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For the first time in over five years, the One Chicago franchise has finally staged its first three-show crossover event which brings together the casts of Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago Pd.

The “In The Trenches” crossover event will bring together our favorite characters from all three One Chicago shows as the first responders of Chicago come together following a catastrophic gas explosion and fire at a city government building. Fans can expect some really exciting pairings as well as the One Chicago crossover debut of several actors who joined the franchise since the last crossover event in 2019 and it’s going to be one of the biggest crossovers in the franchise’s history; however, there will be a few notable faces missing from the crossover including a major member of the Chicago Fire cast.

While the One Chicago crossover will feature the series regulars from all three One Chicago shows,...

Chicago Fire is and always has been, the focal point of the One Chicago universe. Everything spawned from it, and whenever there's a crossover, the narrative is based around a case that Firehouse 51 first stumbled upon.

The 2025 crossover event is no different. Unfortunately, the firehouse will be missing a crucial member during the massive, three-part storyline. A character who has been part of the team since day one, and has been on hand for all previous crossovers. We're talking, of course, about Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso).

Cruz will be suspended during the crossover Chicago Fire -- "Ride the Blade" Episode 13002 -- Pictured: (l-r) Taylor Kinney as Kelly Severide, Joe Miñoso as Joe Cruz -- (Photo by: George Burns Jr/NBC)

The character is an unrivaled fan favorite, but his actions over the last few episodes have caught up with him. Cruz made some questionable decisions that led to the death...

Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso) has been the central focus of Chicago Fire over the last few episodes. It's easy to see why. The character has broken lots of rules, dating back to season one, and his past caught up with him in a big way.

Cruz was able to come clean about his mistakes with minimal punishment. Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) gave him a slap on the wrist, aka two week suspension without pay. The peace that's been made with 51 superiors does not mean that Cruz is out of the woods, though.

Leon Cruz will play a big role in season 13 Chicago Fire -- "A Monster In the Field" Episode 13001 -- Pictured: Joe Miñoso as Joe Cruz -- (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)

There's still going to be personal repercussions for what happened between him and former Insane Kings members Flaco (Jose Antonio Garcia) and Junior (Rafael Cabral). This...

Chicago Fire fans are curious if after Joe Cruz was put on a two week suspension will he be leaving the show all together. Soaps She Knows was able to get the spoilers on what is the plan for this character coming up.

What Happened With Chicago Fire’s Joe Cruz?

Joe Cruz has been getting himself into a bit of trouble lately, which landed him a two week suspension. This could mean that he will end up losing his job when that is all over and done. Clear back in Season 1, Cruz left the gang leader of the Insane Kings, Flaco, to burn alive because of his brother being involved with the gang. Things have just gotten worse since then.

It turns out that after some investigation they wouldn’t have been able to save Flaco anyway. No matter what Cruz had done, he was going to die in that fire.

Family. There is almost nothing we can't do for them. That is exactly the case for Joe Miñoso's Joe Cruz in the Dick Wolf firefighting procedural drama, Chicago Fire. It is Cruz's love for family that has him in somewhat dire straits in recent episodes of the show. Way back in Season 1, Cruz made the decision to let Flaco (José Antonio García), a gang leader, die in a fire. This wasn't a decision made out of spite, but one the firefighter deemed necessary to protect his younger brother. Now, Cruz is battling the consequences of his actions, and Miñoso confirms that we will be seeing more of his brother as Season 13 progresses.

Quick Links Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 10 Gives Cruz Resolution Chicago Fire Leaves Much of Firehouse 51 Standing By Chicago Fire Episode 10 Feels Like Crossover Prep

The following contains major spoilers from Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 10, "Chaos Theory," which debuted Wednesday, Jan. 22 on NBC.

Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 10, "Chaos Theory" is a hard episode to put one's finger on. It does provide a satisfying end to Joe Cruz's storyline with Flaco, Junior and the Humboldt Park fire, but not in the best way. The rest of the show is indeed chaotic as other characters feel like they're present just to be accounted for. And knowing that the One Chicago crossover is ahead, the episode has a sense of clearing the slate just to set up the big event.

"Chaos Theory" mainly focuses on Cruz again, as his erratic behavior naturally comes to the attention of Firehouse 51. Meanwhile, Stella Kidd is back...

Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso) messed up. The character really stepped in a world of trouble when he agreed to help a former gang member commit a robbery. He wound up shot, and was forced to sit by and act like it wasn't bothered while his friend, Kelly Severide (Taylor Severide) conducted an investigation.

