A brand-new update for Chicago Fire season 12, episode 12, hints at a major divorce for a Firehouse 51 couple. On the heels of a lengthy mid-season break, One Chicago is about to return this week with fresh episodes. For Chicago Fire, that means a dangerous mission for Kelly Severide and Stella Kidd. Beyond that, however, new official details tease that a Firehouse 51 couple is on the brink of separation.
Per the synopsis for Chicago Fire season 12, episode 12, “Under Pressure,” one of Chief Boden’s colleagues is having issues in his married life. As it turns out, Joe Cruz and his wife, Chloe, may be heading out for divorce. The episode details from NBC (via SpoilerTV), also reveal an unexpected partnership between Kelly Severide and Violet Mikami. Read the full brief below:
Severide and Violet risk clashing with Paramedic Chief Robinson after Lennox makes a dangerous decision on a call. Capp and Tony attempt to break a world record. Cruz and Chloe’s marriage problems come to a head.
How Cruz’s Potential Divorce Impacts His Role At Firehouse 51
Cruz And Chloe’s Split Can Have Massive Effect On Chicago Fire
Chief Boden has already lost Blake Gallo, Brett, and Gibson, which means that the house will be severely undermanned when it returns for Chicago Fire season 13.
This is the first time that the issues in Cruz and Chloe’s marriage are revealed. Considering how busy things have been at Firehouse 51, which included the wedding of Sylvie Brett and Matt Casey, not to mention the abrupt departure of Derrick Gibson, there hasn’t been time to check up on how the Cruzes are doing. Still, Chloe’s absence during Brett and Casey’s aquarium wedding should have been a warning about what has been going on in their married life. Chicago Fire season 12, episode 12 will lay out what exactly their issue is.
Depending on what their conflict is, the issue could be the final reason for Cruz to leave Firehouse 51. After Severide’s abrupt absence to prioritize OFI, Cruz stepped up and became the temporary leader of the Rescue Squad until the Chicago Fire season 11 finale. Unfortunately, despite all the work he put in to be a fitting acting lieutenant, he was ultimately demoted back to his old spot when Severide returned. Making things worse is Severide’s lack of appreciation for what Cruz did, hence why he has considered leaving.
If Cruz is really departing Firehouse 51, he would be the fourth cast member to exit Chicago Fire in season 12. Chief Boden has already lost Blake Gallo, Brett, and Gibson, which means that the house will be severely undermanned when it returns for Chicago Fire season 13. Since details are still scant about the issues plaguing Cruz’s marriage, it’s still possible that he and Chloe will be able to fix it by staying together. In any case, this isn’t the first time that a Firehouse 51 member has dealt with this kind of matter.
Cruz’s Marital Issues May Have An Effect On His And Severide’s Strained Relationship
Severide Is Still Cruz’s Rescue Squad Lieutenant
Regardless of the outcome of Cruz’s current experience, it’s safe to say that it’s only a matter of time before Firehouse 51 finds out about his issues. Chief Boden runs a tight-knit group, so it wouldn’t be unusual if his people reach out to Cruz once they find out about what’s going on at his home. It’s also worth noting that they were quite invested in his personal life, getting involved in his wedding and his adoption process for Javi. Out of everyone who may get involved, Severide’s reaction will be the most interesting.
Maybe, learning about Cruz’s personal woes will soften Severide up a bit towards his second in command.
As previously mentioned, things between Cruz and his lieutenant have been strained in Chicago Fire season 12. That said, while Severide did handle the situation badly and continues to ignore it, no one can deny that he is a great friend. He cares about his team and the whole Firehouse 51. Maybe, learning about Cruz’s personal woes will soften Severide up a bit towards his second in command. Severide himself is accustomed to marital issues, following his and Stella Kidd’s conflict about his obsession with OFI. He may be more empathetic to Cruz, leading to their reconciliation.
Cruz Leaving Would Be Chicago Fire Season 12’s Biggest Departure
Brett’s Exit Was Big, But Losing Cruz Could Be Bigger
Losing Brett was a major blow to Chicago Fire season 12. She had been on the show for a decade, which means that she was one of the most veteran members of Firehouse 51. Her leaving continues to cause problems for the team, as Violet has been struggling to find her next partner as the new PIC. That said, Cruz’s potential departure could be bigger than hers because he has been on the show longer. While not an original cast member, he was a recurring player throughout season 1 and was immediately promoted to a series regular the next year.
If Cruz ends up leaving One Chicago, he would be the longest-tenured character on the show to leave after Jesse Spencer’s Matt Casey exited Chicago Fire. What’s worse, he may not have any reason to visit Firehouse 51 like the former Truck 81 Lieutenant, because there won’t be any more lingering stories for him to be involved in. If Cruz does exit the first responder procedural, however, hopefully, he gets a better send-off than what other characters have received.
