Chicago Fire’s Joe Minoso Hypes The ‘Fully Ridiculous’ Revival Of Cruz’s First-Ever Big Storyline, And I’m All In For Season 13’s Return

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In early 2025, “Chicago Fire” will be back on TV screens with an intense narrative awaiting Joe Cruz following the dramatic events of the Season 13 fall finale in November. Unlike the last episode of 2024 for “Chicago Med,” this one didn’t feature a life-threatening cliffhanger, but Cruz’s past will return to trouble him in the new year – a past that dates back to the earliest days of Season 1. Ahead of the winter premiere on January 8, actor Joe Mińoso shared some exciting insights about revisiting Cruz’s first major storyline from way back in the show’s initial season.

Fans might recall from last November, or by revisiting on Peacock, that in the 2024 TV schedule, Cruz was harassed with pendant-shaped bullets containing ashes. A hint of what was to come was given when Leon appeared to warn him that Flaco’s cousin had been freed from prison. Indeed, Cruz’s past choice to let Flaco perish to save Leon is troubling him once more, and it’s likely that whatever Junior has in store for the firefighter won’t bode well for his safety.

Few TV series endure for thirteen seasons, and even fewer return to an old storyline after more than a decade. (Flaco made his debut in the ninth episode of Chicago Fire‘s inaugural season back in 2012.) When I asked Joe Minoso if he had ever anticipated the show revisiting the significant story arc for Cruz, he revealed:

I haven’t entirely abandoned the idea of it happening. It seems like one of those situations where you carry on with life, and the prospect gradually fades from memory. Even for the creators, such a long-running show is rare, and I believe they displayed immense courage in reviving something so old, making it contemporary again, attracting new fans to appreciate our work, and keeping track of everything coherently.

Over the course of twelve seasons on “Chicago Fire”, there have been numerous transformations, starting from Cruz’s crucial choice regarding Flaco, encompassing various plot progressions such as the character getting married and becoming a parent, to behind-the-scenes alterations like Andrea Newman assuming the role of the sole showrunner.

Now that all episodes of Chicago Fire are streaming on Peacock, you can easily catch a glimpse into the early days of Firehouse 51. Later on, Miñoso expressed what’s “purely over-the-top” in the most entertaining way about revisiting Cruz’s Flaco storyline during the winter premiere.

I find immense satisfaction in my profession as an actor. Over the years, it has been a remarkable journey to maintain this career, and sometimes it feels surreal when I reflect on moments like revisiting storylines from twelve years ago. It almost seems absurd or unbelievable, but here we are. So, I am deeply grateful for this experience, as it feels like the most extraordinary gift in my life. Incredibly, this is what I do and this is my life.

Absolutely, it can be challenging for long-time fans to recall every detail from a storyline that originated as far back as 2012. However, when it comes to reminding myself about the intricate details of Joe Cruz’s first substantial story arc, I have my own strategies. When I was asked about this very question, I shared my method: I delve into old scripts, rewatch relevant episodes, and sometimes even consult with the writers or producers for a refresher.

After revisiting the episodes related to that particular plotline, I found that they didn’t require significant changes. However, you should note that at that time, I wasn’t a main cast member on the show. Instead, I was merely a guest star. My acting roles up until then were relatively minor and not widely recognized. This role or storyline was the most significant one I had ever been part of, which is why it remains quite clear in my memory.

It might surprise you to know that at one point, Joe Miñoso, who is such a central figure now, was merely a guest star on Chicago Fire. Given this, it’s not surprising that his initial major storyline has stayed with the actor until today. He went on to say:

I can recall quite clearly the intense sensation of flames touching my ears as I chose to shut the door on Flaco. At that time, we were engaging in the practice of burning embers. During our drinking sessions, it was as if sparks from a fire were raining down upon us. My memories of those times are like snapshots, and they remain strikingly clear in my mind. It didn’t require much effort to be reminded of that experience.

Minos expressed his eagerness about returning to that place in Season 13 as an intriguing prospect; however, Cruz may not feel the same thrill since his past is set to cause trouble for him. Let’s cross our fingers and hope Chloe and the children steer clear of the ensuing chaos! Regrettably, the teaser doesn’t disclose any specifics, but it does confirm that Severide will make a comeback following his absence during the fall finale. Here is a glimpse:

Make sure you don’t skip the premiere of Chicago Fire Season 13 on Wednesday, January 8 at 9 p.m. Eastern Time on NBC. It’ll be sandwiched between episodes of Chicago Med and Chicago P.D., airing at 8 p.m. ET and 10 p.m. ET respectively. The fall finales left some unresolved cliffhangers for all three shows, so expect some exciting developments in the world of One Chicago before the highly anticipated crossover event!

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2025-01-08 14:37