The 2025 One Chicago crossover, In the Trenches, aired on January 29, 2025, uniting Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med for a gripping three-hour event—the first full crossover since 2019. Centered on a gas explosion in a federal building, the episode showcased high-stakes rescues, investigations, and emotional drama, drawing over six million viewers. While characters like Stella Kidd, Adam Ruzek, and Hank Voight dominated the narrative, several key figures were underutilized, their potential squandered in a story that struggled to balance its sprawling cast. Below, we explore six characters who deserved more screen time and how their inclusion could have enriched the crossover’s impact, drawing on insights from reviews and fan reactions.
1. Detective Dante Torres (Chicago P.D.)
Detective Dante Torres, portrayed by Benjamin Levy Aguilar, is a resourceful member of the Intelligence Unit, yet his role in the crossover was minimal. Tasked with undercover work to identify the gas explosion’s culprit, Torres operated in the background, missing opportunities for meaningful interactions with firefighters or doctors. After losing his partner Gloria Perez in the fall finale, Torres’ emotional arc could have been a compelling subplot. Imagine him clashing with tough personalities like Chief Dom Pascal or Dr. Dean Archer, showcasing his grit and vulnerability. His contribution to uncovering tunnel plans was pivotal, yet the narrative failed to spotlight his detective skills, leaving fans wanting more of his dynamic presence.
2. Medical Director Sharon Goodwin (Chicago Med)
Sharon Goodwin (S. Epatha Merkerson) returned triumphantly after surviving a stalker attack, embodying resilience as Chicago Med’s medical director. However, her screen time was disappointingly limited. Goodwin’s leadership shone in tense moments, such as mediating a dispute between Dr. Caitlin Lenox and Detective Kim Burgess over questioning a burned victim. Yet, her role felt peripheral, confined to supporting others rather than driving the plot. Given her history of navigating crises, a subplot highlighting her strategic decision-making—perhaps coordinating hospital resources during the explosion—could have underscored her authority and deepened Chicago Med’s presence in the crossover.
3. Firefighter Darren Ritter (Chicago Fire)
Darren Ritter (Daniel Kyri) remains one of Chicago Fire’s most underrated characters, often overshadowed by flashier figures like Stella Kidd or Kelly Severide. In the crossover, Ritter appeared briefly in the first hour, assisting in a rescue with Sam Carver to save a security guard trapped under rubble. His disappearance later in the episode was a missed opportunity. Placing Ritter in high-stakes scenarios, such as leading a rescue or mentoring a newer firefighter, could have highlighted his quiet competence and loyalty. His understated heroism deserved a moment to shine, especially in a crossover meant to celebrate the franchise’s ensemble.
4. Firefighter Joe Cruz (Chicago Fire)
Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso), a veteran of Firehouse 51, was entirely absent from the crossover due to a two-week suspension following a prior infraction. This narrative choice felt like an insult to a longstanding character, especially given the crossover’s scale. Cruz’s absence was justified in-story, but the writers could have delayed his suspension to include him in the action. His experience and camaraderie with Severide or Mouch could have added emotional weight, perhaps through a subplot where he grapples with his career setbacks while aiding the rescue effort. Excluding Cruz diminished Chicago Fire’s representation and frustrated fans.
5. Paramedic Kylie Estevez (Chicago Fire)
Kylie Estevez (Katelynn Shennett), a recurring member of Firehouse 51, was inexplicably missing from the crossover despite her mentor, Christopher Hermann, playing a significant role. With no explanation for her absence, fans were left puzzled, especially since Kylie’s sporadic appearances in Chicago Fire Season 13 already limit her development. Including her in the rescue operations—perhaps assisting Violet Mikami or working alongside Hermann—could have showcased her growth as a paramedic and strengthened Firehouse 51’s team dynamic. Her absence felt like a missed chance to elevate a promising character.
6. Firefighter Jack Damon (Chicago Fire)
Jack Damon (Michael Bradway), who recently returned to Chicago Fire after an earlier exit in Season 13, was another surprising omission. As a newer firefighter in the area, Damon could have had a cameo, perhaps assisting Firehouse 51 or interacting with Chief Dom Pascal. His inclusion would have reinforced his reintegration into the team and added fresh energy to the crossover. Instead, his absence underscored the event’s imbalanced focus, favoring established characters over those with untapped potential. A brief but impactful role for Damon could have set up future arcs for Chicago Fire.
