Monica Raymund has never really left the hearts of Chicago Fire fans. For six seasons, she brought Gabriela Dawson to life—passionate, fearless, and the undeniable heart of Firehouse 51. Her fiery romance with Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer) became one of the most unforgettable love stories in the One Chicago universe. When she left the series in Season 6 (and briefly returned in Season 8), viewers were heartbroken, but they also admired Raymund’s bravery in branching out to explore new roles.
Now, in true Dick Wolf fashion, Raymund has once again found herself in the world of procedural drama—this time as part of Amazon Prime’s On Call. But if fans thought this was her triumphant long-term return to Wolf’s storytelling empire, they were in for one of the most shocking bait-and-switches TV has pulled in years.
The Big Build-Up: Monica Raymund Headlines On Call’s Pilot
When news broke that Monica Raymund was cast in On Call, excitement skyrocketed. Not only was it another Wolf production, but it seemed like the perfect fit for the actress who had proven her range across procedural (Chicago Fire) and gritty crime drama (Hightown).
In the pilot, Raymund steps into the role of Officer Maria Delgado, a respected veteran of the Long Beach Police Department. She’s the very first face we see, which immediately signals to the audience: this is going to be her show. And for a few moments, it feels that way.
But just as fans were settling into the comfort of watching Raymund command the screen again, On Call executed one of the boldest moves imaginable.
Gone in Two Minutes: The Psycho-Inspired Twist
During a seemingly routine traffic stop, Delgado is brutally gunned down. Two minutes in. Just like that.
The move left fans stunned—and some outright furious. How could On Call hype Raymund’s return to Wolf’s TV universe only to kill her off before the opening credits?
But according to co-creator Tim Walsh, that shocking decision was entirely by design.
“We wanted to create a Psycho moment,” Walsh told TV Line, referencing Alfred Hitchcock’s infamous 1960 thriller in which Janet Leigh’s character, positioned as the lead, is killed off early on. “We wanted people to believe it was a show about her, and it’s not exactly what happens.”
For Walsh, Raymund was the perfect choice for the twist: a beloved, familiar face with the gravitas to carry the weight of a lead—even if only for minutes. Her death then became not just shocking, but also a symbolic passing of the torch to the show’s true leads, Officer Traci Harmon (Troian Bellisario) and Officer Alex Diaz (Brandon Larracuente).
A Bold Gamble or a Betrayal?
There’s no denying that the twist worked. Social media lit up the night On Call premiered, with fans expressing disbelief, heartbreak, and even admiration at the gutsy storytelling choice.
But it also sparked frustration, particularly from Chicago Fire fans who have long hoped for Raymund’s return to the One Chicago universe. For them, On Call looked like a second chance to watch her anchor another ensemble. Instead, her role turned out to be a brilliant piece of misdirection.
The silver lining? Raymund herself was in on it. Having worked with Walsh on Hightown, she trusted the vision and agreed to serve as the show’s emotional hook—even if it meant breaking hearts all over again.
What It Means for Raymund’s Career
While some fans may feel cheated, the move reaffirms Monica Raymund’s versatility. Few actors can step in, steal the spotlight in under two minutes, and then leave such a lasting impression. Her willingness to take a short-lived but impactful role speaks to her confidence in carving out her own path, even if it means denying fans a longer stay.
With On Call, she’s proven once more that she isn’t afraid of bold career moves. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that even when Monica Raymund leaves, she never really disappears—because her characters leave an indelible mark.
The Takeaway: Dawson, Delgado, and the Legacy of a TV Chameleon
Monica Raymund’s Gabriela Dawson gave Chicago Fire its soul for years. Now, her Maria Delgado has given On Call its unforgettable opening. The actress may not be around for the long haul in Wolf’s newest series, but her presence ensures fans won’t soon forget the premiere.
For Chicago Fire fans, the door to Dawson’s return will always remain cracked open. For On Call viewers, Raymund’s shocking death sets the tone for a darker, more unpredictable ride.
And for Monica Raymund herself? She continues to prove she’s one of TV’s most fearless risk-takers—never afraid to walk away, and never afraid to surprise us.
