Chicago actor Joe Miñoso sheds light on the complexities and depth of his character Joe Cruz, in the current season of Chicago Fire.
Cruz is faced with the decision of whether to take the lieutenant’s test, a decision that will ultimately transform his professional and personal life. Also adding a layer of complexity, is the return of a dark chapter from Cruz’s early days at Firehouse 51.
These developments highlight Cruz’s growth as a character, moving him into a central figure with deeply emotional and action-packed storylines.
Revisiting the Past: Gang Ties Resurface
One of the major arcs this season focuses on Cruz’s connection to the Insane Kings gang, a storyline that originated in Season 1. Years ago, Cruz’s younger brother Leon became involved with the gang, led by Manuel “Flaco” Rodriguez. To free Leon, Cruz confronted Flaco, who demanded $10,000 and assaulted Leon to assert his power. During a subsequent fire, Cruz chose to leave Flaco behind, resulting in his death.
In Season 13, this dark chapter of Cruz’s life resurfaces. He begins receiving ominous threats, including a bullet and an urn containing Flaco’s ashes. These threats are orchestrated by Junior Polanco, Flaco’s cousin, who seeks revenge.
Miñoso explains, “He’s going to be put in a position that he’s gonna end up doing a lot of things that he’s going to regret.” Miñoso adds that Cruz’s emotional struggles will intensify: “If you know anything about Cruz, he takes regret very hard. It’s very hard for him to kind of deal with emotional demons.”
Cruz’s Injury and the Aftermath
In Episode 9, titled A Favor, Cruz’s past catches up to him in a dramatic confrontation. Junior coerces Cruz into helping with a heist to recover hidden money, threatening his family to ensure compliance. The situation escalates when Junior’s former associates ambush them, leading to a shootout. Cruz is shot in the arm but manages to escape.
The episode ends with Cruz bleeding and visibly shaken, sitting in his car and contemplating the consequences of his actions.
Joe Miñoso described this moment as pivotal for the character: “Cruz is completely reeling… He’s going to have to figure out how to reconcile this with his family and his brothers and sisters at Firehouse 51.”
Balancing Family and Career
As if the gang-related challenges weren’t enough, Cruz also grapples with significant career decisions this season. With a growing family, including his wife Chloe and their adopted son Javi, Cruz considers taking the lieutenant’s exam to secure a better future for his children.
“Money is always a thing he’s thinking about,” Miñoso notes, “but I think, right now, there was some great stuff between Severide and Cruz early on in the season that I think brought them closer together. Especially as a father who has to take care of two kids who will hopefully end up going to college one day,” Miñoso continued, “He loves his family, he loves to be around his family, and 51 is, without a doubt, his family.”
Interactions with his Firehouse 51 family
Miñoso recently opened up about Cruz’s dilemma, revealing that the idea of taking the lieutenant’s test has been on Cruz’s mind for a while. With a growing family to support, the financial benefits of a promotion are tempting. However, it’s not just about dollars and cents for Cruz. A promotion would likely mean leaving Firehouse 51, the place he’s called home for years.
This deep-rooted connection is part of what makes the decision so tough. The evolving relationship between Cruz and Severide have shown the two getting closer, with Severide stepping into a mentor-like role for Cruz.
Their relationship embodies the brotherhood that defines Firehouse 51. “Severide and Cruz had some great moments early on this season,” Miñoso noted. “It’s made their bond stronger, and that connection is something Cruz values deeply.”
Miñoso called Cruz’s decision to keep his past from Severide “the worst idea he could have had,” hinting at how this might test their bond moving forward.
Severide, known for his investigative instincts, begins to suspect that Cruz is hiding something. Miñoso touched on this dynamic, stating, “Severide is basically an investigator who cannot stop investigating at his own peril.” This adds another layer of tension to Cruz’s life as he tries to navigate his past while maintaining trust among his colleagues.
A Multifaceted Journey
Season 13 has provided an opportunity for Joe Miñoso to explore new depths in Cruz’s character. The actor expressed his appreciation for revisiting Cruz’s earlier storylines: “Such an incredible move on behalf of the writers and such a brave choice to revisit something from 13 years ago.” He added, “This has been probably Cruz’s most controversial storyline.”
From confronting old demons to navigating new professional and personal challenges, Cruz’s journey in Season 13 of Chicago Fire is both harrowing and inspiring. These developments showcase his resilience and highlight the enduring impact of past choices on present circumstances. Fans can expect even more dramatic twists as the season unfolds, solidifying Cruz’s integral role in the Chicago Fire ensemble.
ALSO READ:
