It’s been half a decade since the One Chicago universe brought all three shows—Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D.—together for a single, massive crossover event. But this year, the franchise returned to form with “In The Trenches”, a pulse-pounding, emotionally charged three-hour event centered around a catastrophic gas explosion at a downtown government building.
The explosion and its aftermath tested the limits of Chicago’s first responders, forcing unlikely alliances, reigniting old rivalries, and delivering some of the most poignant scenes we’ve seen since Infection aired back in 2019.
Gone were franchise staples like the Halstead brothers, Matt Casey, Hailey Upton, and Chief Boden—but in their place came powerful new faces like Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) and Dr. Caitlin Lenox (Sarah Ramos). And while the stakes couldn’t have been higher, it was the character pairings that truly drove the drama. Here are the 5 standout duos who carried the crossover on their shoulders—and into our hearts.
5. Violet Mikami & Dr. John Frost
A Surprising Alliance with Quiet Impact
At first glance, Chicago Fire’s Violet Mikami and Chicago Med newcomer Dr. John Frost (Darren Barnet) don’t seem like a natural match. Violet, a fiercely independent paramedic, is used to leading her calls without interference. So when Frost—on a ride-along—joins her and Lyla Novak during the chaos of the explosion’s early hours, she’s immediately wary.
But what unfolds is one of the most quietly effective partnerships of the entire event. While Frost takes a backseat at first, his defense of Violet’s triage decisions during a tense confrontation with security agent Lauren Bates proves just how much he respects her leadership. His calm support allows Violet to remain focused, and together they manage to treat multiple victims with precision and care.
This understated pairing not only highlighted Frost’s potential but reminded us why Violet remains one of the most capable and compassionate paramedics on the show.
4. Hank Voight & Chief Dom Pascal
Two Powerhouses Finally Share the Stage
If you’ve ever wondered what happens when Chicago P.D.’s no-nonsense Sergeant Hank Voight and Chicago Fire’s newly minted Chief Dom Pascal collide, the crossover provided an answer: a masterclass in leadership under pressure.
Both men are used to being the top authority in their respective fields, but the disaster forced them to work side-by-side as equals. Their joint mission? Rescue Stella Kidd and Adam Ruzek, trapped in an underground commuter train buried in rubble with limited air supply.
Their conversations ranged from strategic to heartfelt—peppered with unexpected levity (yes, they really did compare the underground tunnel to one used by Al Capone). The chemistry was undeniable, and their eventual mutual respect, sealed with a handshake, felt like the beginning of a powerful alliance that may extend far beyond this crossover.
3. Kim Burgess & Dr. Caitlin Lenox
Clashing Values, Shared Integrity
Detective Kim Burgess and ED Chief Dr. Caitlin Lenox may have started this crossover at odds, but by the end, they emerged as a duo we didn’t know we needed. Their conflict stemmed from a crucial ethical divide: while Burgess needed answers from a severely burned victim possibly connected to the explosion, Lenox refused to jeopardize her patient’s life.
Their standoff was one of the most intense scenes in the event, showcasing two strong women refusing to bend under pressure. Burgess threatened, Lenox stood firm. And in the end, it was Lenox’s calm intelligence that broke the case open—earning a sincere thank-you from Burgess and a moment of shared understanding between two women shaped by responsibility.
This partnership, built on conflict and ultimately resolved through mutual respect, added both dramatic weight and emotional realism to an already high-stakes story.
2. Mouch McHolland & Trudy Platt
Comedy Turns to Crisis in the Crossover’s Most Emotional Moment
The beloved comic relief couple of One Chicago—Fire’s Mouch (Christian Stolte) and P.D.’s Trudy Platt (Amy Morton)—took a heartbreaking turn in this crossover. After years of playful banter and witty exchanges, fans were blindsided when Trudy was shot in the back while confronting one of the explosion’s culprits.
As she lay wounded, Mouch dropped all humor and stood by her side, devastated and helpless. In a stunning moment of vulnerability, Mouch lashed out at the Med doctors, desperate to save his wife’s life. It was a rare emotional unraveling for the usually laid-back firefighter, and a testament to Stolte’s acting range.
Their earlier spat about Mouch forgetting Trudy’s birthday now feels like a cruel irony—especially as she underwent experimental treatment to survive. Thankfully, Trudy pulled through, but their relationship has been forever changed by this traumatic experience, which may drive deeper storytelling for both characters going forward.
1. Stella Kidd & Adam Ruzek
Trapped Together, Bound by Courage
When disaster struck underground, two of One Chicago’s most seasoned heroes—Chicago Fire’s Stella Kidd and P.D.’s Adam Ruzek—were caught in the crosshairs. Stella found herself stuck with panicked train passengers after rushing to help, while Ruzek, in pursuit of a possible suspect, was thrown into the same disaster zone.
Together, they formed the event’s most heroic and heartfelt pairing. From administering emergency care to a struggling passenger to keeping spirits up in low-oxygen conditions, Kidd and Ruzek’s teamwork was a beacon of hope amid the chaos.
Their respective partners—Kelly Severide and Kim Burgess—added emotional weight to their survival. Watching Kidd and Ruzek fight not just for themselves but for each other and the civilians they swore to protect was the emotional core of the crossover. Their near-death experience and unwavering focus on saving others made them the MVPs of “In The Trenches.”
Looking Ahead: What This Crossover Means for One Chicago
In The Trenches didn’t just deliver on action—it reignited the spark that makes One Chicago such a powerful storytelling universe. With fan-favorite relationships tested, new dynamics introduced, and character growth across the board, it’s clear this isn’t just a one-off event. It’s a launchpad.
As fans now wait for the individual shows to pick up the pieces, one thing is certain: Chicago’s finest are stronger when they face the flames—together.
