Less than two months after the One Chicago crossover, “In the Trenches,” Chicago Med spoils fans with the reunion of an unexpected duo who first met during the three-part event, but puts a twist on their newfound relationship. As many will recall, “In the Trenches” brought the casts of all three One Chicago shows together for the first time since “Infection” in 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing safety protocols limited the amount of crossover between all three TV series, which is why it took so long for NBC to produce another three-hour special event in the franchise.
During the 2025 One Chicago special crossover, Chicago Fire‘s Stella Kidd and Chicago PD‘s Adam Ruzek got trapped underground in a subway tunnel when gas explosions rocked Chicago’s City Employee Benefits Department building. The teams from all three shows came together to rescue and treat victims, find the people responsible, and save their own. In the midst of the chaos, new duos emerged (aside from Kidd and Ruzek), including a pair who reunited in Chicago Med season 10, episode 15, “Down in a Hole.”
Chicago Med Season 10, Episode 15 Features An Unexpected Mouch Cameo
Christian Stolte Guest Stars In “Down In A Hole”
Ripley calls in reinforcements, and Mouch is a part of the rescue squad from Firehouse 128 who arrives at the scene in Chicago Med season 10, episode 15. Mouch reveals he has been taking extra lieutenant shifts at other fire stations to gain more experience, explaining why he’s riding with the 128. As a result, Ripley and Mouch team up to save the mother and daughter from the well.
The 2025 One Chicago Crossover Established Ripley & Mouch’s Relationship
Ripley Helped Save Trudy
Chicago Med season 10, episode 15 isn’t the first time Ripley and Mouch have crossed paths. After Trudy got shot during the 2025 One Chicago crossover, she was taken to Gaffney Chicago Medical Center, with Mouch, her husband, by her side. Ripley and Dr. Caitlin Lenox took care of Trudy, which is how the One Chicago franchise established Ripley and Mouch’s relationship. Unfortunately, the Chicago PD character’s condition was quite severe, resulting in some tension between the two men.
Chicago Med Season 10, Episode 15 Switches Up Mouch & Ripley’s Situation From The Crossover
Mouch Saves Ripley
Instead of Ripley helping Mouch (like he did during the One Chicago crossover event), the firefighter saves the doctor in Chicago Med season 10, episode 15. Ripley is chosen to go down the well to rescue the woman, whose leg needs to be amputated, and her daughter. However, when they get out, the walls of the structure collapse, trapping Ripley.
Firehouse 128 rushes to save Ripley, but he eventually loses consciousness due to lack of oxygen. While Mouch and the other firefighters are working hard on the ground to rescue the Chicago Med season 10 character, Ripley hallucinates his dead friend, Sully. He gives Ripley advice on how to navigate his recent struggles and move on from his death. Thankfully, Ripley can follow Sully’s guidance since he survives getting trapped in the well. Mouch saves Ripley at the end of Chicago Med season 10, episode 15, seemingly repaying the doctor for saving his wife’s life.
Going forward, Mouch and Ripley have undoubtedly formed a long-lasting bond. When two people go through two stressful, life-threatening situations together within a couple of months, they are bound to become friends, at the very least. Ahead of the premiere of Chicago Med season 10, episode 15, Luke Mitchell spoke with TVLine about his character’s relationship with Mouch and confirmed that their second interaction strengthens their connection. He explained:
“It’s kind of a great opportunity to build on the rapport that [Ripley and Mouch] came to by the end of the crossover. Their interactions were a little challenging, but for good reason, during that crossover, and by the end of it, I think there was a mutual respect and understanding. It’s nice for them to both kind of re-meet each other under different circumstances and team up for this rescue, and get to know each other a little bit better, and maybe get to know each other better than they had anticipated.”
Ripley & Mouch’s Reunion Proves One Chicago Needs Smaller Crossovers Among Its Cast
The Dynamic Possibilities In The One Chicago Universe Are Endless
NBC has demonstrated that the One Chicago universe can handle a big crossover event following the COVID-19 pandemic. So, it stands to reason that the three shows can incorporate more small crossovers, like the one in Chicago Med season 10, episode 15, “Down in a Hole.” One of the best parts of the franchise has always been the ability for all three casts to interact with one another. Over the years, Firehouse 51, the Intelligence Unit, and Gaffney Chicago Medical Center have come together numerous times to work together, and their team-ups are always exciting.
Hopefully, as the One Chicago universe continues, the writers and producers will take advantage of the characters at their disposal and start creating more compelling friendships, like Ripley and Mouch’s in Chicago Med season 10, episode 15.