It was never going to end well for Cruz, so he came clean. In the episode "Chaos Theory," the veteran firefighter approached Severide and admitted to the incident that led to him shot. He admitted he let a man named Flaco (Jose Antonio Garcia) die during a building fire in season 1, because the man had threatened his brother. This piece of blackmail was why he agreed to help with the robbery.

Joe Cruz was suspended from duty for two weeks Chicago Fire -- "Untouchable" Episode 13007 -- Pictured: Joe Miñoso as Joe Cruz

The firefighter was expecting the worst.

After our episodes were so rudely interrupted by a presidential address, we are back with Chicago Fire Season 13 Episode 10.

So, was the wait worth it? We’ll get to that in a minute. First, we have a word from our sponsors, so to speak.

As this episode ends, we’re on the cusp of an epic One Chicago crossover. Love them or hate them, the next episode, at a special time, will be the first time such a crossover has occurred since 2019.

(Peter Gordon/NBC)

Yes, the next new Chicago Fire episode will be on at 8/7c, so be sure to do whatever you need to do, so don’t miss it. And if whatever happens propels you to Chicago Med and Chicago Pd, then that’s good for all of us!

Yeah, yeah, but what about “Chaos Theory”? I’m glad you asked. Let’s dig in.

Have We Still Got a Cruz Problem?...

Chicago Fire is in full swing. There was some scheduling confusion last week, and a slight delay, but the show is off to the races with a thrilling new episode and a crossover set for the end of the month. There's a lot to address in "Chaos Theory," from Stella Kidd's absence to Joe Cruz's fate after what happened in the winter premiere.

Spoilers for "Chaos Theory" below Chicago Fire -- "Untouchable" Episode 13007 -- Pictured: (l-r) Taylor Kinney as Kelly Severide

Cruz has a lot to clean up in the episode's opening moments. He drives to his brother's house and gets stitched up after he got shot in the winter premiere. Cruz's gut reaction was to go to the police, but his brother insisted that he keep it under wraps, as he fears gang retaliation. Leon's ties to the Insane Kings was what got Cruz involved in this mess in the first place.

The spring premiere of Chicago Fire put Joe Cruz in a world of hurt, literally and metaphorically. In Season 13, Episode 9, "A Favor," Cruz is pressured into helping with a robbery to keep a secret from the beginning of the NBC series under wraps. Unfortunately for him, the whole plot goes terribly wrong, leaving Junior Polanco dead and Cruz wounded. Is he finally going to have to face the music for leaving Flaco to die, years after that fateful choice? Or does he still have a chance to cover it up again?

In an interview with Cbr, actor Joe Minoso spoke about his reaction to the show revisiting something that happened way back in Season 1. He talked about the importance of the Flaco storyline to Cruz's character, and his own evolution as an actor. Plus, learn how much it means to him to see Cruz have grown and expanded beyond being...

All roads lead to the One Chicago crossover. The franchise is staging its first three part storyline since 2019, which will bring together the casts of Chicago Fire, Chicago Med and Chicago Pd for a major disaster. One character who is already on the brink of disaster, though, is Cruz (Joe Minoso).

Joe Cruz's last couple episodes have been, well, messy. The character was coerced into committing a robbery, stealing firehouse equipment and was even present for a shootout. He was shot amidst all the commotion, and will be forced to come up with an alibi.

Cruz is going to play a large role in the crossover Chicago Fire -- "Untouchable" Episode 13007 -- Pictured: Joe Miñoso as Joe Cruz

Naturally, a misstep of this magnitude isn't going to be fixed in a week. Cruz's freedom and career as a firefighter hang in the balance. If Firehouse 51 discovers the extent of what he did,...

Yes, we know that missing Chicago Fire’s last high was not a high point.

Chicago Fire Season 13 Episode 10, titled “Chaos Theory,” was pushed forward to allow President Joe Biden to say his goodbyes to the nation.

The last thing we wanted was a firehouse dousing our excitement, but with Chicago Fire, we’re used to it.

(Peter Gordon/NBC)

It was a shame the series was already in encore mode, despite only returning after a holiday hiatus last week, but there’s plenty to look forward to when fresh episodes hit the air later this month.

So, what can we expect on Chicago Fire Season 13 Episode 10? A whole lot of Severide, and we’re okay with that.

Severide Has A Difficult Task (Peter Gordon/NBC)

Taylor Kinney’s presence has been a bit all over the place in recent years, but he had a pivotal part in Chicago Fire...

The last two episodes of Chicago Fire Season 13 have focused alot on the actions of Joe Cruz (Joe Miñoso). His actions in the present day have been born of his desire to rectify dreadful mistakes made in the past. His decision to let the gang leader, Flaco (José Antonio García) die in a fire to protect his brother in Season 1, was a decision born out of love for family. It is one of the beloved character's likely pressure points and one that might affect his career.

