the episode.
As anticipation builds for its December 5 premiere, one thing is clear: Monica Raymund’s return behind the camera brings a fresh creative energy to Boston Blue. Whether you’re tuning in for the plot twists, the character arcs, or simply to support Raymund’s latest achievement, Episode 7 is shaping up to be a must-watch hour of television.
And while her future with the One Chicago universe remains uncertain, Raymund continues to blaze her own trail—one compelling episode at a time.