The fall finale episode and the winter premiere of Chicago Fire' Season 13 were heavily Joe Cruz (Joe Miñoso) centric. The firefighter saw a mistake from his past coming back to hunt him. Cruz had decided, in the first season of the show, to let the gang leader, Flaco (José Antonio García) die in a fire. It is a decision that is currently shaping the character's present day. Miñoso, the actor who plays Cruz in the long-running procedural drama, has since revealed another interaction from past seasons which has helped shape the character of Cruz as we have come to know him.

Following its winter break, Chicago Fire season 13 returns with its second half in 2025, focusing on one storyline that began in season 1 and is the perfect excuse to bring back Matt Casey. Jesse Spencer, who played Casey, exited the NBC procedural drama during season 10. To explain his absence, Casey moved to Oregon to serve as Andrew Darden's sons' legal guardian after their mother was arrested. Since then, Spencer has returned to Chicago Fire a handful of times, whether it was to work on a special task force concerning terrorism or to marry Sylvie Brett.

New episodes of Chicago Fire season 13 air on Wednesdays at 9 pm Et on NBC. Season 13 is expected to have 22 episodes.

After Casey and Brett's wedding in Chicago Fire season 12, neither has come back to Firehouse 51. However, one tense storyline in season 13 could give cause to Casey's return. NBC hasn't announced that Spencer is reprising his Chicago Fire...

The Chicago Fire winter premiere packed a punch, but fans got worried when no TV promo was released for the January 15 episode.

It’s possible That NBC isn’t running that promo out of respect for the wildfires in California. Or they might want to keep the cliffhanger about Joe Cruz unresolved.

As a reminder, the Chicago Fire winter premiere ended with Joe Cruz being shot. He got pulled into a nefarious sequence of events by the cousin (Junior) of someone Cruz chose not to save from a previous fire (Flaco).

Junior is dead, but Cruz wound up shot and bleeding out in his car. How can he explain this to his wife (Chloe) or his boss (Kelly Severide) at Firehouse 51?

NBC viewers didn’t get a promo to tease what’s next. It created some additional drama for Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 10.

The good news is that NBC has...

Chicago Fire actor Joe Miñoso discusses the impact that former character Brian "Otis" Zvonecek has had on Cruz's journey through the show. The series, which kicked off the One Chicago franchise, debuted on NBC in October 2012 and has become one of the network's most successful shows. Miñoso has played the fan favorite role of Cruz in the Chicago Fire cast since season 1. The character developed a strong friendship with Yuri Sadarov's Otis before the latter's tragic death in the Chicago Fire season 7 finale, an event which hugely impacted Cruz as a character.

In an exclusive interview with Screen Rant, Miñoso discussed how Otis' death continues to shape Cruz years later, and how Joe's decision to name his son Otis ensures that his late friend's memory will live on always. Discussing his close relationship with former co-star Sadarov, Miñoso talked about how the Otis actor visited the set recently,...

The dramatic Chicago Fire winter premiere left fans shocked with a cliffhanger.

Much good news began the new episode, including Herrmann and Mouch getting promoted.

Herrmann got to run the team as a captain for the first time, while Mouch covered for Kidd as the lieutenant for Truck 81.

Sitting lieutenant Stella Kidd was out for the episode, giving Mouch a chance to shine on a call.

We will find out later how things will shake out at the firehouse with an additional lieutenant on staff, but it was good to see Mouch take to the roll like a duck on water.

Outside of the good news was the past of Joe Cruz returning to haunt him. This storyline traces back to the first season when Cruz left gang leader Flaco to die in a fire. Cruz was trying to protect his brother at the time.

Now, a cousin of Flaco...

Chicago Fire, just like the rest of the One Chicago universe, has returned from its midseason break. For the firefighting procedural drama, the show returned with one big issue for one of its key figures. Joe Cruz (Joe Miñoso) begins to seek some understanding behind the bullet-shaped pendant urn he found in his locker. In Season 1 of Chicago Fire, Cruz decided to let gang leader Flaco (José Antonio García) die in a fire in order to protect his brother Leon (Jeff Lima). However, what he thought was buried resurfaced with Flaco’s cousin, Junior (Richard Cabral), coming out of prison. By the time the winter premiere had ended, Junior had passed, and Cruz's secret seemingly went buried once more, albeit in a tricky state. But how long can Cruz keep his secret from his friend, Severide (Taylor Kinney)?...

The following contains major spoilers for Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 9, "A Favor," which debuted Wednesday, Jan. 8 on NBC.

Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 9, "A Favor" is pretty low-key by the standards of the NBC show. It has an action-packed storyline featuring Joe Cruz, but compared to the utter chaos that's happened in other Chicago Fire episodes -- particularly premieres, midseason premieres and finales -- it's almost calm. In some ways that works really well, and in other ways, the audience might be a little restless.

"A Favor" primarily centers on Cruz, who has to deal with Junior's threat to end his career over a tragic event in the show's early years. The other storyline concerns Mouch's first shift as a lieutenant, and the way he tries to turn up for a man no one else seems to remember. Almost all the remaining characters have little to do, but that's less noticeable...

Following season 13's midseason finale, Chicago Fire has returned with new episodes, and star Joe Miñoso breaks down Cruz's ongoing conflict with Junior. As some recall, episode 8, "Quicksand," ended with Junior confronting the firefighter in a church. Junior is the cousin of Flaco, a character who died in season 1. He was the leader of the gang that Cruz's younger brother, Leon, got mixed up in, and to help Leon, Cruz left Flaco to die in a fire. While he has gone 12 seasons without facing any repercussions, Cruz's past comes back to haunt him in Chicago Fire's upcoming episodes.

When speaking with ScreenRant ahead of Chicago Fire season 13's winter 2025 return, Joe Miñoso previewed what comes next for his character after Junior's release from prison. The actor confirmed that Cruz doesn't exactly deal with his new dilemma very well, and there will be repercussions for him. Additionally,...

People make choices and those choices often have consequences, whether it be big or small. Some consequences manifest almost immediately, but for Chicago Fire's Joe Cruz (Joe Miñoso) his manifestation has taken quite awhile to rear its head. In the very first season of the firefighting procedural drama series, Cruz was faced with the choice of saving gang leader Flaco (José Antonio García) from a fire, or protecting his brother Leon (Jeff Lima). Cruz made the tough decision of letting Flaco perish in the inferno to protect his brother. With the show in its thirteenth season, its midseason finale saw Cruz's decision come back to haunt him.

Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from Chicago Fire season 13, episode 9, "A Favor."

After almost a two-month hiatus, Chicago Fire season 13 returns with new episodes in early 2025, but its midseason premiere is missing one of the show's main characters — Stella Kidd, played by Miranda Rae Mayo. Stella joined Firehouse 51 in season 4 and has been one of its most integral firefighters ever since. Now, in Chicago Fire season 13, Stella is the lieutenant in charge of Truck 81. Despite her importance, she is mysteriously absent in episode 9, "A Favor."

New episodes of Chicago Fire season 13 (which will have 22 episodes total) air on Wednesdays at 9 pm Et on NBC.

Before Chicago Fire season 13's winter 2025 return, the previous episode ended with Cruz coming face-to-face with Flaco's cousin, Junior, who had just gotten out of prison. Flaco was the leader of a gang Cruz's brother was associated with in season 1, and he's also...

Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 9 aired on Wednesday night.

This was the hit NBC show’s winter premiere, and they packed many big moments into it.

We quickly learned that Stella Kidd was out for a Girls on Fire job.

Kylie Estevez wasn’t shown either, with several people drawn out of the pool to cover Firehouse 51 for the episode.

Early in the episode, they got right to the results of the tests that Herrmann and Mouch had taken to get promoted.

Herrmann is now a captain, and Mouch is now a lieutenant. With Kidd sidelined, Chief Pascal had Mouch lead the truck.

Herrmann and Mouch take action in their new roles

Firehouse 51 had a call that allowed Herrmann to serve as the captain and Mouch as Truck’s lieutenant.

The team dealt with a fire at a long-term hotel, and they were great on the scene. Unfortunately, Mouch found a...

Warning: Spoilers ahead for Chicago Fire season 13, episode 9!Chicago Fire star Joe Minoso has confirmed Cruz's fate, while teasing major consequences in the future after season 13, episode 9's shocking ending. Chicago Fire's winter 2025 return saw Cruz being forced to help Junior (Richard Cabral), cousin of gang leader Flaco (José Antonio García) who the firefighter let die during a fire in season 1. Junior tries getting Cruz to help him get money back from Moreno, only for them to get ambushed in a firefight. The result is Junior dead and Cruz with a bullet in his arm, Moreno nowhere to be found.

Speaking with TV Insider, Minoso confirmed there will be consequences for Cruz after Chicago Fire season 13, episode 9's firefight, and that he'll be trying to hide the truth from Severide (Taylor Kinney). He confirms episode 10 will take place right afte the shootout, and he begins to plan how to keep what happened under wraps.

Well, that was intense.

Thanks to our interview with Joe Miñoso, we had some idea of what would come, but Chicago Fire Season 13 Episode 90 still surprised us with Cruz’s problem and a heartwarming story with Lieutenant McHolland.

Let’s dig in!

(Peter Gordon/NBC) Cruz Is In Big Trouble

Cruz is in a bit of trouble. His immediate reaction to Flaco’s cousin’s demands was that he wouldn’t break the law no matter what he threatened to do. But if you think about it, Cruz already took the law into his own hands when he let Flaco out rather than saving him.

It’s been Cruz’s biggest moral dilemma, and it has weighed heavily on him. How could it not? But he was able to move on, comfortable that his decision allowed his brother to chart a better life for himself.

But the bottom line is...

After a lengthy break, Chicago Fire season 13, episode 9 saw Cruz’s job come back to haunt him. Let’s take a look inside the episode.

Caution: This post contains Spoilers from Chicago Fire season 13, episode 9.

The Chicago Med season 13 winter finale did not disappoint. We got a chance to celebrate promotions, and saw Cruz tackle the problem that came up at the end of the fall finale. How would it all play out? That was our biggest question.

Also, if you were hoping to see some faces from the past, there was good news. One character made a return.

Junior tries to blackmail Cruz in Chicago Fire season 13, episode 9

The winter premiere made it clear that Junior would be a threat. He turned up at the start of the episode, making it clear that he needed Cruz to do a job for him. Cruz wasn’t interested.

Junior is willing...

[Warning: The below contains Major spoilers for Chicago Fire Season 13 Episode 9 “A Favor.”] Chicago Fire‘s deep cut — bringing back a Season 1 storyline — is leaving Cruz (Joe Minoso) in quite the position. Back in those early days of the NBC drama, Cruz left gang leader Flaco (José Antonio García) to die in a fire; he did it to protect his brother Leon (Jeff Lima). Flaco’s cousin, Junior (Richard Cabral), however, knows what he did and leverages it to force Cruz to help him get money back from the person who stole it, Moreno. But that goes sideways: Junior is killed, Moreno flees, and Cruz, with a gunshot wound to his arm, quickly gets out of there. Below, Minoso teases what’s next for Cruz in the aftermath — including trying to keep it a secret from Severide (Taylor Kinney). It seems like Junior being dead is the best-case scenario for Cruz in a way. Joe Minoso: Yeah,...

Chicago Fire has a lot of story to play with. The show has been on NBC for 13 seasons, and cycled through so many subplots and characters that it's anybody's guess where the writers will take things next. Case in point: the fall finale's decision to bring back a storyline from season one as a means of testing poor Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso).

The winter premiere, "A Favor," was destined to be a Cruz affair from the moment the midseason finale wrapped up. The character was confronted by Junior Polanco (Richard Cabral), the cousin of the late Insane Kings gang leader Flaco (Jose Antonio Garcia). Flaco tried to force Cruz's brother to remain a member of the gang, and Cruz responded by letting Flaco die in a building fire.

The problem is, Junior witnessed this less-than-moral act. He has dirt on Cruz, who is now married with two children, and he intends to use it.

Joe Miñoso has been a cornerstone of NBC’s Chicago Fire since its inception, bringing depth, humor, and heart to the character of Joe Cruz.

Over the years, Cruz has evolved from a lighthearted, Zumba-loving firefighter to a dedicated family man and seasoned Squad member with profound stakes at play.

Miñoso’s portrayal has consistently captured the balance between Cruz’s vulnerability and his fierce loyalty, making him a fan favorite in the One Chicago universe.

(Peter Gordon/NBC)

In this exclusive interview, Miñoso reflects on the unique opportunity of revisiting a storyline from the show’s very first season.

The Flaco arc, initially a defining moment for Cruz, comes full circle in Chicago Fire Season 13, offering a deeper exploration of his character’s psyche.

With Cruz now a husband and father, the stakes have never been higher, as his protective instincts lead him into dangerous territory.

Chicago Pd Season...

Back in Season 1 on Chicago Fire, Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso) made a tough decision, and the NBC drama has done something we love so much and brought that back to haunt him in a major way in Season 13. It was back in Season 1 that Cruz left gang leader Flaco (José Antonio García) to die in a fire, to protect his brother Leon (Jeff Lima). In the midseason finale, Cruz found a pendant urn (shaped like a bullet! with cremated remains inside!), and his brother returned to warn him that Flaco’s cousin, Junior (Richard Cabral), is out of prison. Junior then found Cruz to let him know he saw what he did. Now, in the midseason premiere, airing January 8, “A Favor,” Cruz faces the aftermath of that. Below, Minoso celebrates Fire bringing back this storyline, teases the trouble ahead of Cruz, and more. I have to say I love that...

Christmas and New Year are over, and that can only mean one thing:

Fresh episodes of Chicago Fire are on the way!

NBC has confirmed that Chicago Fire Season 13 Episode 9 will hit the air on Wednesday, January 8, at 9/8c.

(Peter Gordon/NBC)

Chicago Fire Season 13 Episode 8 ended with some big cliffhangers that have had Chicago Fire fanatics waiting for resolution with bated breath.

Of note, Cruz’s life is potentially on the line because the past has come back to haunt him in a big way.

(Peter Gordon/NBC)

It’s always interesting when a show pays off a storyline from years ago, and that’s exactly what’s happening here.

Cruz found a bullet in his locker and in his car, which ties back to his brother, Leon, who several years ago was linked to the Insane Kings, a gang operated by a man named Flaco.

Will...

Chicago Fire's winter premiere is almost upon us, and with it the resolution to a major cliffhanger. Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso) spent the bulk of the season 13 fall finale struggling to determine if someone was threatening him on the job.

There was a bullet left in his Firehouse 51 locker, and a climactic reveal in which a man named Junior Polanco (Richard Cabral) confronted him in a local church. Junior is the cousin of Flaco (Jose Antonio Garcia), a gang leader who threatened to kill Cruz's brother before he perished in a house fire.

Joe Cruz's past has come back to haunt him Chicago Fire -- "A Favor" Episode 13009 -- Pictured: Joe Miñoso as Joe Cruz

Here's the thing, Cruz was on the scene during the fire, and purposely left Flaco to die. He knew that his brother would never be safe if Flaco was still alive, so he made an extreme,...

The Chicago Fire season 13 fall finale left Cruz in some trouble. It’s time to see what that will lead to as Chicago Fire season 13, episode 9 airs on Wednesday, Jan. 8.

Yes, the series is finally on its way back. Now is a good time to look at what to expect in that episode, which is set to pick up with the reveal of the threats made to Cruz throughout the fall finale. We didn’t get to see Severide in the fall finale but fear not; he will be back in the midseason premiere.

Cruz’s past comes back to haunt him in Chicago Fire season 13, episode 9

Joe Cruz has always been one to try to follow the law. He wanted to keep his brother away from the gangs, but when that wasn’t possible, he did what he could legally to deal with the situation. Eventually, he had to cross a line,...

Chicago Fire has undergone lots of changes in the past year. We've seen characters come and go, we've seen established relationships get challenged, and we've seen those struggle to acclimate to these changes.

2024 has seen the second half of Chicago Fire season 12 and the first half of season 13, and as such, we thought it would be a good idea to cherry pick the moments we thought stood out most... for the right reasons that is.

Chief Boden leaves Firehouse 51 (season 12 episode 13) Chicago Fire -- "Trapped" Episode 12003 -- Pictured: (l-r) Joe Minoso as Joe Cruz, Eamonn Walker as Chief Wallace Boden-- (Photo by: Adrian S Burrows Sr/NBC)

It may sound weird to list the exit of a beloved character as being a highlight, but we're here to commend the way that Chicago Fire executed. Wallace Boden (Eamonn Walker) has been part of the show since day one, so it was...

Chicago Fire has dished out multiple Christmas episodes over the last decade plus. We already singled out the episode "Winterfest" as a candidate to watch with your family during the holiday season. We wanted to do something a little different this year, though, which is highlight the first Chicago Fire Christmas episode.

The episode in question is called "Merry Christmas, Etc." and it aired halfway through season 1. The episode is fun to watch as a time capsule, as beloved characters like Peter Mills (Charlie Barnett) and Gabriela Dawson (Monica Raymund) are long gone. "Merry Christmas, Etc." also provides glimpses of those who have passed, like Otis (Yuri Sardarov) and Leslie Shay (Lauren German).

"Merry Christmas, Etc." is a season 1 highlight Chicago Fire -- "A Monster In the Field" Episode 13001 -- Pictured: Joe Miñoso as Joe Cruz -- (Photo by: Peter Gordon/NBC)

What makes "Merry Christmas, Etc." such a fun...

The Neighborhood is getting its first spinoff after six successful seasons on CBS thus far, and there are already a ton of exciting updates about Crutch. Premiering in fall 2018 and starring TV legend Cedric the Entertainer, The Neighborhood follows a middle-class white family from Michigan who buys their dream home in a predominantly Black neighborhood in California. Based on classic sitcom premises and anchored by the performances of Cedric the Entertainer, The Neighborhood hasn't broken the mold but has been consistently popular across its half-decade run.

Walking in the footsteps of TV history, The Neighborhood is the latest in a long line of popular sitcoms to continue through spinoffs, and Crutch is already shaping up to expand the show's horizons. Though The Neighborhood isn't winding down anytime soon, a spinoff means fans will have more hilarity to look forward to and there's the offhand chance that the Tracy Morgan-led off-shoot outshines its predecessor.

Chicago Fire is once again burning hot.

Season 13 is averaging 7.7 million total viewers (including delayed playback, through the first seven episodes), down just 10% from the strikes-shortened and -delayed Season 12. It stands as broadcast TV’s No. 6 drama in total audience, trailing Tracker, Matlock, FBI, NCIS and Elsbeth, and just barely outdrawing lead-in Chicago Med. Chicago Fire’s 0.6 demo rating ranks fourth among all broadcast dramas airing this fall.

More from TVLine<em>Chicago Fire’</em>s David Eigenberg Previews Herrmann’s Captain Test — Will He Replace Chief Pascal?<em>Chicago Fire’</em>s Jake Lockett Talks Carver’s Spiral, His In-Question Job Security and...

This article contains mentions of suicide.

The fall finale of Chicago Fire season 13 didn't feel like much of a finale, but it did leave many questions unanswered. NBC's procedural drama series centers around the lives of the firefighters and paramedics at Firehouse 51, and they have been through a lot in season 13. From toxic love interests to close brushes with death, the Chicago Fire season 13 characters have experienced a lot of conflict. However, 14 episodes remain in the season, meaning the story is just getting started, and it might be a while before fans get some answers.

To briefly recap the first eight episodes of Chicago Fire season 13 — Firehouse 51 got a new chief (Dermot Mulroney's Chief Dom Pascal); Jack Damon was fired after disobeying Stella Kidd's direct orders; Darren Ritter took Damon's spot on Truck 81 while Kylie Estevez replaced Ritter on Engine 51; Kelly Severide worked with Pascal to take down...

Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso) is a solid guy. He's always trying to do his best to protect victims during fires, and his peers during dangerous rescue missions. He's one of the most beloved Chicago Fire veterans as a result. The thing is, Cruz is not a boy scout. He has some skeletons in his closet, and we were just reminded of one in the season 13 fall finale.

Cruz was paid a visit by a man named Junior Polanco (Richard Cabral). He'd never met Junior, but the ex-convict claimed that he was present during a particularly dangerous fire that took place during the show's first season. Junior said he stood by and watched as his cousin, Flaco (Jose Antonio Garcia) was buried underneath rubble during the fire.

Joe Cruz left Junior's cousin to die in season 1 Chicago Fire -- "Untouchable" Episode 13007 -- Pictured: Joe Miñoso as Joe Cruz

Joe Cruz was on the scene,...

Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso) was the unexpected star of Chicago Fire's fall finale. The character took center stage with a subplot that involved his younger brother and the relative of a gang member he failed to save during season 1.

It's been a long time since fans have gotten to see Joe Cruz's brother, Leon (Jeff Lima). He was a consistent presence throughout season 1, but he has only made sporadic appearances since then. He dropped by for single episode cameos in seasons 7 and 8, and his return in the season 13 fall finale marks his first appearance since the birth of Cruz's son.

Both Leon and Otis inspired Cruz's son's name Chicago Fire -- "A Man's Legacy" Episode 607 -- Pictured: (l-r) Yuri Sardarov as Otis, Joe Minoso as Joe Cruz -- (Photo by: Elizabeth Morris/NBC)

Leon Cruz may have limited screen time within the show, but he shares an important...

With the way things ended in the previous episode of Chicago Fire, you’re sure to want a new episode right now. This is where we have some bad news. There isn’t a new episode on tonight, Wednesday, Nov. 27.

We usually find that the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is a night off new episodes of One Chicago shows. In some previous years, NBC has brought the three shows back the week after for fall finales. That’s changed this year, though. There isn’t another new episode of Chicago Fire, or the other two shows, in 2024.

The Chicago Fire season 13 winter break has started early Chicago Fire -- "Quicksand" Episode 13008 -- Pictured: (l-r) Jake Lockett as Sam Carver, Miranda Rae Mayo as Stella Kidd

Before the pandemic, NBC would opt for the Wednesday before Thanksgiving for fall finales. It looks like NBC has brought that back for the 2024–2025 TV schedule.

Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso) was the unexpected star of Chicago Fire's fall finale. The firefighter wasn't touted to be the center of attention, but it felt like he did most of the heavy lifting thanks to a series of events that culminated with a deadly standoff.

The fall finale ended with Cruz in a church, confronted by a man who claims to be the cousin of Flaco. This was treated like a big deal because, in the grand scheme of the show, it is. Flaco is, admittedly, a character who hasn't been referenced in over a decade, though, so you'd be forgiven for being a little rusty on his backstory.

With that said, here's what you need to know about Flaco and Cruz's connection to him.

Cruz's relationship with Flaco dates back to season 1 Chicago Fire -- "A Monster In the Field" Episode 13001 -- Pictured: Joe Miñoso as Joe Cruz...

The following contains major spoilers from Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 8, "Quicksand," which debuted Wednesday, Nov. 20 on NBC.

Chicago Fire Season 13, Episode 8, "Quicksand" is a fine episode of the NBC show, but it's not a great fall finale. Some of the best Chicago Fire episodes have been the jaw-dropping midseason or season finales that feature deep emotion, incredible action and big surprises. While this episode tries to surprise and move viewers, it feels more like an episode that could've taken place at any other time. It's just not dramatic enough to be a finale.

"Quicksand" has a main storyline that calls back all the way to Chicago Fire Season 1, which puts Joe Cruz understandably on edge. There's also a subplot that hints at -- but doesn't explain -- tragedy in Lizzie Novak's past. And there's an adorable dog, but that's not enough to make up for the fact that this episode...

Heading into the Chicago Fire season 13 fall finale, we expected that the episode would leave us with a few cliffhangers but we also expected it would bring about at least a few bigger moments and a little closure to some of the storylines that have unfolded within the first few episodes of the season. Unfortunately, the finale left us with more questions than answers, and not in a good kind of way.

In fact, I might go as far as to say the fall finale was an underwhelming filler episode more than an episode that left us on the edge of our seats.

Warning: The following post contains spoilers from the Chicago Fire season 13 fall finale.

Episode 8 put a lot of puzzle pieces on the board, but the problem is the episode didn’t exactly put the pieces together. Instead, it felt as though the show was trying to do...

Chicago Fire season 13 has been building up to this. Well, at least, partially. We have reached the fall finale of the firefighting drama, which features a subplot in which Carver (Jake Lockett) befriends a dog and Cruz (Joe Minoso) receives a chilling omen.

The most consequential subplot of season 13, episode 8, however, revolves around Herrmann (David Eigenberg). The veteran firefighter plans to take the chief exam alongside fellow 51 veteran and best friend, Mouch (Christian Stolte). Here's a recap of what went down during the fall finale, and what lies in store for Herrmann in particular:

Joe Cruz's past rears its ugly head in "Quicksand"

The episode started off on an unexpected foot. Instead of focusing on any of the aforementioned and established characters, "Quicksand" decided to open with Lyla Novak (Jocelyn Hudon) getting ready for the day. The episode delves further into her character and her tragic family backstory than ever before,...

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is a perfect series. Being a perfect blend of a human story in a time when the world could not be further from humanity, the series ended up touching audiences in ways that little shows have managed to do. While the game is iconic in its own right, this ten-episode series ended up leaving audiences broken in more ways than one.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners | Credit: Netflix

While some might assume that the series would get hate for the emotional impact it had on its audiences, the reality could not be further from it. The 2022 series has found a special place in the hearts of the fans, and they have become quite protective of it.

With this in mind, one can imagine what will happen if the perfection of this single-season story is disturbed.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners in Danger?

The ending of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners is heartbreakingly magnificent. David loses his life...

The Tracy Morgan-led spinoff of The Neighborhood at Paramount+ continues to add to its cast.

Adrian Martinez, Braxton Paul and Finn Maloney have joined Crutch, which stars Morgan as Francois Crutchfield, aka Crutch, a Harlem shop owner — and cousin of The Neighborhood’s Calvin Butler (Cedric the Entertainer) whose life is upended when his adult children move back in with him. The show’s cast also includes Jermaine Fowler and Adrianna Mitchell as Crutch’s kids and Kecia Lewis as his sister-in-law.

Martinez (Unfrosted, ABC’s Stumptown) will recur as Flaco, Crutch’s childhood best friend, most loyal confidant and general manager of Crutch’s flooring shop. Fun-loving, optimistic and chatty, he is the yin to Crutch’s yang.

Paul and Maloney will also have recurring roles Lisa and Mase, Jamilah’s (Mitchell) kids and Crutch’s grandchildren. The 12-year-old Lisa is the conscience of the family who challenges...